You may seen articles recently about the numerous benefits of bilingualism in all ages of people. Research continues to produce more and more information concluding that there are numerous advantages for those who pick up at least a second language. After all, our competitors in the world are bilingual for the most part, if not multilingual.
If you have not seen any of the newer studies, search for them. Some of the advantages include lower rates of mental decline in the later years of life, as well as better executive functioning in the brain in the very early years. Young children that speak more than one language seem to be able to multi-task with greater ease than those who are monolingual. They are also able to sort and respond to questions and problem solving situations quicker than monolinguals.
If you have not seen any of the newer studies, search for them. Some of the advantages include lower rates of mental decline in the later years of life, as well as better executive functioning in the brain in the very early years. Young children that speak more than one language seem to be able to multi-task with greater ease than those who are monolingual. They are also able to sort and respond to questions and problem solving situations quicker than monolinguals.
So, the next question is, how does one become bilingual? Different sources offer different strategies to achieve the goal of bilingualism. There are a number of things to consider if you really want to speak another language, and it might be worth looking at what it takes, and asking yourself if you can commit to the task of becoming bilingual. The best way to learn another language is, undoubtedly, to move the place where the main population speaks the language you are working to learn. Other than moving, which isn't possible for all people, it is important to look at as many avenues as possible that are available to learn the language: classes, tutoring, speaking groups, eating at restaurants, reading magazines, listening to music, and watching movies in the second language, attending events offered to the public in the target language, the options are actually endless.
First and foremost, one must commit to learning the language. It is a long term commitment with long term benefits, it takes patience and dedication. Once you have commited, like any other commitment, you will need to invest time, and possibly a bit of money, though it can be minimal, with the use of the library and maximizing free community resources. We live in an area with one of the best library systems in the country. This allows us access to rich resources of bilingual books, magazines, music, movies, story times in other languages, and free cultural events sponsored by the library system within King County. We live in an area, with a high Latin American population offering great authentic experiences and cuisine to those who are willing to seek it out.
Once you have commited to learning a second language you will need to decide the main route by which you are going to learn the language: classes, private tutoring, immersion learning here or abroad, Rosetta-Stone, or perhaps another on-line program. Then, spend a minimum of fifteen to thirty minutes a day immersed in the language, watching something, listening to music, practicing vocabulary, looking at ads in the target language, or any other activity one chooses. It is suggested to spend a great amount of time listening. Listening to native speakers, listening to music, listening to the sounds and inflections of the language, just like a baby does while learning a language, and noting mentally, the different and new sounds.
Take notes regularly of new words you encounter in the learning language and look up their meaning in the dictionary. Try to learn three new words a day. Some recent studies state that it takes 50,000 words to be bilingual. Be patient, have fun finding new things, trying new foods, meeting new people, and you will open up your brain and a new world of experiences. To find out more about being bilingual, follow our blog at lux-language.com or like us on Facebook at Lux Language Partners!
