Psychological studies indicate that learning two dialects increases the cognitive abilities of an individual. Polyglots’ brains operate differently compared to people who speak a single tongue.
To bridge social barriers, we learn a new language. A thesis on immigration indicates that immigrants have an easier time adjusting if they know the language of the country.
Learning a new language has significant benefits to the brain including;
1. Increases Brain Power
Learning a new language means that the brain grows in complexity as it is forced to learn and adjust to new patterns. The process of adapting and interpreting the new information makes the brain heighten its ability to perform different tasks.
2. It Increases Creativity
To develop a grammatically correct statement in a language that is not yours, you have to be creative. Thus so, it is evident that multilingual persons show greater creativity compared to monolinguals. If you rate my writing as a multilingual compared to a monolingual, I will show greater imagination.
3. It Improves Information Retention
Learning a new language involves remembering the new words obtained. This process of remembrance trains the brain to be able to hold information for long, thus increasing memory.
4. Enhances Multitasking
People who develop the ability to switch from one language to another effortlessly have accustomed their brains to be able to perform more than one task in an instant, increasing the ability of an individual to perform various functions simultaneously as the brain is used to it. As a multilingual, I could write my thesis as I listen to an unrelated podcast.
5. Increased Attention Span
Mastering of two languages enables people to have greater control over their executive functions. Multilingual show a more significant capability to stay focused on one activity as their brains have adapted to stick to one language where there is an option of another.
6. Slows the Onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Research has conducted on individuals indicate that individuals who speak only one language start experiencing dementia at the age of 70 on average. Polyglots experience dementia after an extra five years on average.
7. Increases Perceptiveness
Studies conducted in Spain indicate that multilingual have greater keenness compared to polyglots. They can easily spot anything deceptive. It is because as they study other languages, they develop a discipline that makes them more perceptive.
8. Improves Decision making
Speaking two languages makes the mind get used to switching between languages at appropriate times. This switching causes the brain to develop a knack for making informed decisions and in the proper time.
9. Improves Performance in other Academic Areas
As the brain continues to juggle between various languages, it’s cognitive ability is increased. Researchers have established that individuals who have grasped multiple languages show higher grades in math and comprehensive reading compared to their counterparts who speak only a single dialect.
10. Improves an Individual’s First Language
As you learn a new dialect, you discover the details in your vernacular. You can discern word patterns as your critical thinking abilities are improving. You can ingest your language more intuitively.
Conclusion
Learning a new language will open a new world of cognitive abilities to an individual.