Bilingualism: Personal Advantages and World Benefits
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English Language Professors
Oct 19, 2010, 11:50:26 AM10/19/10
to English Language Professors
Bilingualism: Personal Advantages and World Benefits
Oct 18, 2010 Michelle Nott
One way to say it is not enough - vizzzual.com
People from all over the world function daily in at least two
languages. Not only do they profit from this skill, the talent does a
world of good.
Much research and personal experiences confirm that learning, knowing
and functioning in more than one language is beneficial for brain
development and social interaction, not to mention for one's career.
In some countries, bilingualism, if not multilingualism, is the
cultural norm. For instance, the Kingdom of Belgium is about the size
of Ohio in the USA and yet it has three official languages – French,
Dutch and German. Consequently, the majority of the people in this
small country are raised naturally with a certain ear for languages.
In the very least, Belgians are well aware of linguistic and cultural
differences in close proximity. The capital city of Brussels, being
home of the European Union, presents even more language varieties
floating around in the streets. Regardless of specific geographical
locations or socioeconomic levels, Francois Grosjean states in his
paper, Individual Bilingualism, that half of the world's population
is, in fact, bilingual! If this many people are reaping the personal
and professional benefits of bilingualism, does not the rest of the
population feel “left out” or at least question just what they are
missing?
Where to Find Bilingualism
Whether or not living in such a multinational atmosphere as Brussels,
many families are within themselves bilingual throughout the world.
Nationalities intermarry more and more. Former colonies have been left
with the traditional and the colonial languages. More common these
days are, for example, one parent who speaks Spanish and the other
English. To speak of Belgium again, many families have a Flemish
parent and a French-speaking parent. Or, perhaps the family is French-
speaking. In this case, the children may attend a Flemish school.
Another example is South Africa. Its official languages are English,
Afrikaans, and 11 tribal languages! Children in these families might
speak English but learn in Afrikaans, or vice verse. At one point in
history, American cities were also ringing with numerous languages:
French, Spanish, Polish, Italian, etc. Then, they all melted into one
big pot. The main ingredient, English, came out as the dominant flavor
but other spices still made up the recipe. Is it not time to add a
little salt, some awareness, to bring them all out as strong as they
were when fresh?
Brain Activity in Bilinguals
On a day-to-day basis, the brain exercises non-stop whether monoglot
or polyglot. However, a young bilingual brain creates more
neurological connections, facilitating language acquisition and
complex thought. In the September 22, 2009 Flander's Today article
“Educating the Better Brain”, Katy Desmond writes that bilingual
children have been shown to simply need to work less at reasoning
tasks than monolingual children. The Society for Neuroscience explains
this development further in saying, “Scientists have discovered that
bilingual adults have denser gray matter (brain tissue packed with
information-processing nerve cells and fibers), especially in the
brain’s left hemisphere, where most language and communication skills
are controlled” (Brain Briefings, September 2008). Bilingual
individuals have also proven to possess a greater level of
concentration, being able to ignore non-relevant stimulus. Also stated
by the Society for Neuroscience, studies have found that bilingualism
“might also protect against the onset of dementia and other age-
related cognitive decline”. In all, the studies show that bilingual
children are, indeed, more apt in mathematics and abstract ideas in
addition to being more imaginative. All these talents result in better
problem solving skills. Considering the dilemmas which face the world
today, the more problem-solvers out there the better.
Ads by Google
Learn English Free Listening Practice on-line Try it now! Every level
available www.soundsenglish.com
Английский с гарантией Заговорит даже "необучаемый". Очно и заочно;
корпоративное обучение. Shestov.ru
Social Awareness Leading to Professional Advantages
The bilingual person, having most likely been raised bi-culturally as
well, is more at ease in foreign situations. Bilingual individuals
tend to be open to other cultures and capable of learning additional
foreign languages. More personal connections consequently make for
more fulfilled people. As such, more fulfilled people tend to be more
productive and successful. An appreciation and an adaptation for
differences is a great quality in a personal sense which can lead to
professional competitiveness.
Knowing at least a second language is considered a plus on any résumé.
Nevertheless, Olena Ielina, a Polish student educated in a bilingual
French school system, specifies that when looking for employment,
knowing two or three languages is no longer seen as a competitive
advantage, but rather as a minimum prerequisite (Le Fil du Bilingue, 4
March 2010).
For multinational companies, hiring employees, managers, and office
workers with experience in other languages and cultures is absolutely
essential. Not only for these companies, however. Note that even shops
in Belgium will only hire salespeople who speak all three national
languages plus English. Furthermore, never underestimate secretarial
skills either. A woman behind the reception desk in Belgium could
easily be able to speak five or more languages. Conclusively, language
is a minimal educational requirement in the global work force.
“If Most People Speak English, Then...”
Read on
Islam versus America, America versus Islam?
South Africa - the Rise of English and Decline of Other Languages
The Importance of Foreign Language Education
Anyone who has traveled outside the USA or Australia has usually found
that “most people” speak English or some sort of variant thereof. It
is all too easy for the anglophone to sit back and wonder why she
should “bother” learning other languages. As this article seeks to
demonstrate, speaking a second language has cognitive, social and
professional advantages. Having a healthier brain, being more social
and empathetic as well as possessing skills to function in a global
economy can only make a person a better citizen of the world.
Sources
Brain Connection. "The Cognitive Advantages of Balanced Bilingualism,"
June 2000.
Ecole Internationale de Boston. "Les Avantages du Bilinguisme,"
accessed 14 October 2010.
Le Fil du Bilingue. "Francais et Multilinguisme dans l'Enseignement,"
accessed 14 October 2010.
National Literacy Trust. "Research: The Cognitive Consequences of
Early Bilingualism," accessed 18 October 2010.
Read more at Suite101: Bilingualism: Personal Advantages and World
Benefits http://www.suite101.com/content/bilingualism-personal-advantages-and-world-benefits-a298141#ixzz12ovI5oYN
Oct 18, 2010 Michelle Nott
One way to say it is not enough - vizzzual.com
People from all over the world function daily in at least two
languages. Not only do they profit from this skill, the talent does a
world of good.
Much research and personal experiences confirm that learning, knowing
and functioning in more than one language is beneficial for brain
development and social interaction, not to mention for one's career.
In some countries, bilingualism, if not multilingualism, is the
cultural norm. For instance, the Kingdom of Belgium is about the size
of Ohio in the USA and yet it has three official languages – French,
Dutch and German. Consequently, the majority of the people in this
small country are raised naturally with a certain ear for languages.
In the very least, Belgians are well aware of linguistic and cultural
differences in close proximity. The capital city of Brussels, being
home of the European Union, presents even more language varieties
floating around in the streets. Regardless of specific geographical
locations or socioeconomic levels, Francois Grosjean states in his
paper, Individual Bilingualism, that half of the world's population
is, in fact, bilingual! If this many people are reaping the personal
and professional benefits of bilingualism, does not the rest of the
population feel “left out” or at least question just what they are
missing?
Where to Find Bilingualism
Whether or not living in such a multinational atmosphere as Brussels,
many families are within themselves bilingual throughout the world.
Nationalities intermarry more and more. Former colonies have been left
with the traditional and the colonial languages. More common these
days are, for example, one parent who speaks Spanish and the other
English. To speak of Belgium again, many families have a Flemish
parent and a French-speaking parent. Or, perhaps the family is French-
speaking. In this case, the children may attend a Flemish school.
Another example is South Africa. Its official languages are English,
Afrikaans, and 11 tribal languages! Children in these families might
speak English but learn in Afrikaans, or vice verse. At one point in
history, American cities were also ringing with numerous languages:
French, Spanish, Polish, Italian, etc. Then, they all melted into one
big pot. The main ingredient, English, came out as the dominant flavor
but other spices still made up the recipe. Is it not time to add a
little salt, some awareness, to bring them all out as strong as they
were when fresh?
Brain Activity in Bilinguals
On a day-to-day basis, the brain exercises non-stop whether monoglot
or polyglot. However, a young bilingual brain creates more
neurological connections, facilitating language acquisition and
complex thought. In the September 22, 2009 Flander's Today article
“Educating the Better Brain”, Katy Desmond writes that bilingual
children have been shown to simply need to work less at reasoning
tasks than monolingual children. The Society for Neuroscience explains
this development further in saying, “Scientists have discovered that
bilingual adults have denser gray matter (brain tissue packed with
information-processing nerve cells and fibers), especially in the
brain’s left hemisphere, where most language and communication skills
are controlled” (Brain Briefings, September 2008). Bilingual
individuals have also proven to possess a greater level of
concentration, being able to ignore non-relevant stimulus. Also stated
by the Society for Neuroscience, studies have found that bilingualism
“might also protect against the onset of dementia and other age-
related cognitive decline”. In all, the studies show that bilingual
children are, indeed, more apt in mathematics and abstract ideas in
addition to being more imaginative. All these talents result in better
problem solving skills. Considering the dilemmas which face the world
today, the more problem-solvers out there the better.
Ads by Google
Learn English Free Listening Practice on-line Try it now! Every level
available www.soundsenglish.com
Английский с гарантией Заговорит даже "необучаемый". Очно и заочно;
корпоративное обучение. Shestov.ru
Social Awareness Leading to Professional Advantages
The bilingual person, having most likely been raised bi-culturally as
well, is more at ease in foreign situations. Bilingual individuals
tend to be open to other cultures and capable of learning additional
foreign languages. More personal connections consequently make for
more fulfilled people. As such, more fulfilled people tend to be more
productive and successful. An appreciation and an adaptation for
differences is a great quality in a personal sense which can lead to
professional competitiveness.
Knowing at least a second language is considered a plus on any résumé.
Nevertheless, Olena Ielina, a Polish student educated in a bilingual
French school system, specifies that when looking for employment,
knowing two or three languages is no longer seen as a competitive
advantage, but rather as a minimum prerequisite (Le Fil du Bilingue, 4
March 2010).
For multinational companies, hiring employees, managers, and office
workers with experience in other languages and cultures is absolutely
essential. Not only for these companies, however. Note that even shops
in Belgium will only hire salespeople who speak all three national
languages plus English. Furthermore, never underestimate secretarial
skills either. A woman behind the reception desk in Belgium could
easily be able to speak five or more languages. Conclusively, language
is a minimal educational requirement in the global work force.
“If Most People Speak English, Then...”
Read on
Islam versus America, America versus Islam?
South Africa - the Rise of English and Decline of Other Languages
The Importance of Foreign Language Education
Anyone who has traveled outside the USA or Australia has usually found
that “most people” speak English or some sort of variant thereof. It
is all too easy for the anglophone to sit back and wonder why she
should “bother” learning other languages. As this article seeks to
demonstrate, speaking a second language has cognitive, social and
professional advantages. Having a healthier brain, being more social
and empathetic as well as possessing skills to function in a global
economy can only make a person a better citizen of the world.
Sources
Brain Connection. "The Cognitive Advantages of Balanced Bilingualism,"
June 2000.
Ecole Internationale de Boston. "Les Avantages du Bilinguisme,"
accessed 14 October 2010.
Le Fil du Bilingue. "Francais et Multilinguisme dans l'Enseignement,"
accessed 14 October 2010.
National Literacy Trust. "Research: The Cognitive Consequences of
Early Bilingualism," accessed 18 October 2010.
Read more at Suite101: Bilingualism: Personal Advantages and World
Benefits http://www.suite101.com/content/bilingualism-personal-advantages-and-world-benefits-a298141#ixzz12ovI5oYN
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