Learning as a Powerful Weapon
According to many studies, to learn a new language is the best investment one can make. It not only helps you to survive in a strange country, but can also help you in your career and daily duties (Bhattacharjee, Y. 2012; Leikin, M., 2013). There is proof that learning a second language during childhood improves memory and increases the capacity for learning (Brito,N.; Barr, R., 2012): “Two-thirds of children around the world are raised in bilingual homes” (Crystal, 1997). That leaves one-third of the population with a huge disavantage. Of course, you might think that certain cities around the world do not really need the advantages of learning a new language. But the advantages of learning a new language transcend the economic part of it(Leopold, W. 2012): “Research is increasingly showing that the brains of people who know two or more languages are different from those who know just one, and those differences are all for the better. Multilingual people, studies show, are better at reasoning, at multitasking, at grasping and reconciling conflicting ideas.(VOA, 2013) They work faster and expend less energy doing so, and as they age, they retain their cognitive faculties longer, delaying the onset of dementia and even full-blown Alzheimer’s disease” (Kluger, J.2013). Yes, the brain of a bilingual person is different to those who are monolingual. A bilingual person is better analysing and finding solutions, while at the same time can perform more than one task at the same time. Isn’t that wonderful?!
We all would agree with the introductory paragraph of the article Rechaping the Mind: The Benefits of Bilingualism: “All experiences leave their mark--they change how we respond to a similar situation in the future, create knowledge or expertise in particular areas, a change we usually call 'learning,' and as it is increasingly becoming apparent, change our brains.” (Bialystok, Ellen, 2011). Learning a new language will shape our brain in a different way and will give us new tools to face life in every area of it (Piller, I. 2012). Certainly, learning a new language as a child has a bigger influence in our brain development than if we do it as an adult (Erdos, C., 2011). Not matter how well spoken we are now, we will never be as adept with languages as the day we were born. Think about the youngest person you know; he or she is the best linguist in your social circle (Kluger, J. 2013).
In the United States, where immigration from all around the world is enormous (Cortina, J.; de la Garza, R.; Pinto, P. 2000), the importance of learning a new language is a great factor in education and the work force (Agosto, D. 2013; Gorman, B. 2011). “There are plenty of benefits when it comes to working in a world that’s slowly transitioning into a place where language plays a big part in marketing, business and networking,” explains Christina E. Rodriguez in the article, The Benefits of Bilingualism at Work (Rodriguez, C. 2013). Many studies and articles makes reference to the Utah program where many schools are becoming bilingual: “The schools in bilingual classes in Utah and elsewhere aren’t thinking much about the nature of their brains when they go to school each morning; they’re only aware of the rich and lyrical experience of living and learning bilingualism." In this research, I will focus on proving the massive advantages of bilingualism.
We all would agree with the introductory paragraph of the article Rechaping the Mind: The Benefits of Bilingualism: “All experiences leave their mark--they change how we respond to a similar situation in the future, create knowledge or expertise in particular areas, a change we usually call 'learning,' and as it is increasingly becoming apparent, change our brains.” (Bialystok, Ellen, 2011). Learning a new language will shape our brain in a different way and will give us new tools to face life in every area of it (Piller, I. 2012). Certainly, learning a new language as a child has a bigger influence in our brain development than if we do it as an adult (Erdos, C., 2011). Not matter how well spoken we are now, we will never be as adept with languages as the day we were born. Think about the youngest person you know; he or she is the best linguist in your social circle (Kluger, J. 2013).
In the United States, where immigration from all around the world is enormous (Cortina, J.; de la Garza, R.; Pinto, P. 2000), the importance of learning a new language is a great factor in education and the work force (Agosto, D. 2013; Gorman, B. 2011). “There are plenty of benefits when it comes to working in a world that’s slowly transitioning into a place where language plays a big part in marketing, business and networking,” explains Christina E. Rodriguez in the article, The Benefits of Bilingualism at Work (Rodriguez, C. 2013). Many studies and articles makes reference to the Utah program where many schools are becoming bilingual: “The schools in bilingual classes in Utah and elsewhere aren’t thinking much about the nature of their brains when they go to school each morning; they’re only aware of the rich and lyrical experience of living and learning bilingualism." In this research, I will focus on proving the massive advantages of bilingualism.