Ever thought of using Google Translate to translate that last Spanish writing assignment instead of actually writing it in Spanish yourself? It’s probably easier, but will that choice allow you to truly live a longer and more satisfying life? Probably not. Let me explain.
Bilingualism, “fluency in or the use of two languages,” as defined by the Oxford Languages Dictionary, and multilingualism, “the ability to use more than one language in daily life,” are extremely common across the globe. With 43% of the population being bilingual, it is crucial to understand the many benefits and the growing importance of bilingualism- especially in a world of increasing technological dependence.
In our progressively interconnected society, the ability to speak multiple languages has become more than a skill merely reserved for communication but also a cognitive asset, social skills booster, and cultural connection. Through enhancing brain function and greater cultural understanding, bilingualism continues to play a pivotal role in shaping societies and individual identities, including our own!
Through my own language experiences, I have had many interesting observations ever since I began learning French at the age of three. First off, I have always had a strong memory since I was a child. As research from the U.S. Department of Education suggests, “bilingual people have an easier time focusing, remembering, and making decisions.” This is, of course, true for most bilingual individuals, but not all. It has been proven that the constant mental juggling between languages strengthens the brain’s ability to execute these functions and acts as a form of ‘mental exercise.’ Additional cognitive assets that are proven to come from bilingualism include the ability to better understand mathematical concepts and problems, develop stronger thinking skills, use logic, think about language, and learn other languages more easily. This is because bilingualism prompts children to develop more flexible approaches to thinking through problems.
Similarly, the ability to think about language and learn other languages is elevated as well. If you are someone who speaks multiple different languages, you may have noticed that you have an easier time learning new languages- especially if the new language you are attempting to learn is from a corresponding language family. This can also lead to increased academic performance and success.
From my perspective, once I began learning Spanish in 7th grade, I noticed I had a very easy time remembering words and phrases just by using my knowledge of French. It was incredible to hear a word in Spanish that I’d never even heard before and already know the meaning just because there was a similar word in French.
In addition to aiding cognitive skills, bilingualism also leads to healthier individuals. For example, according to the École Bilingue de Berkeley, bilingualism helps delay dementia and Alzheimer’s in older individuals, even reducing stress and leading to faster stroke recovery.
Aside from cognitive aid, bilingualism also promotes the strengthening of familial bonds and friendships through communication. The process of learning a new language actually fosters greater empathy towards others and elevated compassion and communication skills. This is because when individuals switch between languages, they are required to adjust depending on context and perspective.
Comparably, something I’ve learned from learning a language for eight years in an environment where students of various ethnic backgrounds learn a foreign language together is that the experience of learning a new language enforces a sense of community among individuals. Everyone is put on the same level, and no one is better than anyone else. While strengthening the community, this also teaches children equality and mutual respect toward one another, especially when children are introduced to bilingualism at young ages.
Interestingly, closer bonds can also be built between family members as the ability to speak multiple languages presents the ability for an individual to pass on the language to their children. Not only does this bring family members closer together, but it also builds the identities of those learning the language and allows them to “reap the benefits of being bilingual”, as stated by the École Bilingue de Berkeley.
In terms of forming authentic and unique identities, once fluent in multiple languages, individuals become part of multiple linguistic communities that shape their character. After engraining language in their heads for so long, people can’t help but begin to embrace the culture and cultural norms they’ve absorbed through learned languages. When this occurs, individuals are more likely to visit foreign places and can better connect with others across the globe by breaking language barriers. Again, this bridging of communication barriers allows universal relationships and connections to be formed, reducing bias and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Equally important, I’ve found that one of the most applicable uses for language in our modern world can be to help preserve language itself. With 2,449 languages deemed ‘endangered’ by UNESCO and more heading toward that direction, it is crucial people across the globe work together as one to preserve these minority languages and the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage that comes with them. In this case, I truly believe multilingualism serves as a superpower. Those who are bilingual possess the ability to ‘save’ these languages from becoming entirely lost in multiple ways.
To begin with, individuals who are fluent in an endangered language and speak another language, such as English, can teach others the language, whether that is through language immersion programs, classes, or in school. By teaching native languages to younger generations and others with the desire to learn them, a cycle of learning begins, and these languages will slowly return.
As this happens, more and more individuals will become bilingual—they will know a dominant language, such as English, and an endangered one. When more and more individuals are bilingual and fluent in an endangered language, more initiatives can take place, preserving essential traditions, stories, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Other ways endangered languages can be preserved include through documentation in written, audio, and video formats. If bilingual individuals can manage to document translations of endangered languages into dominant languages, this would significantly help preservation efforts now and in the coming years.
To conclude, bilingualism is far more than just a practical tool for communication; it is rather an investment that leads to many benefits and advantages that manifest in your life. Individuals who learn and become fluent in multiple languages are better able to boost cognitive skills, connect with others, and cultivate natural, cultural appreciation—skills that neither Google Translate nor AI will ever be able to help enhance.
Works Cited:
https://www.newsdle.com/blog/world-population-bilingual-percentage
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