The 21st century is the age of interconnectivity. The internet and increasing predominance of social media has brought everyone together in a more immediate and instant way than ever before. This brings the need for multilingualism. It is becoming increasingly difficult to make the connections you both want and need without speaking another language.

There are many reasons why language is important and beneficial to you. Here are just a few motivations to become multilingual:

Cultural Awareness

One of the more obvious benefits, learning a new language also provides great exposure to new cultures. To truly connect with people from around the world, you need to not only speak the language, but also understand the culture. For example, it’s great if you can understand an invitation to dinner in Chinese, but did you know that it’s not to be taken as literally as in North America? Showing up at their door expecting to be fed could get awkward…
cultural awareness

Different cultures will also have unique perspectives on everything from gift giving to house decoration. Again, Chinese culture can be quite different from what is found in North America.

Business Benefits

Being a global business requires multilingualism. We tend to focus on English as an important language to market in, but less than 30% of the internet population is English-speaking. Multilingual translations and localizations are an important part of reaching your international target audiences, but it is even more helpful if you can speak to these audiences yourself. Knowing multiple languages is a great way to nurture business relationships and establish stronger connections. It tells your clients that you care about them and their culture.
business relationships

Chinese languages are becoming increasingly popular, and they are now being taught to children across North American schools. This new push is due to the emergence of China as an economic superpower, and parents are trying to give their kids an edge in the future world of business by making them multilingual.

It is not just younger generations learning new languages, there are many language programs for adults available to help you get ahead.

Keep up with Social Media

It cannot be denied that maintaining an engaging social media presence is a key part of living in the 21st century, but multilingual online platforms are becoming normal. As of March 2012, Twitter was available in 28 languages, but of course tweets are sent out in many more!

Learning another language will give you the benefit of being able to tweet, post, pin, blog, and more in multiple languages, which will in turn connect you to wider audience. It will also allow you to follow news and trends in languages other than your mother tongue so that you are more in tune with the world markets.

multilingual social media

Health Benefits

That’s right, there are several health benefits assocaited with learning a new language and becoming multilingual.

Advantages for Children

Learning a language when you’re young isn’t just easier, it’s good for you too! Children who are bilingual have improved memory skills, and are better at prioritizing and multitasking.

Studies also show that learning a language as an infant is essential for later development. When babies learn languages, they not only learn to associate words with meanings, but can interpret intentions as well. This is a key predecessor to developing rational thought and analytical skills.

language learning

Delay Alzheimer’s

Scientists now have evidence that shows that bilingual people delay the onset of Alzheimer’s for an extra 4 years compared to monolingual people of the same age and health level. While speaking multiple languages won’t prevent you from getting Alzheimer’s, it can help you cope with it better and reduce the risk of senile dementia. The increased brain use requires of being multilingual builds up a “cognitive reserve” as Ellen Bialystock (psychologist at York University) calls it.

Better Brain Performance

Just like in children, multilingualism boosts your ability to prioritize and multitask. Scientists believe this is due to the fact that switching frequently between two languages requires your brain to use the systems responsible for sorting and processing more often.

language learning
It hones the ability to pick the right phrase and language for each person and situation, which translates to being better at sorting out irrelevant information. In tests, bilingual speakers were shown to be better at mental tasks like editing, planning, problem solving, monitoring their environment, and solving mental puzzles. Not only that, but their brains performed these tasks more efficiently than monolingual speakers.

Other Perks

There are an assortment of other perks to be gained from learning a new language. These can include, but are not limited to:

  • Being perceived as more attractive
  • Being more rational when speaking a foreign language
  • Increased creativity
  • Earning higher wages
  • Better literacy

In order to fully gain all the benefits, it is necessary for you to be at least bilingual and to speak both languages frequently. However, even the process of learning a new language is a great way to boost cognitive abilities.