I recently read an article with the above title in the New York Times – sent to me by my sister who is an instructor of young children in California in a “dual immersion” Spanish/English school. The article is a must read and wake-up call to our American-centric culture that for too long has under-emphasized the role of other languages. As Tom Friedman has pointed out, “The World is Flat” and as Jim O’Neill (BRICs and “The Growth Map”) has pointed out, the future of economic growth is multinational.
As the author of the article points out, research proves increases in mental acuity as well as other mental-health benefits of bilingualism. As many have said, language is the door to understanding culture and concepts that are foreign in one culture reveal themselves through language, food and the arts.
In business, finding growth is the name of the game – and one would think that the “Great Recession” would underscore the need to open our minds and budgets to a new reality where American business growth relies increasingly on spending by people from diverse cultures. Some are still in denial but the “smarter” ones are taking this to the bank.
An interesting twist to my sister’s (the instructor in the dual immersion school) story is that – contrary to her initial thinking that Spanish-dependent households would be the first to enroll in the dual immersion school – an over-abundance of well-educated non-Hispanic families jumped at the opportunity to broaden their childrens’ perspectives and thereby gain further intellectual (and mental health) advantages.
Someday, we’ll probably look back and wonder why it took so long for us to act upon what is so clear and sensible…hopefully before our national economy loses too much competitiveness relative to the rest of the non-English speaking world.
Reference: Why Bilinguals are Smarter, Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New York Times, March 17, 2012
Cesar Melgoza
Founder and CEO
Geoscape
Do you have an opinion or viewpoint on this subject? Please leave a comment.
Gracias por compartir tan importante articulo, así como también tus comentarios sobre el mismo estimado César!
I am planning on sharing it through my network–including your comments.
Couldn’t agree more, Cesar! Very well put.
I am a gringa that learned Spanish later in life before going into the Peace Corps to serve in Guatemala, and have benefitted greatly from my bilingual skills both personally and professionally.
I’m married to a Venezuelan and our kids have also gone to an immersion program and we have only spoken Spanish to them and read many Spanish-language books with them since birth. They are completely proficient in both languages and we’ve seen how it has helped them in math, music and reading / vocabulary in English too.
I’ve shared your blog in our Bilingual Families group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/124930047524735/) and look forward to having the opportunity to meet you in person in the future.
Saludos,
Carla Briceno
Bixal
http://www.bixal.com
Fantastic article which I had read before you pointed it out. Yes, what is taking this country so long? There are languages all around us as a nation of immigrants. If any country should “get” the advantage of bilingualism (or multi-cultural competency) WE should.
Thanks for shining the light on this important issue.
I agree, and it’s good to hear this backed up by your sister’s experience.
In 1 sentence you’ve summed this up very succinctly: As many have said, language is the door to understanding culture and concepts that are foreign in one culture reveal themselves through language, food and the arts.
Very well laid out food for thought; for people of any language.
That is exactly what my wife and I have thought since we got here 6 years ago. It is a pity that people with cultural and educational disadvantages don’t see the chances they deny their children by not exposing them to this type of environments….and by not making the most out of their situation through these opportunities. Social programs should focus on creating awareness.
Saludos
Hi Cesar.
Hope this notes finds you well and prospering. Thanks for your missive on “why bilinguals are smarter.” Might I add, from my married experience they are better looking too! Best.GP.
Yes! Bilingual programs are simply the first step in the US to truly globally-minded curricula. It’s the guiding light that’s propelled me to leave broadcasting and seek a career in education!
I intended to compose you a bit of note in order to give many thanks again about the amazing advice you’ve contributed above. It’s generous of people like you giving easily all a few individuals could have advertised as an e-book in making some bucks for their own end, and in particular considering that you could have done it if you considered necessary. The advice additionally acted as a easy way to be aware that many people have a similar desire just as mine to figure out a good deal more around this condition. Certainly there are a lot more enjoyable instances ahead for folks who browse through your blog.
I love the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, fantastic site!
I take pleasure in, lead to I found just what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some good points , I likewise believe this s a very good website.
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. Cheers
I’ve been looking for this exact information on this subject for a long time. Bookmarked and recommended!
Compliments for this post, I am glad I noticed this website on yahoo.
You have lots of useful pointers on this site. This is a well written article that I have bookmarked for future reading.
I really enjoy the blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.
As an early childhood educator looking to change careers and had back to school for global marketing your insight and thoughts are appreciated. Keep up the good work! I cant wait to read more!
Completamente de acuerdo con lo que dice en su blog, Mr. Melgoza
Estare esperando su blog este viernes desde Arizona. Muy importante!!!
Un gran abrazo,