In today’s world, merely being a university graduate with stunning credentials are not a guarantee for anyone to secure a good job in whichever field. Many people are jobless but have all the academic credentials needed to see them succeed in life, only on paper though.
You must make sure you stand out one way or another, and you can do this by securing yourself a necessary skill or qualification. Some of them you often overlook like first-aid or learning a second international language like Chinese and English for those who are not first speakers of the word.
However, being bilingual is not only useful for increasing your employment prospects and making you stand out among your peers; it is also good for your health. Yes, your health can improve by learning a second or third language. It might not be that evident, but this article will shed a little light on this topic, and you will learn the benefits.
Improved Brain Ability
Unbelievably, the size of the brain can be increased by learning a second language or better yet a third or fourth one. The more you practice a new style, the more cerebral volume you will have in the end.
The more the size of the brain increases the better you will be able to learn new things either in school or at work. Interestingly enough, no matter the age at which you learn the new language the results will be the same. Even an older person can increase his or her brain capacity by learning a second language.
Better Decisions and Self-Confidence
When you learn a new language, you become more confident. You acquired it because you would be able to brag to your friends that you know something they don’t. Bilingual people are also able to read subtle signals and body language and can, therefore, discern situations efficiently and make better decisions. If you only speak a single language and spend your time with people who are monolingual, you won’t be able to read these signs, and you end up making decisions based on emotion.
Enhanced Memory
Learning a second or third language helps your brain and increases its ability to retain information quickly. Bilingual children can recall what they learn in class better than monolingual students do.
The part of the brain that is responsible for storing and processing information heightens through the practice of a new language. The better you are at speaking a second language, the better you’ll be able to perform at work and school. Enrol in english conversation courses if this is one of the languages you wish to pursue.
Multitasking and Attention Span
Numerous studies have shown that bilinguals can switch between tasks faster and seamlessly compared to people who only speak one language. People who speak more than one language can easily ignore distractions and therefore, concentrate better on multiple tasks without getting confused. Multitasking gives the brain practice in filtering and discerning valuable information.
Preventing Dementia
Dementia does not necessarily refer to a particular disease, but it generally applies to a situation where memory gets worse especially at an older age. When you learn a new language, your brain automatically demands that memory increases to store the further information. Think of this as an exercise for your mind to keep memory safe, the more you exercise it, the healthier it will be even with age.
Improved Hearing
When you learn a new language, you develop your sensory abilities. When you are bi-lingual, your brain works extra hard to distinguish words you’ve registered in your mind. It may seem automatic to you, and it happens effortlessly, but your brain must learn to distinguish sound especially if both your languages have a similar background to Italian and Spanish. Being more keen on what you hear helps the brain in identifying the sounds.
Although the health benefits of learning a second language are not physical, you have to agree that they are quite significant. Your memory and cognitive ability are the most significant beneficiaries of being bilingual, and this helps you improve your life in one way or another. Challenge yourself, take up a Spanish, Chinese or English class in Singapore, and improve your linguistic skills.
