In modern society, 88% of employees say speaking more than one language is critical for business success, so there is no wonder it is becoming more of a sought after skill within employment sectors.

As a bilingual, you may describe yourself as fluent in at least 2 languages! The first being your mother tongue (L1), and the second being the foreign, additional language (L2). The first language is said to grow on to the second to enable yourself to become communicative in both.

When balanced bilingualism has been achieved i.e. 2 languages share one set of meaning,  an increase in cognitive flexibilities such as -enhanced divergent thinking, enhanced meta-linguistic and meta-cognitive ability are recorded.
It also effects our cognitive control- enhanced selective attention, enhanced communicative sensitivity and enhanced defence against age-decline (you stay sharper for longer)! Bilingualism is almost like a weight machine for your brain- it contributes to keeping it strong.

“Learning a language at any age makes your brain grow”, which could explain the proposition that bilingual adults are twice as likely to regain full brain function after a stroke.

Bilingualism also has positive effects on intercultural competence, i.e. you get on better with more people… bonus! Which is one of the main reasons bilingual teaching assistants are needed- in order to communicate with those students whom first language is not English. You allow them to get the most out of the world around them via psycho-social processes- engaged by learners, facilitated by teachers.