Physiological studies have found that the brains of individuals who speak two or more languages operate differently and better than those who speak only one language. Many of these attributes are only apparent in people who speak multiple languages regularly; therefore, if an adult hasn’t spoken another language in several years, the brain may not benefit. Regardless, people who begin language study in their adult lives can still achieve the same fluency as young learners and still enjoy the same mental benefits, too.

Multilingual people possess:

1. Greater Intelligence 

Speaking a second language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise and communicate in different language systems. This skill boosts your ability to perform other problem-solving tasks as well. Students who study foreign languages tend to score better on standardised tests than their monolingual peers, particularly in maths, reading, and vocabulary.

2. Increased Multitasking Ability

Multilingual people, especially children, are skilled at switching between two systems of speech, writing and structure. This skill makes them good multitaskers as they can easily balance and switch between different activities.

3. Better Memory

Educators often compare the brain to a muscle because it functions better with exercise. Learning a language involves memorising rules and vocabulary, which achieves that exercise and improves overall memory. It has been shown that bilinguals are better at retaining shopping lists, names, and directions.

4. Insightfulness

Multilingual people are better at not only observing their surroundings but at focusing on what’s relevant and editing out what’s not important. This can increase their abilities to spot misleading information. No wonder Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot were fluent in multiple languages!

5. Greater Decision-Making Skills

Any language contains nuance and subtle implications in its vocabulary, which can subconsciously influence judgment. Bilingual individuals are more confident with their choices and tend to make more rational decisions.

6. Enhanced Language Skills (Speaking, Writing, Listening)

Learning a foreign language draws focus to the mechanics: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. This makes you more aware of language and how it can be structured and manipulated. These skills can make you a more effective communicator, a sharper editor and a writer. Further, those who speak 2+ languages develop a better ear for listening since they’re skilled at distinguishing meaning from discrete sounds.