What are the benefits of learning a second language?
Speaking a second language opens the door to many personal and professional opportunities, which is why people who speak more than one language receive more and better job offers. It is also a fantastic opportunity to interact, learn and discover other cultures.
The globalization of education, markets, and the world, in general, requires people to prepare themselves much more than just a few decades ago. Thus, mastering a language other than your mother tongue has become essential to professional development and standing out.
In addition to providing benefits in the workplace, evidence shows that bilingual people have superior skills to those who only communicate in one language. A native English speaker may think learning a second language is pointless. But beyond acquiring communication skills, it’s the ideal gym for the brain. And we could not go without mentioning that other languages have also started to become relevant on the global stage.
What are the benefits of learning a second language?
No matter at what age you learn a language, whether as a child or as an adult, bilingualism enhances people’s cognitive development because it improves the brain’s flexibility, memory, and ability.
The main benefits of learning a new language are:
- Better decision-making. A brain that knows how to move quickly between two languages can analyze several situations simultaneously. So, extrapolating this skill to other areas results in a person being able to process more variables when trying to come up with a decision.
- Increased memory. Knowing two or more languages requires a lot of dedication, attention to detail, and, most importantly, an active and efficient memory that can retain a large amount of information.
- Reduces the risk of suffering from mental illness. Doctors have found that bilingual people strengthen their brains. And the direct effect is that it reduces the possibility of suffering mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. And even in cases where there is a genetic predisposition, it can soften its effects.
- Professional growth. One of the most sought-after requirements at international corporations is proficiency in a second language. Bilingual professionals enjoy rewards such as better positions and higher salaries.
Are you already convinced of the importance of learning a second language? Considering all the languages you can learn; would you like to give Italian a shot? Click here to read more about why you should learn Italian.
