Perks and Corks of Bilingual Education

Table of Contents

We all understand that English has become the universal language and the importance of using it in business and education. There are many individuals who still does not have a good command of the language. For those who do, it could be beneficial to try and learn another language. Our school systems need to understand the power of being bilingual and offer another language in the education system. There are many cognitive benefits to learning another language, but it seems like most schools are comfortable with just English as a teaching language. Here are some of the benefits we can expect when we offer a bilingual education


Cultural benefits
The world is developing and there is a lot of travel opportunities for students. Even if your native language is English, you still have the opportunity to learn another language. There are many immigrants who only know their native language, but had to afford themselves the opportunity to learn English. Why do we think it is so easy for this person to acquire another language? If they can do it then so can our kids. It’s not like we expect first graders to write a bachelor degree thesis, but the earlier they start leaning another language, the better. If the school system were to offer a second language, it would not only help our kids develop academically, but also culturally. This opens door for studying abroad and even later working in another country.

Adapt easier
When we take kids out of the box we put them in, they are able to adapt to other situations easier. Teaching a child another language is not just about the words, but it is about the culture, the food and the people who are native. This teaches them that there is a world out there and that this little box you live in can expand. You are giving so much of advantages to these kids and they will most likely be the ones who interact with a variety of cultures. You do not need a word page calculator to teach another language. The only thing you need is clever conversation.

Economic benefits
Kids who speak another language are able to find jobs outside of their hometowns. This brings down the unemployment rate drastically. If we equip our kids with another language, we are able to secure a better future for them. It takes around 5 to 7 years to develop an educational level language, so we should start as early as possible. Schools have the opportunity to add value to our kids’ lives and this would be a great way to do so.

Healthy brain
Leaning another language is not just about sounding fancy when you through your words around. It is said that by learning an additional language, you are able to boost your brain power. This lowers the chance of Alzheimer’s disease which is a concerning factor these days. The other advantage is that bilingual students seem to be doing better in college exams. If you can help a child do better academically, why would you not?

Workplace advantage
Besides the fact that you are opening up your career opportunities, it is a great advantage to know more than one language in the workplace. Simply stating it on your resume is going to open some doors. Teaching kids to use a word count to page converter is not as beneficial as teaching them another language. The benefits stays with them long after the finish school.

Social
Speaking another language helps you in social gatherings and students who speak another language are more open to engage with their peers. It just gives students more of an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. We all know how hard it is to make friends these days and this might just be the answer. It also might keep you safe in social gatherings knowing what people are saying about you behind your back. It is such a confidence booster.

Learning more languages
Once the bug bites and the student has mastered 2 languages, it encourages them to learn more. Imagine a world where the average students speak more than 2 languages. It is definitely a good image and can help breach the gap between countries. Having the ability to communicate with a host of people does not only build confidence but also adds great value to the student’s life. You are giving the kids confidence, travel opportunities and a healthy brain without even realizing it.

Conclusion
It is actually astonishing that education does not include a second language in many countries. It does not have to be an isolated issue, but one we can all work towards. Teach your child another language at home if the school does not. It can be a fun and challenging endeavors you go on. By teaching a child, you indirectly teach yourself. Speak the second language at the dinner table or do not respond to your kids until they communicate with you in the new language. It surely makes for a lot of fun around the house.

-Millie Bryan

>