The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Learning a new language can offer a tremendous number of benefits while impacting you professionally and personally for the rest of your life. Let’s take a look at three of the key benefits of learning a second language and why doing so is worthwhile for people of any age.

Enhancing Cognitive Function

One of the core benefits of bilingualism is its impact on your brain functionality. Learning and speaking two or more languages improves your brain health by expanding its plasticity and protecting it from cognitive decline. For example, those who continually speak two different languages have been shown to delay the effects of Alzheimer’s disease by as many as four years. 

Best yet, even if an individual begins speaking a second language later in life, the positive effects are still present. By actively exercising your brain via different cognitive mechanisms and building greater resilience against stressful conditions, people can improve and prolong their quality of life. Meanwhile, babies and children who are exposed to two different languages early in life experience increased neural activity.

In short, speaking more than one language helps shape the brain’s plasticity and offers protection against stressful conditions for both children and adults. 

Boosting Academic Abilities

Some key benefits of knowing a foreign language are often experienced within academic settings. Bilingual students have been shown to possess strong foundational learning capabilities, and there is a direct link with bilingualism and having improved:

• Memory
• Decision making
• Interpretation of math and word problems
• Concentration and focus
• Levels of abstract thought

A bilingual individual will also have an easier time learning additional languages than someone who is monolingual, because they have already effectively trained their brain to be able to switch from one language to another. Bilingual individuals who are looking to further expand their language skills have set themselves up for success and can take advantage of new language opportunities.

Additionally, students taking part in study abroad programs can feel more confident while traveling if they are able to speak the native language of the country they’re visiting. This will also help them feel more connected to the culture and people of their visit, enhancing the learning experience.

Expanding Job Opportunities

The benefits of knowing a second language don’t stop at school, as they can expand far into an individual’s career journey. Being able to speak and read other languages opens up doors to new jobs and career opportunities.

Ideal jobs for bilingual speakers can include:

Additionally, if you take the translator career route, you can find job possibilities in industries such as:

• Project management
• Law
• Healthcare
• Finance

Knowing a second language is also a valuable skill that stands out as a differentiator to employers. According to the International Center for Language Studies, 56% of employers are expecting an increase in the need for foreign language skills within the next five years. With this rising demand, bilingual and multilingual individuals will possess skills that are highly sought after.

Experience the Benefits of Learning a Second Language with Kent State

To reap the benefits of bilingualism, start by earning your Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign language at Kent State. Our Modern and Classical Language Studies department offers various degrees that can help you follow your passion and prepare for rewarding careers. Our programs include:

• B.A. in French
• B.A. in Spanish Literature, Culture and Translation
• B.A. in American Sign Language
• B.A. in Classics

Students also have the opportunity to minor in a foreign language, such as:

• Chinese
• French
• Italian
• Japanese
• Spanish

Our programs are designed to give students a foundational understanding of their chosen language through literature, culture, and experience, while delivering knowledge and skills students can use in their future careers. By completing their coursework, students will begin to appreciate the myriad benefits of knowing a foreign language and all the ways bilingualism can be fulfilling.

Learn a Second Language at Kent State University

Learning a second language will set you up for success. Discover all that Kent State has to offer by contacting our team today. We’re happy to assist you with any questions about our university!