It has long been established that learning a second language is beneficial. So beneficial, in fact, that many schools are incorporating bilingual education. This is because multiple studies suggest that bilingual education has cognitive, social, and health benefits. However, learning multiple languages does not simply benefit students in the classroom. As you will see, studying a second (or third) language is an investment in your future, no matter your age.
Increases Creativity
While the two are not often paired, language learning can also increase one’s creativity. Learning how to string new words together to communicate effectively requires you to use your brain in an analogous way as when you form creative thoughts. For instance, language learning requires discovering new ways of expressing ideas and feelings.
One studyfound that bilinguals were more creative than monolinguals according to the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), which assesses fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Plus, language learning is fun. When you have fun while learning, it is natural to be more creative.
Improves Your Analytical Skills
Along these same lines, mastering a new language will also improve your analytical skills. Those who speak more than one language have the ability to process information in a more logical fashion. For instance, rather than making decisions based on emotion, those who had to consider decisions in a foreign language made wiser decisions based on analytical reasoning. This may also explain why bilingual students tend to score better than their peers on academic tests.
Strengthens Your Brain Muscles
When you work to learn another language, you are essentially exercising your brain muscles. For example, it is proven to improve one’s cognitive skills. Working hard to learn a new language will strengthen your ability to focus, memorize, and comprehend material.
As Dan Roitmanexplains, “Learning a second language can beef up your brain’s executive control center — the hub that helps manage your cognitive processes. A second language offers a strong exercise regimen for the executive control center, ultimately making it more efficient.”
Additionally, senior citizensare encouraged to learn another language because studies have shown multilingualism directly correlates to a decrease in dementia. This is because of the way language learning works as a type of brain fitness.
Develops Your Native Vocabulary
In addition to learning a new foreign vocabulary, you will develop your native vocabulary. For instance, if you speak English and are studying French, your English skills will improve as you work to learn the rules of the French language. This applies to all languages. For instance, students attending language schools in DC are surrounded by native English speakers as well as those attempting to master a foreign language. In this setting, it is common for the student to develop both languages while studying.
Brings School Success
As we mentioned earlier, bilingual education has many benefits. Primarily, students who are bilingual or who study multiple languages, perform better in school than their peers. This even applies to standardized academic exams that students take for college entrance. In addition to these student’s large vocabulary skills, these same students have better literacy skills.
However, this does not stop at the high school level. Students serious about language learning should take foreign language classes at a dedicated language school in DC, such as inlingua. These schools are focused on language learning rather than making it secondary to their education. Students who take these types of English courses in Washington DC until they are fluent will have a return on their investment when it comes to academic success and employment opportunities.
Creates Job Security
In addition to academic success, learning multiple languages creates job security. As the workplace becomes global, it is imperative that employees do what it takes to hold on to their jobs. Those individuals who can speak other languages are already well ahead of their competitors in the workplace. Not only does being bilingual create job security, it potentially could lead to career advancementand raises.
Plus, there are certain desirable career fields that depend on those who are multilingual, such as interpreters or translators. In fact, there are even required foreign language tests for individuals who are seeking career advancement opportunities in government fields. For example, the Washington language institute, inlingua, offers private tutoring for those taking the Foreign Service Officer Language Test.
Simplifies Foreign Communication
Whether you are traveling abroad or doing business with someone abroad over the phone, the ability to communicate is essential. When you learn to speak another language, communication becomes easier. As you travel, you will be able to find out information yourself rather than rely on translators. This will help you make wise decisions and lead you to places where you may not have gone before.
Fosters Cultural Awareness
Studieshave shown that learning another language fosters culture awareness and acceptance. Students who study another language are more understanding of other cultures. When you learn another language, you are not merely learning unfamiliar words. You learn about the people, the customs, traditions, and values where the language is spoken. It involves stepping out of your comfort zone and learning about the vastness of the world around you.
Students who attend language schools in Washington DC have the unique opportunity to study in a global city surrounded by diversity. For example, students at inlingua learn through immersion; therefore, they are immersed in the culturewhile taking an English class in DC. They do not just learn English – they also learn American culture.
Develops Global Relationships
Finally, one of the most important reasons to learn multiple languages is to develop global relationships. Rather than living in a bubble where everyone lives in the same place and speaks the same language, those who are multilingual can form relationships with people across the globe. Language barriers are broken, and friendships are made. Plus, global relationships are imperative for global awareness and global thinking. When you learn another language, your worldview changes for the better.
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