There are many benefits to bilingualism further explored in the pages below. But briefly stated, here are 7 benefits:
- Being bilingual has positive effects on the brain. On average, bilinguals are better at using logic, understanding math concepts, focusing, multitasking, remembering, and exercising self-control.
- Because bilinguals who are also
biliterate can read and think in two different languages, they are better at abstract thought and better prepared to succeed in college. - Being bilingual makes you more employable. According to salary.com, bilingual employees can earn between 5% and 20% more per hour than monolinguals. Another study found that high-level bilingualism is associated with extra earnings of about $3,000 a year, even after controlling for factors like education and parental socio-economic status.
- Bilinguals are more empathetic and open-minded.
- Bilinguals are healthier and age better. For example, bilingualism postpones the effects of Alzheimer’s and helps people recover more fully from a stroke.
- Bilinguals can make new friends and create strong relationships using their second language, while simultaneously maintaining close ties to their extended family.
- Bilingual people are more capable of raising bilingual children, who can then enjoy all of these benefits.