6 Reasons Why Being Multilingual is Just Better

 6 Reasons Why Being Multilingual is Just Better

Depending on your culture and home country, the people around you will have varying levels of language ability. At the top of the scale of linguistic capability,  we have countries like Belgium, a tiny little place with no less than three official languages (French, German and Dutch) as well as several Flemish dialects – and English is very widely spoken. So in Belgium someone who speaks a second language may not be the talk of the multilingual town; but in the UK, you’d be considered special!

For many, the reasons to speak multiple languages are obvious – improved cognitive function, it makes you more attractive and it opens the door to so many opportunities! For those of you who are still unsure though, here are five reasons why:

1)  It makes you more attractive

why being multilingual is better

Let’s face it, if you’re a simple monolinguist, then somebody speaking in another language is impressive. Maybe they suddenly answer the phone in French or see a foreign friend and start speaking in a different language, this will no doubt make you seem more intelligent and a bit mysterious (as long as that person doesn’t speak the same language). Being multilingual is better than being a monolingual-simpleton as it shows your love interest you’re a great communicator – something especially attractive to girls.

2) Polyglots are smarter

why being multilingual is better

If you didn’t know that word already – you´re welcome! Some of us may not like to admit it, but it’s true. Science said so – so you can’t argue. Apparently people who speak more than one language have more grey matter in their brains…I have no idea what that means either. It doesn’t sound like a particularly good thing but apparently, it is!

3) Languages open doors

Having a second language looks great on your CV. It shows you´re motivated, you’ve managed to get your head around some really difficult concepts and you have effectively doubled your ability to communicate. It also demonstrates a better knowledge of the world than a monolingual candidate and widens your market-scope.

4) Multilinguists are funnier

Speaking a second language may not have a direct effect on your ability to produce ingenious witticisms  – it’s a gift really – but it certainly opens up a whole new world of jokes to be told and understood. Humour is a huge part of (most) people’s lives. Another language also exposes you to other cultural stuff such as literature, film and music.

5) Inciting jealousy in others

why being multilingual is better

As Salvador Dalí said: “The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of malcontents.”

Basically, when you’ve made another human being unhappy with jealousy, you know you’re doing alright.

When somebody compliments you – a regular occurrence, I’m sure – and says for example “I like your jacket” what they actually mean is “my entire being burns with white-hot jealousy and I must possess this fine garment before me.”

The same thing happens with languages. When somebody hears you speak in another language and they say “I wish I could speak another language…” what they really mean is “I’m considering killing you and cutting out your tongue in an attempt to assume its numinous powers.” Afterall, they have so many reasons to be jealous, since being multilingual is better.

6) Taking risks

People who have struggled through learning a second language must learn how to take risks. At a young age our sponge-like brains are designed to absorb as much about language as they can. However, if we stick with this metaphor, the sponge becomes less absorbent the more we advance into adulthood and learning languages becomes maddeningly frustrating…I’m pretty sure my brain is more of a brick than a sponge.

You make mistakes over and over again and if you don’t become accustomed to taking risks and making mistakes…it will destroy you – literally! Well not literally; but you will give up. Which is even worse!

So…

If you don´t speak another language yet, then break free from the monotonous world of monolinguals, become the twin-tongued Lothario you always wanted to be! Join the gang of foreign language speakers, because why wouldn’t you? Now you know why being multilingual is better! Alternatively download Duolingo, spend a decreasing amount of time on it the each day, until by the end of the week, you’ve forgotten you ever had it, and reassume your old sense of inadequacy. Sounds good to me!

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1 Comment

  • This ariclte is a home run, pure and simple!

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