Benefits of Being Bilingual

Learning a second language at an early age

• Has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child's mental development
• Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
• Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language
• Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know
• Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries
• Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college
• Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
  (Center for Applied Linguistics)

http://www.cal.org/earlylang/benefits/benefits_of_being_bilingual.html