The Advantages of Being Bilingual
July 13, 2009
When I was growing up, my parents’ best friend was totally bilingual. She was fluent in English and in Spanish. I remember hearing her switch languages at the blink of an eye. It seemed to come naturally to her. I remember saying to myself “wouldn’t it be great to speak two languages.” But of course, like many people, I wasn’t disciplined enough to ‘study English’. It wasn’t until I entered the advertising world that I had to learn English. Now, I’m so glad to be bilingual.
Here are some of the advantages I found:
- You can have a bilingual business and offer services in two languages. I have a translation and an advertising business. New doors opened for me.
- I’m able to do complete advertising campaigns in two languages.
- I can interpret. One incident that comes to mind happened in the New York City subway. A Spanish speaking person passed out and as they came to, I was able to interpret the person’s symptoms, for the paramedics, on the spot. I’ve been in many situations like this. When someone calls out ‘does anyone speak Spanish?’ I have been able to help.
- When my husband and I went to Spain, I was able to communicate with everyone and learn more about their culture. It was fun to go to the Tapas bars in Barcelona and Madrid, and be able to surprise the wait staff, by switching from talking to my husband in English, to speaking to the wait staff in Spanish. My parents’ best friend came to mind. Now, I was able to do it as well.
- Because I speak Spanish, I can also understand some Italian and some Portuguese.
- And the advantages go on and on.
Am I glad that I learned English? Yes. No doubts. It’s been a wonderful new life to be bilingual. Hablo inglés y español. Y me gusta. Thank you. Muchas gracias.
Please share your comments as to what you find beneficial about being bilingual.
Filed under: mylene
1 Comment Leave a Comment
1.
Jorge Rodriguez | July 15, 2009 at 12:42 am
Mylene,
I congratulate you on the energy and passion you put in the Bilingual Job Fair.
Not only do I recommend people to be bilingual but push further and become trilingual! Do not let age be an obstacle.
The best way to communicate efficiently with people around the world is by speaking their language. It helps to bring people and cultures closer together and understand each other better.
I find myself serving as an interpreter / translator when I least expect it (i.e. in schools, malls, construction sites, medical offices, etc.).
Helping others understand a language brings great satisfaction besides allowing you to make new friends.
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