The Importance of Bilingual Education in a Multi-Cultural Society Like Australia

If you are living or working in a multilingual country like Australia, you will almost certainly have to communicate with people who do not speak your native tongue at some point. Knowing a few common phrases in other languages can make a huge difference in your journey in life - be it professionally or personally. 

Being bilingual increases your brain function and earning potential, but does even more beyond these big opportunities. In this article, we cover how you can improve several aspects of your life, just by embracing the importance of bilingual education.

Here's why bilingual education is so important

Bilingual education helps society to open up their minds and embrace other cultures. It unites us when we need it most, and helps us to accept one another, no matter where in the world we are.

For students, the importance of bilingual language also comes down to increasing curiosity and questioning the world around them. It welcomes new ideas and thoughts, and opens up pathways to other ways of living that may have otherwise gone undiscovered.

Additionally, learning a second language is one of the best ways to keep our minds healthy, allowing us to think critically and problem solve, processing information in a whole different way. 

But if that's not enough, here are a few more benefits of being bilingual in today's society.

Improve Brain Functionality

Learning a second language not only improves your I.Q. overall, but it also increases your brainpower by making your mind work harder. This causes your brain to get stronger by using critical thinking and processing techniques that are responsible for sharpening your mind.

Your brain works better when it is challenged, so bilingual education becomes even more important when you're looking to improve your memory or ability to concentrate.

Become More Open-Minded Life

If you only know how to speak one language, you will be limited to your own cultural perspective. This can limit your opportunities for learning new things or your ability to understand how others live and operate.

The importance of bilingual education only continues to solidify itself into our modern society, as we look to better understand other countries and their values. When you're able to speak another language, you're also able to access the thoughts and ideas of other cultures. You will begin to understand different perspectives and find that your mind is more open to how others lead their lives - and that's a powerful skill to have.

In a society like Australia where multi-cultural communities are abundant, having this ability to explore each other's backgrounds with respect and knowledge is vital. As the world continues to evolve, this will only become more important. Are you ready to embrace your multi-cultural pathways?

Open Up New Career Pathways

When you know how to communicate in multiple languages, it opens up a world of new career options on a global scale. For example, if you want to be an English teacher, but you also know how to speak Spanish and German, there are obviously more pathways open to you.

There are lots of jobs like this, too - i.e. if you have the ability to communicate in multiple languages, you can teach in Japan where 80% of the population can't speak English. You could also work as an interpreter or a translator for people who do not speak your native tongue. Lastly, you could even work as a tour guide in Paris or Rome, or open your own business and start a translation agency.

There are so many options when you are bilingual, and that's a wonderful way to live. 

Being Bilingual Can Help You Earn More

According to a study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), workers with two or more foreign languages were three times more likely to have a high income than workers with only one language. This is true even after controlling for factors like education, gender, age and experience.

In today's global marketplace, having this kind of skill on hand is incredibly attractive. On a personal and professional level, you're able to communicate effectively in multiple languages.

This is an absolute requirement for anyone who wants to work in a senior level position in any field. Being able to communicate in a second language will also give you an instant edge over your competitors who are limited to communicating in their own native tongue. Additionally, it shows potential employers that you're able to learn and adapt to new schools of thought or skills - which is always a good thing.

Ready to learn a new language?

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