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THE ADVANTAGES OF SPEAKING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
We’ve all heard the saying about the more languages you know, the more doors will be opened to you. While this is true, the benefits of speaking multiple languages extend much further than that of just being able to communicate with multiple people from different countries and cultures.
First, the ability to speak multiple languages can improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that those who are bilingual or have proficiency in more than one language to perform better on cognitive tests than those who only speak one language. Such cognitive improvements can be seen in areas such as reading and mathematics. Furthermore, younger children benefitting early on from bilingual education have much higher scores on tests related to language, attention, and even problem-solving.
On top of the cognitive gains we can experience, language diversity can lead to better decision-making and problem solving abilities. Those who are multilingual have the ability to switch between languages in order to stimulate their mental capabilities. This enables them to look at problems and solutions from more than one perspective, which can lead to better decisions.
Speakers of multiple languages also tend to be more adept with speech and writing ability, whether in one of their languages or another. In order to improve upon their speaking and writing skills, multilingual speakers are forced to use different words and construct phrases differently in each language. This allows them to be more precise with the messages they wish to convey and express different points of view depending on the language being used.
Lastly, speaking multiple languages can also bring about multiple cultural experiences. In our modern-day globalized world, different countries and cultures are becoming more interconnected, and as a result, speaking multiple languages can expose one to many different cultures. Those who are open to this knowledge and experience will gain opportunities to experience new customs, values, and traditions. This can create a broader outlook on life, leading to new ideas and thought processes.
In conclusion, the advantages of speaking multiple languages are undeniable. Not only to we gain the obvious benefit of being able to communicate with more people in different countries and cultures, but there are also cognitive, problem-solving, and cultural benefits to being multilingual. All in all, learning different languages can enrich one’s life, leading to enhanced prospects in different areas.
