Why Is Being Bilingual A Better Way of Life?

A bilingual is a person with ability to speak, read and write two languages. As we know that the world has many languages,having knowledge of at least two languages is the better way of living in any community. Bilingualism refers to having knowledge of two languages. It implies having good speaking, writing and reading skills of two languages. The world today and our nature of life encourages us to be at least bilingual speakers. In fact, all aspects of life like social, religious, economic, political, favor bilingual speakers in one way or another.
Advantages of being a bilingual speaker
Sharpen the cognitive skills
Bilingual speakers find it easier to manage two languages at the same time. This helps them to develop skills ranging from inhibition. All cognitive skills have impacts on the brain’s executive control system, which take control of the activities like reasoning, thoughts, multitasking and sustain attention. So, since the bilingual linguists are used to switching languages, switching from one task to another is easier. Furthermore, bilingualism also helps to fight against dementia in old age.
Social benefit
Its very easy for a bilingual speaker to associate with other people than a monolingual. Since a person has knowledge of two languages, he/she finds it too easy to make friendship with the speakers of those languages. Also speaking more than one language helps people to build self-esteem.
Awakens the brain
Research shows that when the brain is not over strained, both monolingual and bilingual have the same brain. However, if the condition is over weighing and demanding too much, the bilingual seems to be faster. They can perform faster than their counterparts the monolinguals.
Professional advantages
Business today is done on global scale. And employers desire to employ people who speak at least two languages. This is because such employees will help them to reach the speakers of the two languages he/she understands. Also, bilingual speakers are proficient in multiple languages and cultures. Therefore, being bilingual gives one an upper chance in out competing their counter parts the monolingual in the job market.
Learning another language
Bilingual speakers stand a better opportunity of learning another language than monolinguals. Since these people are already used to speaking many languages, learning the third, forth and other languages is just a walkover compared to monolingual speakers. This is because they will be able to learn new words easily, categorize them with easy and have good learning skills.
What are the disadvantages of being a bilingual?
Speaking two languages has some disadvantages besides its overwhelming advantages. Some include;
Verbal skills of the bilingual sometimes tend to be weaker compared to the monolingual. The vocabulary of the bilingual tends to be limited compared to monolingual speakers. Monolinguals understand more deeper words than bilinguals. This is because monolinguals speak only one language day in and day out. Thus, leading to high level of mastery.
Much as bilingualism has some ear marked disadvantages, its advantages are just amazing. So, for the successful well-being, its proper for all people to learn how to speak and read and write more than one language. This will help to limit all communication and social barriers.