Reasons to become bilingual

by Eva Boes

Learning a new language is fun. And it’s even more fun if you have a good incentive. I hope reading about five reasons why you should become bilingual will help you to be motivated to learn a new language.

 

First of all: 

Your mother tongue

You may think: I want to learn a new language! What does this have to do with my mother tongue? Well, after learning a new language you may begin to have a new understanding of all languages, including your first language. You can compare words and concepts in each of your languages and discover more ways to say something. This ability to reflect on the use of language is called ‘metalinguistic awareness’ and it helps you to become a better language learner.

 

The next thing is:

Your brain

Having a bilingual brain effects more than just your ability to talk in another language. Studies show that bilinguals have a better ability to multitask than monolinguals. And that active use of two or more languages helps your brain to age in a healthy way, even staving off Alzheimer’s and dementia by four or five years.

 

A ”better” brain leads to:

Your job

With a bilingual brain you increase your possibilities of getting a good job with a higher salary than monolinguals. These days it’s important that companies from all over the world can communicate with each other. Because of this many companies are looking for bilingual employees.

 

If that’s not enough to convince you another reason could be:

Your thirst of adventure

Have you ever travelled to a country without knowing their language? Remember this feeling… and then imagine repeating the experience, but this time you are able to understand the language, the people and the culture. It’s a great experience and totally worth it to learn a new language.

 

And last but not least:

Another new language

If you decide to learn a new language after already having mastered one, it’s much easier to learn the next language. And it gets easier and easier with every language you learn.

 

I could tell  you so many reasons to become bilingual. These reasons are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re interested in more information about bilingual brains check out Anne-Marie’s Bilingual Brains. 

Enjoy yourself! Enjoy learning a new language!

 

Sources:
Newsroom.niu.edu