The benefits of learning a second language

In our highly connected world, cultural diversity is more prominent than ever; therefore, bilingualism is becoming more common. Learning and knowing a second language is highly beneficial for obvious social and professional reasons, but not only that. Research has shown that being bilingual offers significant cognitive benefits. Learning two languages expands your way of thinking and enhances brain function. 

Improvement in problem-solving skills 

Inhibitory control, meaning focusing on relevant aspects of a situation, is often more developed in bilingual people. The capacity to manage between two languages, deciding which one to use depending on the situation, e.g., in a personal or professional context, allows bilinguals to strengthen their ability to ignore irrelevant information and maintain focus. 

One example of this is demonstrated via the Stroop Task, a mental test to measure the ability to manage interference. The test entails colored boxes with the name of a color written in them, but the color named does not always match the color of the box. The task is to name the color of the ink, not the word written in it. Bilingual people have shown more skills in that test than monolingual people. This study exemplifies how bilinguals often perform better on tasks that require conflict management.

Creativity

Speaking two or more languages fuels imagination and innovation. Divergent thinking—that is, thinking outside the box—is at the heart of creativity. 

The ability to switch from one language to another can be compared to a gymnastics lesson: processing different vocabularies, grammatical structures, and much more. Your mental flexibility is significantly developed when you jump from one language to another. 

Thanks to this flexibility, bilingual individuals show a remarkable ability to find multiple solutions to a problem. 

Samuel Beckett, the famous Irish novelist, wrote in French and English to explore different modes of expression. Playing with the languages allowed him to be more creative. 

Enhanced Memory

The great news is that bilingualism also improves memory. Bilingual individuals must remember each language's vocabulary, grammar rules, and cultural nuances. If you think of bilingualism as a sport, this training improves memory in other areas of life, from remembering a history lesson to your grocery list.   

Increased Cultural Awareness 

When learning a language, you don't just learn vocabulary and grammar; you learn about a culture and a way of life through its expressions. Choosing a specific language to learn is often a way to deepen your understanding of a culture, its social customs, and ways of thinking. 

In a world full of diversity, studies show that being bilingual increases a student's capacity to collaborate with peers from different backgrounds, which can help generate new ideas and inspire creative solutions to problems. 

At HIM, we know the value of being multilingual and pride ourselves on a diverse student body where English is often not the native language. HIM also integrates language study into the curriculum. Students choose to study French, German, or Spanish alongside their business courses. This enriches the student experience and contributes to both student life in Switzerland and academic discussions in class, making our campus a genuinely multilingual and global environment.

It's never too late to learn another language. We encourage you to immerse yourself in multiple languages to experience the world! 

By Meryl Sammarcelli, HIM Lecturer