10 Fascinating Facts About Being Bilingual

Being bilingual has its many benefits, from being able to communicate with a wider range of people to being able to think on your feet and navigate complex situations. To get your 9 - 12 year old interested in becoming bilingual, here are 10 interesting facts about bilingualism that might just spark their interest! 1. Bilinguals actually activate both languages in their brains when they speak. This means that when they switch between languages, their brains are able to switch quickly and easily between two different sets of mental processes, making them more flexible and creative thinkers. 2. Bilinguals are better at multitasking. Because they need to constantly switch between two languages, they become more accustomed to multitasking and can handle multiple tasks at once.

3. Being bilingual actually has a positive impact on your memory. Bilinguals are used to juggling two different languages, so they also develop a better ability to remember things. 4. Bilinguals are better at problem-solving. By learning two different languages, bilinguals can think about the same problem from two different angles and come to creative solutions more quickly. 5. Bilinguals have greater empathy. Bilinguals are used to seeing the world from two different perspectives, so they are more understanding and empathetic towards people from other backgrounds. 6. Bilinguals have better decision-making skills. Learning two languages allows bilinguals to see both sides of an argument and weigh the pros and cons of different options when making decisions. 7. Bilinguals are better at recognizing non-verbal cues. By speaking two languages, bilinguals become more aware of how non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can affect communication. 8. Bilinguals have a larger vocabulary. Learning two languages means that bilinguals can communicate more effectively and express themselves more creatively. 9. Bilinguals can find jobs more easily. Speaking two languages makes bilinguals more attractive as potential employees, so they have a better chance of getting hired. 10. Bilinguals live more interesting lives. By being able to communicate with more people, bilinguals can travel more, experience different cultures, and make friends from all around the world. Being bilingual is a great skill to have, and these 10 facts about bilingualism should be enough to convince your 9 - 12 year old to start learning a new language!