ECTACO Info | Why learn a foreign language? Benefits of bilingualism
We continue publishing various articles related to the problems of bilingualism. In our view the article Anne Merritt is most clearly reveals the positive aspects of this process...
By Anne Merritt
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.
Below are seven cognitive advantages to learning a foreign language.
Many of these attributes are only apparent in people who speak multiple
languages regularly – if you haven’t spoken a foreign tongue since your A levels, your brain might not be reaping
these bilingual benefits. However, people who begin language study in their
adult lives can still achieve the same levels of fluency as a young learner, and
still reap the same mental benefits, too.
You become smarter
Speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by
challenging it to recognise, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different
language systems. This skill boosts your ability to negotiate meaning in other
problem-solving tasks as well.
Students who study foreign languages tend to score better on
standardised tests than their monolingual peers, particularly in the
categories of maths, reading, and vocabulary.
You build multitasking skills
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 multitaskers, 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.
You stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia
Several studies have been conducted on
this topic, and the results are consistent. For monolingual adults, the mean age
for the first signs of dementia is 71.4. For adults who speak two or more
languages, the mean age for those first signs is 75.5. Studies considered
factors such as education level, income level, gender, and physical health, but
the results were consistent.
Your memory improves
Educators often liken the brain to a muscle, because it functions better with
exercise. Learning a language involves memorising 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.
You become more perceptive
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. Is it any surprise that Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot are
skilled polyglots?
Your decision-making skills improve
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.
You improve your English
Learning a foreign language draws your focus to the mechanics
of language: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. This makes you
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.
Anne Merritt is an EFL lecturer currently based in South Korea. She writes
at http://annemerritt.com/
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