Being Bilingual

"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." – John C. Maxwell

I had my daughter and her children visiting over the holiday season. It is always a joy to see family from Australia share Christmas and the New Year. When grandchildren are young, active and curious, I could not help but see the possibilities for them in the years ahead. So much potential in their young minds, that can only be released with the loving guidance of their parents.

An Opportunity

Without the quality of the relationship I share with my children, it would not be possible to offer advice to my daughter regarding her children. Her children are bi-cultural with their father fluent in both English and Samoan. Unfortunately, my Maori daughter and I do not speak the language of our heritage. I still this as an opportunity for my grandchildren to be bilingual. There are advantages in being bilingual, a view my daughter and I agree on. We discussed the possibility of encouraging her husband speaking Samoan at home daily. 

English

English is the most widely spoken language globally. It is however only spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people, about 19% of the population of earth, which is still the most spoken language of all the languages spoken. Some say English is the language of business. On this basis English will continue to expand globally, and will remain the primary language for many countries, and my grandchildren.

Advantages of Being Bilingual

• If 75% of the world’s population do not speak English, the likely hood of this portion of non-English speakers being bilingual will be high.

• Who will not only benefit their own culture but their nation as well.

• Speaking the language of your culture helps you better understand the nuances of it.

• You become more sensitive to the indigenous cultures in other countries.

• Switching from one language to another as you speak, and think is a skill that helps you consider several options in problem solving.

• Your vocabulary will be enriched by having access to words unique to each language.

• Employment opportunities are increased in government departments and in the private sector, particularly with multi-national companies.

• For children, the ability to learn two languages at the same time is much easier to absorb, for their still sponge like minds.

• In later life, in your senior years, the onset of memory and understanding problems take longer to become issues.

• Having a flexible mind by being bilingual keeps you aware of opportunities available in business and other endeavours.

Final Thoughts

There are only advantages to being bilingual. Encouragement for young minds to develop language skills in more than one language grows the individual in how they relate to others in their own circle. It also gives them skills that are in demand and helps them be sensitive to other cultures.