5 Reasons Why being Bilingual is Amazing
- Aug 7, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 9, 2020
Should I teach my child a second language?
Why not? Bilingualism is jam-packed with benefits, here are some reasons why you should consider teaching your child a second language. Just remember not to force things and make sure your child is comfortable in it.
Younger children are fantastic learners in acquiring a new language when immersed in a language-rich environment compared to adults.
Disclaimer! This post is not to say that you should force your child to learn a second language, but that, it is not a burden nor a disadvantage to learn another language. If your child is learning an extra language, fantastic, cherish it!
And here are 10 reasons why:
1. Executive functions
It is shown that bilingualism results in better cognition than monolinguals. Knowing an extra language is great for cognition: flexible thinking, problem-solving, maintaining attention, multitasking, collecting information, decision making and more! In fact, as you may have guessed, these are all skills required as a competent bilingual such as switching from one language from another flexibly.
2. Language benefits
According to research, bilinguals learn more words than their peers even in their native language. Also, the use of both first or second languages results in a positive effect in languages: vocabulary and expressive skills (ability to express verbally such as retelling events).
3. Greater Career Opportunities
Bilingualism creates double career opportunities as foreign clients and business partners can be reached. Bilinguals will have an advantage in the work market when compared to monolinguals. It will also be a bonus point considering Australia is a widely diverse country with Australians coming from 200 countries.
4. Wider social network
The bigger social network comes along with the ability to converse flexibly in multiple languages. You get to meet new friends easily when traveling to a new country. In fact, this favours even more career opportunities as well such as international companies that prefer bilinguals.
5. Anti-aging powers
Having trained your brain, this means that you are more protected from neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Compared to monolinguals, the onset of Dementia is delayed by 4-5 years among bilinguals.
Bonus:
Become culturally aware
To better learn another language, this means our child has to also learn about the culture and heritage behind. This can be a fantastic way to deliver the message of cultural importance. They learn about cultural diversity and more importantly cultural respect.
This following video uncovers the special powers in a bilingual brain. Enjoy!
Should your child be interested in learning a new language, let them be! Being bilingual can be one big, worthwhile, and life-changing experience.
After all, I am multilingual who have been exposed to 3 languages from the age of 2 of which I am absolutely grateful and proud.
Anything in mind? Tell me by dropping a message down below.
Have a great day and don't forget to smile!
Joyce Lau
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