10 Benefits of Being Bilingual

Being bilingual in today’s modern, globally linked world, is more than a valuable skill. Due to bilingualism people have the opportunity to communicate across cultures, access more opportunities, and navigate different environments with ease.

No matter if you’ve spoken two languages since childhood or are learning a new one right now, here are ten ways bilingualism can be a major advantage.

(Photo by Aedrian Salazar on Unsplash)

1. Improved cognitive abilities

Even from as early as seven months of age, bilingual people frequently show better attention and conflict resolution abilities. 

2. Better decision-making skills

Bilingual people tend to better at making decisions. Especially when they think in their second language. When bilinguals make decisions in their non-native language, they approach problems more rationally and with less emotional bias.

3. Delaying dementia

Research shows that speaking more than one language can delay dementia by up to 5 years. The sample consisted of 184 patients with dementia. Fifty-one percent of them were bilingual. The researchers found that those who speak multiple languages started exhibiting signs of dementia 4 years later than monolingual people.

4. Better multitasking skills

Bilingual people also tend to be better at switching between two tasks compared to monolingual individuals. 

5. More job opportunities

Being bilingual opens up more opportunities a bigger variety of employment alternatives. Studies show that many firms prefer to hire workers who are multilingual. Bilingual individuals can also earn more than their monolingual counterparts due to their language skills.

6. Improved memory

Bilingualism improves working memory, which makes it easier for bilinguals to retain and recall information.

7. Better academic performance

Children who speak two or more languages often develop stronger literacy skills, providing better foundation for reading and writing that prepares them to be biliterate.

8. Better cultural awareness

Bilingualism significantly enhances cultural awareness by giving people deeper understanding of diverse cultural norms, values, and perspectives. As a result, people who speak multiple languages tend to develop more empathy, adaptability, and a more nuanced worldview.

9. Enhanced brain structure

Studies have demonstrated that learning and using multiple languages can lead to increased grey matter density in regions responsible for language processing and executive functions.

10. Better social skills

Being able to speak more than one language allows individuals to easily communicate with people from diverse cultures. Research shows that bilingual people tend to score higher on a social flexibility scale. Also, they appear to have more social interactions.