Mhari Goldstein

In 2012, the New York Times put out an article on the benefits of bilingualism. The article
is a neat summary of a number of studies that highlight the ways in which bilingualism may
indicate increased intelligence. These studies indicate that the bilingual brain is often forced to
work harder but that this interference of multiple language improves cognitive skills, executive
functions, and may prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia later in life. The article provides examples
from studies that show that bilinguals are often more efficient at monitoring their environment
and tracking changes which improves not only their ability to switch between languages but in
other tasks, such as driving.
An interesting part of the article is the first sentence [s]peaking two languages rather
than just one has obvious practical benefits in an increasingly globalized world. It seems to take
this information as a priori knowledge, understood through observation, logic, and context. Due
to globalization and a flatter Earth our ability to communicate and do business in various global
markets has become easier and more efficient. The political, finance, and business sectors
have come to see bilingualism as a valuable marketable skill. I tested this assumption and found
that many high-income jobs prefer (if not require) second language skills or pay more for the
added skill.
Research like this will be very important for my program for a number of reasons. First, it
supports the need for programming that promotes bilingual development. It also provides an
argument for parents about what benefits they and their child may receive as a result of
increased bilingual and biliterate language skills. This is one of the strongest supporting
arguments for why parents and their children should participate in my program. I need to
develop the pitch for why parents and youth should participate in my program. According to
this NY Times article programs like mine will make you and your kid smarter and more valuable.
What parent doesnt want that for their child?

Source:
Bhattacharjee, Y. (2012, March 17). Why Bilinguals are Smarter. New York TImes. Retrieved
October 13, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-ofbilingualism.html?_r=0

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