WHEN it comes to securing a job, employers are constantly looking for candidates who are fluent in more than one language.
In Sarawak, most of us would already know how to converse in more than one language, namely Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Iban, Bidayuh or the various dialects spoken throughout the state.
There are many advantages to mastering another language, which we may not fully realise until we start working.
Boosts brain power and cognitive functions
Studies have shown that learning a new language increases or boosts cognitive function.
This means that understanding a language may be one of the most difficult things for the brain to do, but just like exercise, it actually makes the brain stronger.
Because language is complex, speaking or learning a new language does give the brain a good workout.
Improves decision-making
As your memory and attention span improve, your mind also becomes sharper. This would allow you to be a critical thinker and would definitely be beneficial for your career.
One study suggests that certain biases in decision-making are greatly reduced when made in a foreign language rather than the person’s native tongue.
The study found out that the rational mind seems to take charge when a person uses a less-familiar language, which would allow a person to rely more on analytical processes in decision-making.
Increases employability and expands career potential
There are times when you look through job advertisements and notice employers’ preference for candidates, who are fluent in an additional language, usually Mandarin.
For some jobs, the ability to speak another language could translate to earning a bit more than colleagues in the same role.
A language expert has even stated that with second language fluency, an additional 10 to 15 per cent increase in pay is possible. It would also definitely come in handy if you decide to join a multinational corporation.
Improves understanding of other cultures
Learning another language would lead to learning more about the culture it originates from. This would enrich us as people and help us to be more understanding and appreciative, while cultural references and nuances would be understood more.
Your interactions with people of different cultures would go deeper and can be particularly useful when dealing with potential employers, clients, investors or stakeholders from other nations in your career path.
Improves memory and attention span
A 2012 study showed that fluency in multiple languages requires the brain to pay attention to relevant sounds, whilst blocking out irrelevant ones.
This study was the first biological evidence that being multilingual improves hearing and enhances attention and working memory.
May delay effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia
Studies have also shown that among adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia, those who spoke two or more languages experienced the effects of those ailments later in life, compared to those who only spoke one language.
It’s been suggested this was due to the natural brain training that came with switching between sounds, words, concepts, grammatical structures and social norms when speaking in more than one language.
The findings of Edinburgh University suggest multilingualism does have a greater influence on dementia than any current available drugs.
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.