Effects on the brain
Academic advantage
Economic advantages
24 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024
The many benefits of bilingualism
Bilingualism is more common than ever before . According to Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley ( EB ), today more of the world ’ s population is bilingual or multilingual than monolingual . Anyone can benefit from speaking multiple languages , and people of all ages , and children in particular , may find that learning more than one language is a particularly useful skill .
Effects on the brain
There are cognitive and neurological benefits to bilingualism , according to a 2012 study published in the journal Cerebrum . The brain of someone who is bilingual or multilingual more efficiently processes information and , as one ages , it may be possible to more effectively stave off cognitive decline . The same study indicates that bilingualism has been associated with better memory , visual-spatial skills and even creativity .
Academic advantage
Studies have shown that children who are bilingual can outperform children who only speak one language in a number of subject areas , indicates Unuhi , a bilingual literacy platform . This can further a child ’ s educational development , literacy and other skills that can have positive effects outside of the classroom .
Economic advantages
As bilingual children grow and become young adults , speaking a second language can pay dividends in the workforce . Ours is a global society , and knowing a second or third language can make a person a more attractive hire over another who only knows one language . More companies , especially those with international offices , consider bilingualism a high priority .
24 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024