Benefits of a Second Language
It is well known that learning a second language has become increasingly more important in a globalized world, a strategic weapon for companies as well as for career development, and essential for travel, foreign experiences and openness towards other cultures.
But over and above these well-known factors, there are others not to be overlooked, such as:
- Bilingualism affects the human brain (Thomas Bak; Craik et al.).
According to scientists, bilingualism affects the development of the human brain. Studies show that learning a language increases cortical mass (Mårtensson et al., 2012) and cognitive connections in humans.
- Being bilingual forces the brain to use more networks. It expands brain activity by soliciting more brain regions (Tom Schweizer, Neuroscientist).
- This Cerebral gymnastics forces all kinds of connections and activations to occur, all which are healthy for the brain (Bialystok).
- Bilingualism has a significant impact on slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's.
Studies have shown that unilingual individuals develop Alzheimer's four and a half years earlier than those who speak two languages. (Alladi et al; Bialystok).
- The dual activity in the brains of bilingual people helps improve memory (Francis, 1999).
- Bilingualism increases cognitive flexibility and improves the ability to multi-task (Gold et al., 2013).
- Bilingualism increases academic performance (Armstrong and Rogers, 1997).