We're all deeply connected to languages no matter what-mainly because we couldn't live without them. They're even essential to survival when you think about it. I mean, the human civilisation has only come this far because of communication and both the togetherness and diversity that a range of languages has brought us. So, it seems pretty obvious now that learning more of them is highly beneficial, doesn't it? Not only is it an useful life skill, but both your intellectual and social minds can reap the rewards of adding an extra language to your arsenal of knowledge. Really, at the end of the day there is no downside to learning another language!
People who learn another language get around with far more ease than their monolingual counterparts in both daily life and in the long term. You don't even have to be fluent in another language for it to help you greatly. For one thing, travelling becomes effortless if the locals in another country speak the same language as you (you'll have no trouble getting around more than 29 countries if you speak French!). Not only can you converse better with people that can give you vital information, but being able to read important signs and whatnot can save you from a lot of future pain. And it's also good news if you're looking for a job-many jobs are available to bilingual speakers thanks to added efficiency if travelling is required, or their typical consumer speaks that language. You can even get jobs just for speaking another language if you're fluent enough, such as a translator or tutor! Not only this, but if you have a friend or family member who is more fluent in another language, learning that language results in more interesting conversations and being able to understand each other better. You'll gain a better understanding of the world around you, and the people that live in it.
However, languages can also increase efficiency in more discreet ways. Your brain subconsciously improves when you build on your lingo, and there's even scientific evidence to prove this if you haven't already been convinced. The New York Times says a number of studies suggests that bilingual experience improves 'executive function', the system that directs planning, problem-solving and other thinking processes that involve challenging thinking. A study from Penn State University says multilingual people, or people who often switch from one language to another, are more experienced at being able to perform similar tasks where you switch between two different ways of thinking. Georgetown University Medical Center also thinks being able to converse in another language is good for your noggin when it comes to looks-bilingual speakers they studied had more grey matter in areas of the brain responsible for short-term memory, attention and self-awareness. All these skills, no matter how small their improvements or whether you think you may not need them, add up and before you know it they'll be helping you get by in no time. And to think that all you need to do is be at least bilingual!
Learning another language may be useful for your future job, or your learning, but there's always a deeper meaning to it. Since everyone on Earth is constantly surrounded by different languages and everyone's lives are shaped by the languages they speak, it makes sense that being able to speak another language can mean a lot to others who can understand you. More stories and experiences can be shared between people and spread around. You yourself can read more life-changing literature in another language, or share your own experiences with others. Connections thrive on communication, which is synonymous with language. Being able to speak more languages means being able to reach out to more people everywhere, and with the added help of the internet you can build connections with complete strangers from the other side of the world with absolute confidence. A lot of people are often really touched when a language they speak gets some representation, or when they can speak to others in a different language and be able to share their culture. And perhaps that's the more unseen, yet most beautiful part of learning another language.
Studying another languages, as you have seen, is incredibly useful and you could even proudly say that there are no disadvantages. I've been able to share that life becomes easier when you train your language-speaking brain, and that your thinking skills and even your emotional bond to others improve along with that. It's just that effortless, and even good news for those who already grew up bilingual. So perhaps you should jump on that website, or pick up that textbook, and see where it'll take you-you never know what's in store when you learn another language!
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