The advantages of bilingualism

The advantages of bilingualism

 

By Lee Hyon-soo

 

In today’s interconnected world, being bilingual is more than just a useful skill—it is a powerful asset that can shape a person’s academic, professional, and personal life. Speaking two languages opens doors to new opportunities and strengthens the brain in ways that go far beyond communication. The advantages of bilingualism can be seen in cognitive development, cultural awareness, career success, and social relationships. Let me elaborate.

 

Bilingualism improves brain function. People who use two languages tend to exercise their memory, attention, and problem-solving skills more often than monolingual speakers. Switching between languages trains the brain to focus and think flexibly. Studies show that bilingual individuals are better at multitasking and may even experience slower cognitive decline with age.

 

Bilingualism also offers a deeper understanding of cultures. Language is closely tied to traditions, values, and ways of thinking. Knowing another language allows one to connect with people from different backgrounds and appreciate diverse perspectives. This awareness encourages tolerance and empathy, which are essential in multicultural societies. It also enriches travel experiences and builds meaningful global connections.

 

Another major advantage is the boost it gives to career opportunities. In industries such as business, education, tourism, and diplomacy, employers value employees who can communicate with international clients or colleagues. Being bilingual can make one stand out in a competitive job market and expand opportunities abroad. In some cases, it is the key to jobs that would otherwise be unavailable.

 

Finally, speaking two languages strengthens personal and social relationships. Bilingual individuals can communicate with a wider range of people from other countries.

 

In short, the advantages of being bilingual reach far beyond the ability to speak two languages. It sharpens the mind, expands cultural understanding, improves career prospects, and builds stronger relationships. As the world continues to grow more connected, bilingualism becomes not just a benefit, but a valuable skill for success in modern life.

 

Based on my own experience, I would like to demonstrate that the advantages of being bilingual are real. Let me start by explaining how I learned English. I worked hard to learn English through middle and high school in Seoul. But my English lessons were focused on grammar and reading comprehension, while spoken English was completely ignored. The result was that I was unable to carry out simple conversations in English after I graduated from high school.

 

Determined to become proficient in English, I chose to enroll in a college in Seoul that had many American professors and instructors on the faculty. I took many English courses taught by native speakers and eagerly sought opportunities to practice speaking English with them on a one-on-one basis. My four years of hard work paid off. When I graduated from college, I could be considered bilingual.

 

My bilingualism enabled me to land a job with an American bank doing business in Korea. With the experience I gained there, I later moved to Canada and became a full-fledged international banker. While working for a major Canadian bank in Toronto, I worked several stints over the years in Singapore, Japan and Korea. Clearly, I could never have become an international banker if I had spoken only Korean.

 

Lee Hyon-soo (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is a retired international banker based in Toronto, Canada and the author of “Tales of A Modern-day Nomad” published in the United States, among other books.

 

(The above essay was published in the recent issue of The Korea Times.)