The Case of Many Tongues

When learning languages, how many are too many? We try and discuss the many advantages of being multilingual.

Coming from an Indian family living in Nepal, I am natural a bilingual however, my attempts at learning European languages ended after in a week of Italian classes that never bore any fruit. As you can see, mastering new languages -- despite all its advantages -- is still an unfulfilled dream for me. 

Research has shown that learning a new language increases your brain’s capacity to understanding. Further research has shown that people who know more than one language have better memory, and when they were asked to perform memory-based activities they applied themselves in a much more logical manner than those who were monolingual. One has to work hard to be able to distinguish the sounds between different words. As such learning multiple languages will make you a much better listener. 

Listening is a very important skill for the advancement of one’s career. Studies showed that are multi-linguals were able to tune out distractions much better and focus their attention on the given tasks. They were also able to interpret given information much more quickly, while leaving out unnecessary part.  Memory degeneration amongst multilingual takes place four and half years later than those who are mono lingual. Knowing multiple languages reduces the risk of acquiring diseases such as Alzheimer’s. When we learn a new language we have to jump constantly between our familiar first language and the new one, and because of this new connections are formed to retain the information thus acquired. This activates different parts of the brain, which in turn helps us become multitaskers.  Multitasking is a very important skill in today’s world. Young children have the ability to absorb as many languages as you let them learn systematically and regularly. They also recognize familiar objects faster and pay more attention to new objects than monolinguals. So, if you want to raise a child with an excellent memory and a high IQ, then teach him or her a new language. Learning a new language also increases reading scores of learners, making them better readers than those who are monolingual. In today’s age of internet and globalization you have access to people from all over the world. As such learning a new language breaks down communication barriers and helps you make friends from all over the world. Learning a new language helps you gain insights into different customs and cultures enjoy different forms of arts and entertainments (which means no more dubbed movies).

When you learn a new language it puts you in a position to understand the history and socio economic structure of that particular country, which you can then compare with that of your own. This leads you to get a better understanding and appreciation of your own culture. When you understand and speak another language you are also exposed to a different point of view, which broadens your mind. This exchange of ideas leads to forming a better network with people from different walks of life. Shekhar Karki, IELTS instructor in Kathmandu, says that learning multiple languages is a great skill for prospective employees as companies want to employ multifaceted people who can adapt themselves and network with a wide range of people. It takes a lot of time, discipline and persistence to learn a new language. Most people who start learning give up half way, which is why people who know multiple languages considered more hard working and much harder to replace. Of course the rarer the language the better the leverage. On an average people who are multilingual earn a total of twelve percent more in the UK. In today’s globalized world companies are breaking into newer markets by offering multilingual employees incentives and salary. So it pays handsomely to know a new language. When you learn a new language it expands your vocabulary and you learn to think out of the box and are able to describe situations and things in a new way. Humour comes in different forms. What works as a joke in one language may not work in another. The more languages you speak and hear the better your sense of humour becomes. When learning a new language sometimes you have to use gestures to get your point across. This in turn improves your body language. When you begin learning a new language you make mistakes, and you sometimes fail to express your thoughts properly. But this is the way you learn a new language. And through this you learn to overcome your fear of failure. 

As you learn a new language, it is also important to learn you own native language. In today’s age globalization, many people are losing touch with their native language. We see kids disinterested in studies possibly due to lack of connection with what they are learning. If we instruct them in their native language it could help them develop a positive relationship with the material they are studying, thus increasing their interest. And as people migrate from one country to another their sense of identity and belonging often disappear. Learning your native language connects you with your ancestors and you understand your personal history better. It also gives you a feeling of being at home, a space where you belong to.

Furthermore learning multiple languages develops your soft skills and enhances your personality. So go out there and put on your learning shoes, exercise your grey cells to acquire some new language skills.