Learning Journal #9 (105)

[Jeffrey Choi]

The readings reveal the advantages that one can have if he or she is bilingual. Before I read the provided articles, I always just assumed that the one advantage of knowing more than one language would be the ability to communicate with others in this increasingly globalized world. Its fascinating how it improves cognitive language and can even provide protection against dementia in old age, which is something I am terrified of. The NY Times article explains that being bilingual allows the individual to be better at tasks that involve switching attention willfully from one thing to another and holding information in mind. It makes sense because there are many cases where I would be talking in Korean with my family while thinking in English and vice versa. I am constantly having to adapt to the different languages around me.