7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Bilingualism
Many ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students in America find themselves at a huge disadvantage compared to their peers. It takes longer for them to read texts, understand or describe complex problems, and it can be exhausting just to keep up with everyday life as their brains struggle with a linguistic environment that is not automatic or instinctive.
Although the advent of bilingual education and ESOL training has helped lessen some of these burdens, integration into the native English-speaking community can still be difficult. Even seasoned English speakers who have lived in America for most of their lives can still find themselves lost when they encounter contexts they are unfamiliar with. Though this may be true for everyone, non-native speakers always have more room for improvement.
While having English as a second language can present many difficulties, here are a few ways to take full advantage of your bi- or multilingualism. Even if English is your first language, and you’ve picked up new ones along the way, or if you’re a native speaker of more than one language, these are some great ways to make the most of your capabilities:
1. Make the best of both worlds
Each country has its specialties and unique areas of expertise, and the ability to speak two languages gives you access to double the resources. Don’t limit yourself by trying to adhere to one way of thinking. Let your different experiences make you more flexible. Take what you need from each side and be creative!
2. Take advantage of your first language
The most prominent and well-studied of the differences language can make in one’s studies is the use of language in mathematics. Although controversy exists about such arguments, personal experience suggests that mental calculations and memorization are much easier in Chinese than in English, for reasons that Gladwell explains in his book. Regardless of whether certain languages really make you better at math, if you find that your language makes any subject a little easier, you can definitely use that to your advantage. Outside of math, many languages can be useful for practical reasons, such as German, if you are interested in philosophy, or French, if you are interested in art or fashion.
3. Teach others
Teaching is the best way to learn, and you are in the unique position of being able to help those who need it the most. This will not only help you look at familiar concepts in a new light and gain more comprehensive understanding, but can also be a good way to earn a few extra bucks.
4. Widen your perspective
Learn about the culture and history that each of your languages stems from. The world takes many shapes and forms in the eyes of different people, and speaking more than one language makes understanding these different perspectives so much easier. Some of these perspectives can be embedded in the language itself, and some are accessible through the language. Listen, read and learn as much as you can.
5. Learn about the benefits
Bilingualism can do many things to your brain, and regardless of when you acquire your second language, these changes will benefit you. Benefits can include better focus and ability to switch between tasks, increased empathy and protection against dementia.
6. Learn a new language
If you became fluent in more than one language as a baby or at a very young age, research shows that you not only learn new languages faster, but have quicker and better mastery of those initial languages. If you learned a second language later in life, the effects may vary, but you can still learn from your previous experience. Conscious knowledge of grammar and language structure, which you acquire when studying your first foreign language, can make things easier as well.
7. Have fun with it!
Play around with your two languages, especially when you’re around fellow bilinguals. You can switch randomly between languages or mix and match word meanings, pronunciations, grammar and more. This isn’t just fun, but can also make learning and memorization more interesting. Take charge and be confident when your language skills are required. Be proud! Your accent is beautiful. It is proof of your hard work a hallmark of your unique background and abilities.
Finally, here’s a reminder that it’s never too late to learn a second language! Whether you’re learning English or Pirahã or Klingon, a new language is sure to open you up to a whole new world of possibilities.
What are some ways you’ve benefited from speaking more than one language?
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