The LIFE-CHANGING Benefits of Being Bilingual (Why YOU Should Learn a Language RIGHT NOW)

Summary

In this video, Cole emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of learning a second language, from enhancing cognitive abilities and cultural immersion to improving job prospects and social life. He dispels the myth of time commitment, asserting that even short daily practice can lead to progress. Cole also highlights the allure of bilingualism, suggesting it makes individuals more attractive and intelligent in the eyes of others. The script concludes by encouraging viewers to embrace language learning as a journey of personal growth and cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful world.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Learning a second language is beneficial for cognitive functions, including multitasking, decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and memory, and it can delay cognitive aging effects.
• 🌏 Bilingualism exposes individuals to different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, broadening their understanding of the world and its people.
• 💬 Speaking another language can make travel more enriching, allowing for deeper connections and experiences without the need for guided tours or language barriers.
• 💼 Language skills can enhance job market competitiveness, as global demand for multilingual individuals is on the rise.
• ⏳ Contrary to common belief, learning a language does not require a massive time commitment; progress can be made with as little as five to ten minutes a day.
• 💖 Bilingualism can make individuals more attractive and intelligent in the eyes of others, according to a survey by Rocket Languages.
• 🤝 Speaking another language can improve social interactions, as it creates a positive emotional response and can lead to lasting friendships.
• 👂 Bilinguals have the unique ability to understand or eavesdrop on conversations in other languages, which can be both entertaining and informative.
• 🌈 Scientific research suggests that bilingual people may perceive color variations differently than monolinguals, offering a unique perspective on the world.
• 🔄 Learning a language teaches the importance of making mistakes and developing a growth mindset, which is crucial for personal and professional development.
• 🌐 Language learning is a personal journey that can lead to unknown benefits and a greater understanding of oneself and the world.
• 🌟 By learning languages, individuals contribute to cultural understanding and potentially world peace, making it a profoundly impactful pursuit.

Q & A

Why is learning a second language beneficial for the brain?

Learning a second language positively impacts multitasking, decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and memory. It also slows down the aging process of the brain, delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's by up to five to eight years.

How does bilingualism expose you to different perspectives and cultures?

Bilingualism immerses you in another culture, exposing you to different perspectives, customs, ideas, history, literature, arts, and interactions with a new population of people.

How can knowing a local language make travel more fulfilling and cost-effective?

Knowing the local language eliminates the need for guided tours and other language-dependent services, allowing you to explore and understand the country like a local and connect with people from all over.

What is the impact of multilingualism on job market competitiveness?

In a globalized and interconnected world, there is a rising demand for people who speak multiple languages, making multilingual individuals more competitive in the job market.

Is learning a language a huge time commitment?

No, learning a language is not a huge time commitment. Progress can be made with as little as five to ten minutes a day, and the pace can be adjusted according to personal preference.

How does speaking a second language affect attractiveness and intelligence perception?

A survey by Rocket Languages showed that 79% of participants found someone who spoke a second language more attractive, and 77% perceived bilinguals to be more intelligent.

How can learning a language improve your social life?

Speaking someone's native language can create a positive emotional connection, leading to lasting impacts on their perception of you and potentially fostering new friendships.

What is the unique advantage bilingual people have in perceiving color variations?

Bilingual people can perceive differences in color variations that monolinguals do not, offering a unique advantage in visual perception.

How does learning a language teach you to embrace mistakes and develop a growth mindset?

Learning a language requires making mistakes, which helps develop a growth mindset by recognizing that it's okay to make mistakes and that they are beneficial for personal improvement.

What is the personal journey of learning a language and its potential benefits?

Learning a language is a personal journey that can be incredibly beneficial, rewarding, and fulfilling. It also contributes to mutual understanding between cultures and potentially world peace.

What options does learning a language provide in life?

Learning a language provides options by not only expanding your vocabulary and linguistic abilities but also enriching your life experiences and interactions with others.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

The paragraph discusses the multifaceted benefits of being bilingual. It emphasizes the cognitive advantages, such as improved multitasking, decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and memory. Learning a language is also portrayed as a means to slow down the brain's aging process, potentially delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's by five to eight years. Cultural immersion is highlighted as a natural byproduct of language learning, exposing individuals to new perspectives, customs, and ideas, and expanding their social circles. The paragraph also touches on the practical benefits of language learning for travel, making it more affordable and enriching by eliminating the need for guided tours and allowing for deeper cultural connections. Moreover, the speaker mentions the competitive edge bilingualism provides in the job market due to increasing globalization and the demand for multilingual individuals. The myth of language learning being a significant time commitment is debunked, suggesting that even short daily study sessions can lead to progress. Lastly, the paragraph hints at the social attractiveness attributed to bilinguals, as suggested by a survey indicating that they are perceived as more intelligent and attractive.

05:01

🌈 The Transformative Power of Language Learning

This paragraph delves into the less-obvious benefits of learning a new language. It suggests that bilingual individuals may perceive the world differently, with scientific research indicating that they can discern color variations that monolinguals cannot. The paragraph also addresses the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process, which is a skill that can translate into a growth mindset applicable in various life aspects. The personal journey of language learning is framed as an enlightening experience that can lead to self-improvement and a broader understanding of one's own capabilities. The speaker also emphasizes the role of language learning in fostering mutual cultural understanding, indirectly contributing to world peace. The paragraph concludes by reinforcing the idea that learning a language offers a wealth of opportunities and personal development, and encourages those who are hesitant to engage in the process, offering support in dispelling any doubts or fears they may have.

Keywords

💡Bilingual

Bilingual refers to the ability to speak two languages fluently. In the video, the term is used to describe the benefits of being able to communicate in more than one language, such as improved cognitive abilities, cultural exposure, and social advantages. The script mentions that being bilingual can enhance multitasking, decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.

💡Cognitive Benefits

Cognitive benefits refer to the positive effects on mental processes and abilities. The video script highlights that learning a second language can improve memory, problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline like dementia and Alzheimer's by up to five to eight years.

💡Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion is the process of being fully involved in a culture other than one's own. The script discusses how learning a language immerses an individual in another culture, exposing them to different perspectives, customs, and ideas, which can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world.

💡Travel

In the context of the video, travel refers to the ease and depth of experience one can have when visiting foreign countries. The script mentions that knowing the local language can make travel more affordable and enriching, allowing one to explore like a local and connect with people from all over the world.

💡Job Market

The job market is the arena where employers and job seekers interact. The video script points out that being bilingual can make one more competitive in the job market due to the increasing demand for multilingual individuals in a globalized world.

💡Time Commitment

Time commitment refers to the amount of time one needs to dedicate to an activity. The video script debunks the myth that learning a language requires a huge time commitment, suggesting that even 5 to 10 minutes a day can lead to progress and results.

💡Attractiveness

In the video, attractiveness is discussed in relation to the perception of bilingual individuals. A survey mentioned in the script indicates that a majority of participants find someone who speaks a second language more attractive and intelligent than someone who does not.

💡Social Life

Social life pertains to the interactions and relationships one has with others. The script explains that learning a language can improve one's social life by allowing for deeper connections with people when speaking their native language, which can lead to lasting friendships.

💡Eavesdropping

Eavesdropping, in the context of the video, refers to the ability to understand conversations in other languages. The script shares personal experiences where the speaker has been privy to both positive and negative remarks due to their understanding of the language being spoken.

💡Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that one's abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. The video script emphasizes that learning a language teaches individuals that it's okay to make mistakes, fostering a growth mindset and the understanding that improvement is always possible.

💡World Peace

World peace, in the script, is metaphorically linked to the learning of languages. By creating mutual understanding between cultures through language learning, individuals contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

💡Options

Options, in the context of the video, represent the range of opportunities and choices that learning a language can provide. The script concludes by stating that learning languages offers more than just linguistic knowledge; it opens up a journey of personal growth and cultural connection.

Highlights

Learning a second language has a positive impact on cognitive abilities such as multitasking, decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and memory.

Bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's by five to eight years.

Language learning immerses you in another culture, exposing you to different perspectives, customs, and ideas.

Knowing a local language can make travel more affordable and enriching by avoiding the need for guided tours and enabling deeper cultural interaction.

Being bilingual makes you more competitive in the job market due to the increasing demand for multilingual individuals in a globalized world.

Learning a language does not require a huge time commitment; progress can be made with as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day.

Speaking a second language is perceived as more attractive and intelligent according to a survey by Rocket Languages.

Language learning can improve your social life by creating positive connections when speaking someone's native language.

Bilinguals can understand or eavesdrop on conversations in other languages, providing unique insights and opportunities.

Learning a language opens up access to content in other languages, expanding your knowledge and cultural understanding.

Bilingual people may perceive color variations differently, offering a unique perspective on the world.

Language learning teaches the importance of making mistakes and developing a growth mindset for continuous improvement.

The process of learning a language is a personal journey that can lead to unknown benefits and a rewarding experience.

Learning languages contributes to world peace by fostering mutual understanding between cultures.

Language learning provides options and opportunities, making you a better person and positively impacting those around you.

The journey of language learning is enriching and fulfilling, with no regrets from those who have embarked on it.

Transcripts

why should you learn a second language

what are the benefits to even

being bilingual anyway and how and where

exactly is it going to help you

the answer is in every single aspect of

your life

let's talk about that what's up you guys

it's cole here i'm wearing the same

shirt that i wore in wednesday's video

but

don't worry about that after studying

languages for several years i've noticed

so many benefits and changes that have

been made

in all aspects of my life and today i

just wanted to share with you guys just

a few of them there's a lot to cover

here so let's get right into it

the first thing is learning a language

is fantastic for your brain

learning a language has a direct

positive impact on things like your

ability to multitask or make decisions

and it even helps to improve things like

problem solving your creativity in

general and

even your memory it also slows down

the aging process of your brain or

rather it slows the effects

of old age it delays the onset of things

by dementia and alzheimer's by

as many as five to eight years allowing

you to live a longer and more fulfilling

life

it also whether you like it or not

immerses you in another culture

and this in itself will expose you to

different perspectives

customs and ideas not to mention this

entire new population of people that you

will now be able to interact with

if you learn their language and that

doesn't just go for the people but also

for their history their literature

their arts and everything else that has

to do with society

it'll also make travel easier cheaper

and more fulfilling

because if we are fortunate enough to be

able to travel to other countries

then we'll usually end up spending a

little bit more money on things like

guided tours

or anything else that'll help us get

around especially if we're not familiar

with the local language

so by learning the local language you

are eliminating all that

and you'll be able to explore and

understand the country

like a local would you'll be able to

connect with people from

all over and go off the beaten path

which you can definitely take my word

for it

is the best way to go now i don't

usually mention things that have

anything to do with money when talking

about languages

but i would be absolutely remiss if i

didn't mention that learning a language

will make you way more competitive in

the job market

because as the world becomes more

globalized and interconnected there will

always be a rising demand for people

that speak

multiple languages and nowadays in 2020

with

the majority of the world's population

speaking at least one other language

it will simply be one thing against you

when it comes to applying for jobs

are you guys ready because i'm about to

debunk a huge myth

learning the language is not a huge time

commitment

you don't have to study one two three

four hours a day to see results

you can take it at your own pace and do

things that you like to learn the

language with as little as

five to ten minutes a day sure you'll

progress

faster if you spend more time on it but

the language will always be there

when you want to study it they're

incredibly loyal in that regard

everyone has 10 minutes a day to learn

something that will change their life

forever

so if you're getting all worked up

thinking about all the time that you

will be spending learning new language

think again because it's not really that

much it's

allegedly makes you more attractive

a survey done by rocket languages showed

that 79

of participants thought that someone who

spoke a second language was more

attractive than someone who didn't

and also 77 of them said that they

perceive bilinguals to be more

intelligent

so if you already know a second third or

whatever language

take that as you will learning a

language will also improve your social

life

not that you're awkward or anything or

if you are that's necessarily a bad

thing

because it's not we're all different but

no matter who it is the person you're

talking to will immediately

open up when you start speaking their

native language

because we have all these memories and

positive emotions that we associate with

our own language so

when someone brings it up in an everyday

conversation when it's not expected that

can leave a lasting

impact on that person's perception of

you and lead to a lot of really great

friendships

i can't even tell you how many friends

i've made after just saying a couple

words in their native language

after i recognize their accent now for

one of my favorites

you can understand or eavesdrop on

conversations in other languages

i've talked about this in other videos

but essentially i've been in a lot of

situations where

one or a group of people have spoken a

language in front of me

that they didn't think i would

understand and i've been on the

receiving end of both really positive

remarks and

more negative ones but that's okay

because either way

in this case you'll be able to either

snap back or meet someone learn

something

new or maybe even make a new friend who

knows now even though over half

of all the content on the internet is in

english at this point

there are some absolute gems in other

languages

even right here on youtube there are

tons of absolutely amazing

and incredibly inspiring people on

youtube that speak

other languages so just think about all

the stuff that you'll be able to

discover

on the internet once you learn a new

language alright now i got one that i

bet you

never heard before scientific research

has been done to suggest that bilingual

people

literally see the world differently

like with your eyes this research has

conclusively shown that people who

regularly speak a second language

perceive differences in color variations

that monolinguals

simply do not how's that for getting

your mind blown

now i don't know exactly how big of an

advantage this

is admittedly but if you had the option

of seeing more colors or not why would

you ever say no

now you can finally be more helpful in

talking about interior decorating with

your girlfriend or wife or whatever

blue is blue this next one is also very

important

learning a language teaches you that

it's okay to make mistakes

and allows you to more easily develop a

growth mindset

no matter which country you grow up in

unless maybe you're finnish

you will experience an educational

system that punishes you for making

mistakes

and this isn't to bash on the

educational system at all of course it's

very very difficult to think of an

alternate way

but bottom line as we're growing up we

learned that mistakes

bet and that's it which in a way can

impede our ability to learn foreign

languages in the first place

because in order to learn it really well

you have to be willing to make a ton of

mistakes

and that's absolutely okay we all make

mistakes and

they're so beneficial because we learn

so much from them

and this goes hand in hand with a growth

mindset which pretty much means that you

always recognize that you can improve as

a person

and you're not just fixed and static in

some way you can

always improve and keep going the people

we perceive to be the most successful in

the world

all have growth mindsets because the

very first thing that you need to do to

get into a position like that is to

believe in yourself and people who don't

have growth mindsets

simply don't do that so now i'm sure you

can see why

developing this is a great byproduct of

learning other languages that you can

apply in other aspects of your life as

well

another thing is you don't know what you

don't know

at the end of the day learning a

language is a very personal journey and

you won't know what's on the other

side unless you go through the process

but i can absolutely promise you

that it will be incredibly incredibly

beneficial rewarding

and fulfilling and also it's really fun

and by taking the time to learn someone

else's languages you're simultaneously

creating mutual understanding between

cultures

and while this may seem somewhat

significant you are literally

contributing to world

peace just think about that for a moment

and how profound that is

and lastly if nothing else learning

languages

gives you options you're not just

learning new words or new sounds

you're embarking on a very special

journey that will not only benefit you

and all aspects of your life

but also everyone that you come in

contact with as well

you will be a much better person for

going through it and i don't think i've

ever met

anyone who has regretted learning a

language or thought of it as a waste of

time

because honestly it's one of the

greatest things that i've ever done in

my life

and the people have motivated me time

and time again to keep

learning more of them and without those

people i wouldn't be here sitting behind

my camera

making youtube videos for you guys it's

just really funny how

life turns out and you never know what

it's going to be

until you go out there and do something

of course i have so many more reasons

for why you should learn a language but

i think you get the point

and if you're not convinced by

everything that i've said here and

you're still on the fence of whether you

want to

go and learn a new language let me know

what you're thinking about in the

comments

i will be more than happy to put aside

any doubts you may have about the

process itself

because i know how scary it can be and

how intimidating it can be

to try to learn an entire language when

you've never ever done that before

if you're really really cool you may

want to check out one or two more of my

videos here thank you all so much for

watching i hope this was

interesting and maybe even inspired you

to go learn a language or continue where

you left off

i hope you all have a fantastic day and

peace