According to a recent study by the British Council, speaking more than one language fluently has many cognitive benefits. In this post, we look at the main benefits of being multilingual.
It has been estimated that more than half the world's population uses two or more languages daily. In 2012, a Eurobarometer survey established that just over half of Europeans (54%) are bilingual.
You may already have started to learn a new language, or perhaps you are considering starting a course. If so, it may certainly benefit you in the longer term.
What are the benefits of being bilingual?
If you are bilingual, you will be skilled at handling two languages simultaneously. This ability develops cognitive responsiveness, such as switching attention and working memory. Being bilingual means that you will already be familiar with the process of switching between two languages.
Studies also show that multilingual people also have a higher density of grey matter. Being bilingual is particularly beneficial for older people, as this can lead to better-maintained white matter in the brain.
Learning a new language requires stimulating mental activity, which can also help maintain cognitive functions. Studies have shown that this can delay the onset of symptoms in people who have been diagnosed with dementia, often by as much as five years.
Evidence suggests that the benefits of being multilingual are wide and in a range of ways. It is also worth remembering that developing additional language skills can benefit you both socially and economically.
Does Oxbridge offer language courses?
Yes! Oxbridge offers a selection of language courses, including:
English is my second language. Does Oxbridge offer any language courses for beginners?
If your second language is English, you may wish to study our Oxbridge Basic (Level 1) English Functional Skills distance learning course. This will further develop the language skills you may already be using daily and enable you to better understand the principles and practice of written and spoken English. If you are already on track but feel you need a little extra help from an expert tutor, you should consider our Intermediate (Level 2) English Functional Skills course.
Both English courses are ideal for individuals who want to develop and enhance their English skills. They can be studied individually or sequentially.