What are the advantages of being bilingual in today’s society?

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A new cellphone, better than last year’s obsolete grotesque thing, is introduced to us every spring and the common thought that it is an obligation to buy this marvelous device like none before just shows how our priorities have changed through the decades. The development of this little ringing object, that now runs our lives, is one of the technological breakthroughs that we can say is responsible for the shrinking of the Earth, alongside the internet, of course. Now that we can know what is happening at the other side of the world, as far as it may be, at the very same time that it is happening, it is clear that the advantages of being bilingual are real.

            Speaking another language can open many doors if you want to change jobs or be promoted, since being bilingual is a quality that not everybody has. Many corporations would rather employ a person with a multi-cultural experience because they have a tendency to be more adaptable and better in teamwork. Besides that, depending on where you work or want to work, speaking a different language may be essential for a certain position at the firm.

            The facility to communicate and relate with other individuals promoted by a second language is usually proved when travelling to other countries. Bilingual people tend to make friends more easily than people who can’t speak another language due the fact that they are able to communicate and express exactly what they want. Withal, language learning tends to initiate cultural understanding, leading to better first contact with people from other countries – since there will be familiarity with social boundaries and the local notion of respect.

The fact is, if you want to discover the world and its great cultures, you should start by learning another language. English is as good a choice as any, because its use is widespread across the globe. Nevertheless, you can always go with the classical ones, such as French, Spanish or Japanese – it all depends on your goal.

Being bilingual is a great idea whether you are thinking of traveling, upgrading your curriculum or making new friends from different cultures. So if you have a chance to learn another language, go for it and enjoy its many advantages!

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