This trait becomes apparent when they try to learn a third language. It's the first foreign language that is hardest to learn. But it's not just language learning that becomes easier. Bilingual children develop a mental agility and flexibility about learning that monolinguals lack. This flexibility is vital in today's world, where employees are frequently asked to acquire new skills in order to stay abreast of technological changes.
Standardized tests confirm the intellectual ability of students educated in two languages.
Although English and Spanish bilingualism may be easiest to achieve and most desirable, the practical and intellectual benefits of bilingualism may be reached with another language. French, Japanese, or some other crucial language could easily take the place of Spanish in some parts of the country. This second language should become part of the curriculum for the long-haul, for in order to gain fluency, students need to study it for about five or six years, according to George Mason University researchers. Other countries understand very well the importance of languages. With an economy aimed primarily at exporting, the Japanese firmly believe that in order to sell their products they have to know the customers-and that means the customers' language.