Benefits of Being Bilingual
Most researchers agree that bilingual learners develop more skills in cognitive areas. This might explain why these students usually achieve better scores in verbal intelligence, conceptualization, global thinking and original approaches to problem solving.
Researchers from York University in Canada found that those who were fluent in two languages rather than just one were sharper mentally. (BBC News, June 15, 2004). British researchers found that “people who speak two languages have more grey matter in the language region of the brain. The earlier they learned the language, the larger the grey area (the brain’s information processing center).” (Reuters, October 13, 2004).
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says, “Research suggests there are advantages to being bilingual, such as . . . concept formation, divergent thinking and general reasoning and verbal abilities.”
Overall, learning a second language at an early age:
- Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.
- Enriches and enhances a child’s mental development, cognitive skills and critical thinking.
- Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
- Improves a child’s understanding of her native language.
- Gives a child the ability to communicate with people she would otherwise not have had the chance to know.
- Opens the door to other cultures and helps the child understand and appreciate people from other countries.
- Gives the child a head start in language requirements for college and life.
- Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
