Today, among all 7139 languages, English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and French are the most spoken languages. So being multilingual in today’s globalized world is an excellent idea. It can give you a lot of opportunities in every stage of life. So, let us discuss in detail why we should opt to be multilingual.
Memory and Brain Functions are Improved
Scientists have proved that people speaking more than one language have a better memory and brain functioning. They can concentrate, focus, and avoid distractions better than people speaking only one language. Moreover, they can also solve certain puzzles which others cannot. According to scientists, multilingual people can train their minds to direct their concentration on what they want.
Communication
Being multilingual, it is evident that you can communicate with many people speaking different languages effortlessly. You get ideas from various people you had never thought of pursuing before, thus giving you an edge over other employees. Moreover, multilingual people are often promoted to higher positions because they can negotiate in multiple languages.
Besides, employees are often asked to travel for work. Due to increased globalization, companies primarily trade internationally and establish relationships with other countries. So, naturally, people speaking multiple languages are preferred over others.
Academic Performances are Improved
As discussed earlier, multilingual people have improved memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They also develop better listening skills. Furthermore, knowing various languages leads to students achieving higher marks in regular exams than monolingual students. It also opens up a new world of opportunities for multilingual students.
Connect!
We human beings are blessed to be able to connect to people. But to connect and communicate with people, we must know their language. People speaking multiple languages can do so easily both in their personal and professional lives.
Suppose you are an Indian and you travel to Spain. But unfortunately, you cannot speak Spanish. So, to communicate over there, you will need a translator. But if you could speak Spanish fluently, then you would have been like a local there. Therefore, being able to speak multiple languages has many advantages but no disadvantages.
Travel the World
You can travel the world whether you are multilingual or monolingual. But traveling as a multilingual and speaking the local language will make you feel like a local. But traveling as a monolingual, you will be treated as a tourist. Besides, if you know their language, you can also navigate around the place very effortlessly.
Boosts your Confidence
Learning new languages boosts one’s confidence drastically. You will not be able to speak a language fluently when you are at the beginning of your learning stage. You will get stuck, often in front of your friends, family, or colleague. It would be best if you put yourself outside your comfort zone while learning a new language. It is mandatory. Despite all these hardships, it is a fantastic feeling to successfully speak a foreign language with foreign people.
Connect with Other Cultures
Communication is the key to connect to other cultures, and language is the key to communication. Speaking the same language helps to establish a stronger bond between the people. Therefore, it leads to a better understanding, tolerance, and empathy towards each other’s cultures. According to scientists, children speaking multiple languages express a positive attitude towards the respective languages’ cultures. Moreover, learning about a new culture helps us to enlighten our own culture- both positives and negatives.
The Verdict
Being multilingual has loads of advantages and barely any disadvantages. Apart from brain development, memory functioning, and improved communication (both in personal and professional life), it also helps us connect to the world. Moreover, it boosts our confidence and helps us connect deeply with other cultures.
It is advisable to start learning new languages from a young age. But yet, “It is never too late to learn.”