Should Everyone Speak at Least Two Languages?

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Brooke Holland, Writer

In Lead With Languages, it is said that people who learn more than one language have improved memory and problem-solving skills. In addition to this, enhanced concentration as well as improved multi-tasking skills are among the benefits. The section of the brain that is responsible for language is the temporal lobe and Wernicke’s area. Wernicke’s area is found in the left frontal lobe on the left hemisphere of the brain, and the temporal lobe is located in the cerebral hemisphere. The temporal lobe deals with language comprehension and development, while Wernicke’s area is connected with speech production. Having the ability to speak a language other than your mother tongue is important since it opens up your job opportunities and helps your brain develop.

People who speak more than one language are more likely to get a job after the interview process. Although companies typically don’t require bilingual applicants, a study shows they do prefer to hire those who speak other languages. For example, the percent of people who speak more than one language has increased by 158% since 1980, while the population has only increased by 38%. Those who speak different languages have a greater chance of getting hired, especially for jobs that require interaction with people in areas where English is not highly concentrated. Because a large portion of the world’s population speaks at least two languages, following suit could benefit you in terms of employment opportunities. 

According to the Dana Foundation, bilingualism benefits cognitive abilities: “When bilingual people have to switch between naming pictures in Spanish and naming them in English, they show increased activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a brain region associated with cognitive skills like attention and inhibition.” Enhanced concentration is an advantage when it comes to careers as it is a good job skill to possess, which is why speaking more than one language is important. Additionally, the ability to speak in a different language has not only been seen to change the way information is processed in the brain, but may change the neurological structures as well. 

Even though learning a new language is an exciting idea, learning two new ones that are similar is not the best idea. Doing this simultaneously may confuse the brain and interfere with the learning process, making it difficult to grasp the content. However, learning one language then going on to begin a new dialect with similar word structures is considered quicker and more efficient.

Speaking more than one language is important in terms of future possibilities as well as brain development. It is important for people to speak multiple languages since it gives people the opportunity to connect to several cultures. When an individual speaks at least two languages, the culture, language and cognition interchange among each other within the shared mind, thus promoting a healthy brain. Bilingualism is an effective aspect of life as it allows for a healthy brain as well as an open door for more job opportunities.