― Frank Smith

Out of more than 7,000 different languages existing today, most of the world (3.5 billion) speaks at least two and if you are one of them, you are undoubtedly experiencing the benefits of being bilingual or even multilingual not only in your personal life but in today’s society as a whole. But, what are some of these benefits?

Cognitive
In a way, knowing and speaking more than one language does make you smarter. Studies suggest that bilinguals and multilinguals have heightened focus, multi-tasking skill, and cognitive functioning when compared to monolinguals. People who have learned foreign languages have also been shown to possess a deeper awareness of language and to have a delayed onset of mental dexterity loss caused by age, such as dementia.

Social and Cultural
Another upside of speaking more than one language is a boost in your social life. After all, saying that you’re bilingual or multilingual can effectively serve as a conversation starter especially for strangers. A greater cultural experience can also be expected from being able to better appreciate another country’s customs and its nuances. Aside from that, going abroad becomes a breeze as well as more immersive since you are able to interact with the locals using their native tongue.

Professional
One of the biggest benefits of being multilingual is the set of career opportunities that open up to you. It gives you the chance to be employed for different positions and receive overall better pay when compared to monolinguals.

Sources:

http://www.gli.northwestern.edu/learn-languages/benefits-of-multilingualism/

http://www.multilingualliving.com/2010/05/01/the-benefits-of-multilingualism/

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/news/a43469/benefits-of-being-bilingual/