The pros of learning a foreign language at an early age are widely recognised. Multilingual kids are more creative, better problem solvers and more analytical. It’s also more straightforward to pick up a new language earlier in life, as you won’t query grammar rules, you won’t have as strong an accent, and it will be fun, rather than a task. However, picking up a foreign language later in life can still have many economic and social benefits. This article will explain the benefits of learning a second language for jobs, travelling and intelligence.
The list of cognitive benefits of bilingualism is endless. The Baycrest Rotman Institute has discovered that linguists use a fewer number of brain resources to complete memory tasks. This assists in preserving brain health and protects against memory loss and cognitive decline. Consequently, people who can speak more than one language are much less likely to develop dementia. The cognitive benefits of learning a second language also influence people’s mother tongue proficiency. Learning another language helps you to improve speaking, listening and writing skills that are useful for both languages. Individuals who can speak multiple languages are also more analytical and have a greater attention span, which enhances both personal and professional lives.
The need for bilingual recruits has doubled over the past five years, which means there are more economic benefits of learning a second language than ever before. Bilingual individuals are sought after as they have abilities such as problem solving and creativity. Additionally, learning a language proves you’re able to commit to developing a different skill. Being bilingual also opens opportunities in a range of industries, such as tourism, hospitality, translation and the military. There are also lots of benefits of learning a foreign language for business development, as bilinguals can communicate with contacts all over the globe. Bilingual employees are also vital for customer service. Sibur, for example, is active in 80 countries, which means they need multilingual staff members to interact with international clients.
There are multiple benefits of learning a second language for travel. In order to learn another language, you will also need to study another culture, making you more empathetic and understanding of different nationalities. Language learners are also well-known to be better problem solvers, and therefore will be able to conquer travel issues, such as losing your passport or getting lost. Knowing the language of the country you’re visiting will also improve your safety. Although you could use translation apps, such as TripLingo, to communicate in a difficult situation, being multilingual speeds up interaction. There are also social benefits of learning a second language while on vacation, because you will be able to converse with the locals, who can provide restaurant and accommodation recommendations. You could also save money, because you will be able to negotiate at markets and won’t have to hire a tour guide.