Sin Fronteras Spring 2018 Sin Fronteras 2018 | Page 9

Bilingualism Is the Solution
Mónica Donayre
Language is a system of communication composed of words and sounds
organized in a logical way. There are numerous different languages around the
world: Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, Italian, German, Polish, Greek,
Turkish, Chinese, Arabic and Swahili are only a few examples. A website that
researches languages over the world, called Ethnologue, estimates there are
7097 languages spoken around the world today. This great variety of languages
creates a big menu, and allows for people to speak two or more languages.
However, 40% of the world’s population speaks only one language, according
to iLanguage, a website dedicated to teaching multiple languages.
100% of the world population should be bilingual, at least, as many
individual and collective benefits come with the learning of a second language.
Learning always helps develop new skills. Pennsylvania State University
research shows that learning a second language significantly improves the skill
of multitasking. With our world today being so fast paced, this is a skill that has
become increasingly valuable. Furthermore, learning another language can help
improve one’s own language. As one is learning a new language, one has to
concentrate on grammar and sentence structure. This knowledge also applies
to one’s native language.
Communication has one main purpose, and that is to create connections
between people or groups. Translation apps may seem as a great alternative
for learning another language. However, because communication is taking place
through a machine, it becomes unnatural and most connections that could have
been created are lost. Making friends through a translation app is not ideal, and
it would be much better if people could communicate in a common language
they both share.
Knowing more than one language lets people see situations from different
perspectives, mentions Mr. Jackson, the vice president of education for the Asia
Society. When one learns a new language one also learns about the culture
behind it. This acquired knowledge enables the interpretation of an event in a
new light. In consequence, society will become more accepting and
understanding, as we can see issues from other points of view. If an American,
whose native language is English, learns Spanish, he or she can also learn about
Spanish-speaking cultures and gain an understanding of why someone from
Central America or México might have the need to immigrate to the United
States, for example.
All monolinguals should learn a second language, as this will not only
bring them personal benefits, but will also have collective positive
consequences which can contribute to the solutions of many of the problems
our world faces today, such as ignorance.
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