Vélez Rivera 1

Mirelys Z. Vélez Rivera

Dr. Cynthia Aradillas

ENGL 1302-181

19 November 2023

The Benefits of Having Language Diversity

Introduction

For those who may wonder, why is language so important? Experts explain that “the

development and use of language is arguably the most important characteristic that separates

humans from other species” (Bryd 19). Because of this belief, for many, learning a type of

language is crucial in order to communicate with other individuals. Even so, people could ask,

why does language being a way of communication, have to do with learning other countries'

languages? Well, turns out, as language is so important in today’s way of living, that many

people and experts encourage others to learn more than one language so they can communicate,

express their own ideas, beliefs, or goals, and form unions with people internationally along the

way. Therefore, in this essay, it will be explained further what are the uses of language, how can

it help an individual to understand other people's culture, and how could it improve the cognitive

knowledge of an individual.

Language Uses
Previously in the introduction, it was mentioned that language is a very important way of

communication between individuals. The reality is that, if humans were unable to speak a

language, how would day communicate? The answer is, that they would not be able to. Language

is the whole combination of letters that convert into words, that transform into sentences, that
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form messages. Which, people utilize to express themselves along with what they are thinking

and create relationships with other individuals along the way. Fun fact is, that humans even

utilize language to sometimes communicate with other forms of living organisms such as dogs,

cats, monkeys, and parrots among others. Another very interesting fact is that even if you utilize

numbers, symbols, or even your own hands, all of them are different types of languages.

“Whether it is in school, work, or daily life, the ability to communicate with other peers is crucial

in order to get your work or main goal realized” (Velez 1). Not only that but, many researchers

agree that “being proficient in several foreign languages is an essential part of the every-day life”

(Steber and Rossi 1). As a result, because of language can be utilized for so many different

things, if an individual were to understand more than one type of language, they would be able to

get along more efficiently and create more connections with others.

Language and Cultural Understanding

How can language help people to understand other countries' cultures? Some may fail to

understand, but language is a way of communication that has been evolving and transforming

throughout the ages, eventually becoming what many people know today. Even so, at this point

and time of life, language is still evolving and developing into something newer. As more people

come along and get together there are more mixtures and combinations in language. Not to

mention that also as society evolves, new words arise, and new things are formed. This means

that these changes have guided a good amount of people who believe that learning other

countries' “language is not just beneficial but crucial for unraveling rich tapestry” of others'

cultures (Daslia). Implementing language to what Maya Angelou said about diversity; for many,

language is seen as a vibrant tapestry that weaves our world together, and by embracing its

diverse threads unlocks a treasure trove of cultural richness and understanding (Guerra).
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Standing that language diversity allows us to understand better and appreciate what other

cultures have to offer. It helps the individual to foster tolerance and respect for others. It also

provides people with a different perspective toward other countries' beliefs and cultures,

promoting empathy and open-mindedness. Not only that, it allows others to preserve and

celebrate the cultural heritage of that language, ensuring its continuity for future generations. If

people were to stop speaking or learning that language, it could eventually become a lost

language like Etruscan, Meroitic, and Sumerian. Let us not forget that having language diversity

provides you with linguistic diversity. For these reasons, language could help you understand

other countries culture.

Language and Cognitive Benefits

Because language is something everyone utilizes in their daily lives, many fail to

recognize the many advantages that come along with it. Especially for the individuals who speak

more than one language. There have been plenty of studies analyzing the effects of language on a

multilingual individual, and how it compares to a monolingual one. Often researchers agreed

that multilingual individuals showcased a higher “metalinguistic awareness, more efficient

learning strategies, improved problem solving abilities, heightened creative thinking skills,

relatively low anxiety, and a higher tolerance for ambiguity” in comparison to the other

monolingual individuals (Thompson 685). Meaning that professionals “recognize that learning

another language is one of the most effective and practical ways to increase individual intellect

and keep their minds sharp and on task” (Palmero). Thompson's research specifically explained

that the individuals who considered themselves multi or bilingual showcased that language

diversity influences how subsequent languages are learned by creating a metalinguistic

awareness with successful language acquisition (688). Saying that “metalinguistic knowledge
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acts as an advanced organizer, thus speeding up the language acquisition process. Several

researchers have shown evidence that bilinguals have a better understanding of metalanguage,

which is the explicit knowledge of language information or the organization of language

systems” (Thompson 688). To explain further into what the research was explaining, as

multilingual individual is required to create a higher awareness of speech. The reason for this is

that in order to be properly comprehended, they needed to avoid making any kind of mistakes

when translating what they wished to say from one language to another. This means that the

process of analyzing a situation, analyzing the speech from other individuals, and translating

thoughts and the words to the intended language; this process made the individual reach the

higher cognitive benefits explained before. Therefore, understanding various languages could

improve your mental skills for thinking and processing certain things.

Language and Career Advantages

As it was discussed previously, language has a great influence on the cognitive

knowledge of an individual, and as people also utilize it on a daily basis for different kinds of

situations; understanding a variety of languages could open new doors in your career. Whether is

at school or work, language diversity could help you get your way through. How can being

proficient in different languages help a person? Many people do not know, but by being

proficient and understanding “more than one language, it could improve an individual’s chances

of having a more successful career or educational experience” (Velez 2). Saying that “by being

multilingual the individual could obtain better opportunities because they are able to work

internationally with people from another country, enhancing the skills they have” (Velez 2).

Many universities have also started to “recognize the importance of an international perspective

by incorporating global or international elements into their graduate” studies (Crossman and
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Clarke 599-600). There have also been “findings suggest that all stakeholders identified clear

connections between international experience and employability given outcomes associated with

the forging of networks, opportunities for experiential learning, language acquisition and the

development of soft skills related to cultural understanding, personal character way of thinking”

(Crossman and Clarke 599). Referring that because of the advantages the individual and the

company could gain thanks to an individual language diversity knowledge, their employability

rates would raise and so their future career opportunities. For example, let us say “a person knew

more than one language, they could try applying for a job in a foreign country, get a job as an

interpreter, or even get a raise in their current job”, the point is that because of their language

skills their could obtain better and newer opportunities (Velez 3).

Conclusion

In the end, “learning a new language can be very beneficial and important” for an

individual future work or school career (Velez 4). As it is utilized for every way of

communication that society has. Even though some people may disagree with experts' findings,

understanding a diversity of languages can improve a person's cognitive knowledge, speech

awareness, though organization process, and intellect, among other things. Let us not forget that

also comprehending the historical background of a language helps the individual to get a better

cultural understanding of that other country’s beliefs or traditions. And because of all the benefits

that come along with being multilingual, people could also open new doors and opportunities at

their jobs. Therefore, it is highly encouraged by experts to learn new languages.

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Vélez Rivera, Mirelys Zoe. “The Importance of Language.” October 20, 2023. ENCL 1302,

Texas A&M International University, Student paper.