Benefits of Bilingualism


  • Children who grow up with two or more languages (bilinguals/multilinguals) show a definite advantage in cognitive and other developmental skills compared to children who grow up with only one language (monolinguals). 
  • Bilinguals are better at multi-tasking. They can quickly and smoothly switch from one activity to another thanks to better cognitive control over information and better performance on tasks that require conflict management.
  • Bilingual children develop greater ability to focus and to resist distraction in comparison with children who speak one language. It is thanks to the executive function of the brain responsible for working memory, planning, and problem solving that bilingual children are less easily distracted. 
  • Bilinguals tend to be more creative thinkers and pursue alternative perspectives more often than monolinguals. Learning at least two words for the same object challenges children in creative ways and enhances their mental flexibility.
  • Bilingualism has been proven to help children develop superior reading and writing skills.
  • Bilinguals have enhanced listening capabilities. They can detect variety of sounds even in noisy environment that monolinguals might ignore.
  • Bilingual children have enhanced working memory responsible for holding, processing and updating information over short periods of time. The working memory plays a key factor in mental calculations and in reading comprehension.
  • Bilingual children are more likely to succeed at learning additional languages. 
  • Most of bilinguals are usually bicultural with enhanced number of social networks and a better, more intimate understanding of particular cultures. 
  • Bilinguals give their parents an immense sense of pride and joy. Children speaking parents’ native language give parents the assurance of family heritage continuity.

 

Links

7 Benefits of Raising Bilingual Kids

Why Bilinguals Are Smarter

The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual

The Benefits of Multilingualism

Bilingual Children Switch Tasks Faster

Bilinguals Find It Easier to Learn a Third Language

A Second Language Gives Toddlers an Edge

Speaking a Second Language May Delay Dementia