International Mother Language Day is observed on the 21st day of February, every year. The theme or focus of this year’s edition of International Mother Language Day is ‘Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities’. This theme is centred on how the advancement in technology fosters teaching and learning of multiple languages and the development of quality instructing and learning for everyone.
The day is celebrated to recognize how multilingualism and languages can encourage inclusion. We acknowledge and celebrate this event because we understand that every written work is based on language which is the vehicle for communication. Let’s discuss the advantages of understanding several languages.
Communicating in Multiple Languages Helps Break Barriers.
Speaking and writing multiple languages helps people break barriers. When overseas or away from one’s country home, having the ability to communicate in the language of one’s new location helps ease the initial barrier or distance that occurs between natives and strangers. Natives of a place are more receptive to people who speak their language. So, speaking the native language makes them consider you as one of them. This is, therefore, more likely to help you to achieve your goals for visiting that location, sooner than later.
Being Multilingual Gives you More Job Opportunities.
Being able to speak and/or write multiple languages gives one a huge opportunity in the corporate world, especially in multinational companies or companies that correspond and partner with international agencies or organizations. Translators are highly sought after and usually paid well.
Speaking Multiple Languages Helps you Make Friends.
One of the ways to make friends and join an inner circle of friends is to speak multiple languages, especially the languages that your prospective group of friends speaks. Nothing spells friendship like communicating in a mutual language. To build and sustain any friendship, there must be a common language that every party understands and communicates in.
Knowledge of Multiple Languages Gives a Broader Perspective.
Understanding the language of various groups of people also exposes one to the customs, culture and conventions of such people. In the world, there are multiple languages spoken across different countries and even within each country. Knowledge of the traditions and lifestyles of different groups across the globe gives one a broader perspective on various aspects of life that one would otherwise not have had access to or knowledge of.
For instance, knowledge of the ‘tu’ and ‘vous’ pronouns of the French gives one insight into when to use each one. It also guides one on who to address with each, in regards to the listener’s age and closeness to the speaker. For a multilingual speaker whose expanse of knowledge includes English and French language, there is an understanding that the English language does not have a different way of saying ‘you’ to indicate if the listener is older or younger, or if the setting is formal or informal, as opposed to the French language.
It Improves Communication Skills.
The mind gets stimulated as one mentally or orally compares one language with another and resolves language puzzles. Communicating in multiple languages keeps the critical-thinking and problem-solving areas of the brain active. It also improves memory.
One important aspect of communication is active listening. Since communication is a two-way or multi-way process, each speaker needs to take turns and be a listener at various points of the interaction. Being a polyglot improves your communication skills in various languages and different social situations.
Speaking Multiple Languages Boosts Self-confidence.
Being fluent in multiple languages boosts one’s self-confidence. Learning a language, especially one that is not your mother language, and becoming very fluent in speaking and writing the language is a major esteem booster. The happy chemical or hormone, dopamine, is released when one learns anything. Self-confidence is built on happiness and contentment, and these could come from learning and mastering multiple languages.
There are so many benefits of understanding and communicating in multiple languages. Being multilingual positively affects the social, financial, career, and many other aspects of your life. As the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, you might consider expanding your horizon by learning a new language or two.
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