WHY A SECOND LANGUAGE?

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE ESPECIALLY AT AN EARLY AGE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EXAMPLES.

COGNITIVE BENEFITS

Physiological studies have found that speaking two or more languages is a great asset to the cognitive process. The brains of bilingual people operate differently than single language speakers, and these differences offer several mental benefits.

Speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of the brain by challenging it to recognize, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems. This skill boosts the ability to negotiate meaning in other problem-solving tasks as well.

Below are several cognitive advantages to learning a foreign language:

Higher Academic Achievement

Along the same lines of the cognitive benefits mentioned above, learning a foreign language can also provide academic benefits. Bilingual children have been shown to have better critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and greater mental flexibility. All these things result in better academic performance.

Bilingual students have been shown to have higher math skills and standardized test scores (including SAT). And, contrary to popular belief, not only does learning a foreign language not inhibit the child’s English language proficiency, it enhances and improves it!

Improvement of own Language (Mother Tongue)

Learning a foreign language draws our focus to the mechanics of communication: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. This makes us more aware of language, and the ways it can be structured and manipulated. These skills can make you a more effective communicator and a sharper editor and writer. Language speakers also develop a better ear for listening, since they’re skilled at distinguishing meaning from discreet sounds.

Better multi-tasking abilities

Multilingual people, especially children, are skilled at switching between two systems of speech, writing, and structure. According to a study from the Pennsylvania State University, this “juggling” skill makes them good at multi-tasking, because they can easily switch between different structures. In one study, participants used a driving simulator while doing separate, distracting tasks at the same time. The research found that people who spoke more than one language made fewer errors in their driving.

Enhanced memory

Educators often liken the brain to a muscle, because it functions better with exercise. Learning a language involves memorizing rules and vocabulary, which helps strengthen that mental “muscle.” This exercise improves overall memory, which means that multiple language speakers are better at remembering lists or sequences. Studies show that bilinguals are better at retaining shopping lists, names, and directions.

Improved perception skills

A study from Spain’s University of Pompeu Fabra revealed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. They are more adept at focusing on relevant information and editing out the irrelevant. They’re also better at spotting misleading information.

Better decision making skills

According to a study from the University of Chicago, bilinguals tend to make more rational decisions. Any language contains nuance and subtle implications in its vocabulary, and these biases can subconsciously influence your judgment. Bilinguals are more confident with their choices after thinking it over in the second language and seeing whether their initial conclusions still stand up.

Better flexibility of mind

Bilinguals are more flexible in their thinking. They have a sense of the fluidity of language, how uncertain and imprecise it is. This gives them incredible advantages in creative thought and problem solving. For many people language simply ‘is’ – they are born into it, speak it with the same reflexive skill with which they walk or eat, and never think about its complexities or origins or possibilities.

Bilinguals, however, have to think about these things. This gives them insight into not only the mysteries of language – how it is formed and used – but into every aspect of their lives. Because when a person starts thinking about how the words he or she speaks are formed, where they come from, and how their meanings have shifted over the years, that person is really entering into the sphere of abstract thought.

More creativity

Often, learning to communicate in a new language is as much an art as it is a science. When we don’t know the right word or phrase we often have to come up with creative ways to express what we want to say using alternative methods.

This type of “outside the box” thinking is great for stretching our creative brain muscles. In fact, several studies indicate that individuals who learn a second language are more creative than those who do not (Bamford & Mizokawa, 1991).

And one of the areas where creativity shines is in figuring out the ways to solve problems. It just so happens, that is the next skill that learning a second language will help your kids develop.

Better problem solving skills

In the words of Brendan Richard "Benny" Lewis, an Irish author, polyglot, and blogger who defines himself as a "technomad" language hacker, there are few situations more anxiety-inducing than trying to express something urgent in a new language when we don't have the vocabulary to say what we need to say. He says that the creative thinking skills work well when working to solve problems. In his own words: "I’ve found that learning a language is essentially an exercise in problem solving and coming up with solutions. I talk a lot about developing creative and unique hacks when studying languages, but isn’t hack just another way of saying solution?" I couldn't agree more.

According to several studies from Universities such as Stanford and Cambridge , language learners show greater cognitive flexibility, better problem solving and higher order thinking skills. So, the more you practice solving language problems, the more you’ll excel at solving other problems in your life.

Plus, as a bonus, you learn ways that other cultures and people solve their problems which gives you a whole new perspective!

Cultural Enrichment

Learning a foreign language opens doors that would not otherwise be opened. Bilingual (or trilingual) individuals have access to resources, people, places, and things that the rest of us do not. Not only can a foreign language provide a competitive edge in the workforce, but it creates a deeper understanding of and appreciation for humanity and culture, which enriches one’s life and personal experiences in the world.