Not more than half a century ago bilingualism or multilingualism was something to be frowned upon. Scientist believed speaking more than one language gave people a hard time distinguishing & switching between them and even slowed down brain development in children.
Modern studies have contradicted this on many levels taking a closer look at changes brain undergoes when learning a new language.
Learning a second language changes everything from brain’s size to its cognitive functions. With every new language the density of grey matter in the brain and with it the amount of neurons grow making the brain better “wired”. Multilingual brain displays activates in parts that aren’t active in a monolingual brain. This “extra” workout not only help to translate thoughts into words of choice but also boosts executive control skills & improves memory resulting in better academic performance. Multilinguals are also known to be the best multi taskers because of their ability to be present and aware in both languages at the same time.
Multilingualism is also said to help the aging brain. This is no surprise since we know that the best way to protect yourself from age related cognitive diseases is to exercise your brain. Studies have shown that in cases of bi- or multilinguals symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia appear about 4.3 years later than in people who speak only one language.
Being proficient in more than one language has social advantages too. It exposes speaker to new and different cultures making them more open minded and accepting. It gives you the opportunity to communicate with people you wouldn’t have been able too. Knowing additional language is also a great asset for a successful career since only about 54% of world population speak a second language, the number in the US being even lower – 17%.
Learning a new language is something that follows “the earlier the better” rule.
Babies are the best linguists out there and there is a reason for it. When learning a new language, adults use their left hemisphere responsible for analytical and logical processes. But because young brains are so flexible when learning a language kids use both their hemispheres evenly in the process. Since in children’s case the left hemisphere that runs emotional and social processes is also active the result is not only quicker learning ability but also a better understanding of language’s emotional and social contexts.
To sum it up, speaking more than one language has some great valued benefits but sometimes it’s just nice to relax and read a book or watch a movie in original language or to communicate & experience the country you are visiting to it’s fullest. It’s almost like you are experiencing a richer life as a multilingual..