The Art of Multilingualism
The world is moving forward at light speed and the demand for multilingualism is increasing exponentially. The term “Multilingual” is defined as someone who uses or speaks in multiple languages. It is different from a polyglot, which is someone highly proficient in several languages. With skyrocketing tourism rates, national events being celebrated globally and the media industry expanding internationally, fluency in more than two languages has become the new normal. The practice of learning a new language has evolved from just being taught at schools to being a common hobby amongst many young adults.
The internet has become a treasure trove of learning resources, catering to every age, skill level, and language. Forget dusty textbooks – today's top-notch educational tools are right at your fingertips, ranging from interactive apps to comprehensive courses and detailed study plans. Consequently, the language learning market is predicted to grow by 20% in the next decade, further amplifying the growth of globalization.
My Personal Journey Learning Languages
As someone who grew up in the UAE - the epitome of a place with cultural diversity - I have always been drawn to learning about other cultures and traditions. My personal favorite way to get in touch with a foreign land is learning its language. From a very young age, my parents had often impelled me and my sisters to be multilingual. Because I am Pakistani, mastering Urdu came to me effortlessly as it was the only language spoken in our house during the early days of our move to Dubai. As for my English, it only ever ameliorated after picking it up from various sources like youtube videos, hollywood movies or at school.
Alternative to the inadvertent languages I knew, Korean, French and ASL are three that I actively pursue. My interest in Korean, an unsurprising cliche, came from my love for K-dramas. I wondered what it would be like to watch an episode without having to dislocate my eyes trying to keep up with the subtitles. And so I began learning it through Duolingo and a few other resources.
French is a language I always wanted to learn because of how it sounded - très romantique. Soon after the discovery of my desire to study French, fortunately enough, it became an option to take at my school and I began to study it academically. Today I work day and night trying to memorize all sorts of vocabulary for my finals.
And finally - the American Sign Language. Although it is quite recent, I’ve had the unstoppable urge to learn even just the basics of ASL. I believe communication is the most powerful thing in the world, and without it, we are hopeless. And for that reason, I sympathize with those with impaired hearing and I wish to be a channel for them.
The Pros of Learning a New Language
1) Improved Cognitive Ability - Studies around the world concluded that taking up the venture of learning a new language is the perfect exercise for your brain. It not only improves your memory but is a boon to your attention span. Adults who studied languages for over 4 months have shown clear signs of vivid recollection and improvements in attention tests.
2) Expands One's Social Circle - A new language means new connections. The doors to endless friendships beyond your comfort zone open when you learn a new language. You are able to foster connections with people that share common interests transcending geographical limitations.
3) Better Opportunities - Whether it is college or job applications, the knowledge of another language is a great addition to your resume. It shows your enthusiasm to learn and the commendable limit of your smarts.
4) Ease in Traveling Abroad - Knowing a language of two comes in hand when you vacation outside your residential country. You are able to meet new people, explore a wider range of places and even learn about new cultures effortlessly. It dissolves the language barrier making your journey less stressful.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citations:
“Studying Mandarin Chinese in 2024: Chinese Language Learning, Mandarin Chinese Learning, Learn Mandarin.” Pinterest, 16 May 2024,
“How Many Languages Are There in the World: Updated List for 2024.” Jagranjosh.com, 19 Jan. 2024,
www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/how-many-languages-are-there-in-the world-1705663883-1.
“Language Learning Market Size & Share | Growth Trends, 2024-2032.” Global Market Insights Inc.,
www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/language-learning-market#:~:text=The %20language%20learning%20industry%20experiences. Accessed 17 July 2024.
Language Learning Statistics: 40 Facts to Expose Language Revolution - LingoMelo. 27 July 2023,
www.lingomelo.com/blog/language-learning-statistics/#:~:text=The%20number %20of%20language%20learners.
mschwartz. “Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Second Language.” Kendal on Hudson, 5 Apr. 2024,
kohud.kendal.org/2024/04/05/cognitive-benefits-of-learning-a-second-languag e/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20people%20who.
Comments