Hello…or should I say Hola? It’s wonderful to be fluent in two languages! Spanish is particularly important in the United States, spoken by an estimated 41 million Americans. It goes without saying that the ability to communicate and read in this rich, essential language is empowering. But research shows there are many more life-changing benefits to learning a second language, such as Spanish, in school or at home. Here are five:

1. Linguistic: Children who acquire a second language are articulate and agile. They have large vocabularies and the unique ability to transfer knowledge between two languages. And, as a bonus, they become more fluent in their native tongue.

2. Cognitive: Mastering a second language boosts brainpower. Bilingual children are adept at concentrating, memorizing, and completing tasks. They are also flexible in their thinking, which makes them excellent problem-solvers.

3. Social Emotional: Language learning promotes empathy. Bilingual children make for compassionate citizens—citizens that are able to appreciate other cultures and diverse points of view.

4. Career Opportunities: Bilingual children grow up to have fulfilling careers and, on average, earn 20 percent more than than monolingual peers.

5. Happiness: People proficient in two languages tend to be happier, healthier, and even live longer. Wow. That is awesome…or should I say asombroso?

Source: Advantages of Bilingualism and Multilingualism: Multidimensional Research Findings by Evelyn Fogwe Chibaka

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