Bilinguals who have been raised to accept two languages well, discover that they can learn a third, fourth, and more languages more easily than those who were raised with only one language. Once bilinguals have learned the secondary language then subsequent languages will be much more easy. That is because the concept of differences in languages does exist. The child accepts the fact that he has to think in a different way.

Children who know two languages can then learn to understand the concepts that are presented by speakers of a third language with which they are not familiar. They understand that different languages could have words that represent different forms of meaning. As a result, they can accept a third way of living and culture, since they already understand two cultures so well.

This ability to accept second language differences makes an important difference between those who learn a language with difficulty, and those who accept and absorb a secondary language readily and easily.

True bilinguals usually love the concept of languages, and this love makes them interested in other languages. They are attracted to other languages, they select words that they already understand, they befriend people who speak other languages, and they try to express themselves in the other language.

That contrasts with people who are raised with only one language. They do not feel the need or desire to express themselves in another language. They may reject someone who speaks a language that differs from their own.

They may even laugh at that person. The laughter represents an uncomfortable and self-conscious feeling of jealousy or inferiority because they feel that they will never be able to understand that person.

On the other hand, bilinguals are attracted to speakers of other languages and they try to learn enough to communicate with them. They see others as interesting, exciting, and important. The differences in language comes naturally. Bilinguals do not have to be urged to speak or study a secondary language, or to meet with speakers of the other language.

Many people in our global village are going to meet with speakers of other languages at some point. Bilinguals may use this contact as an opportunity for learning the second language, while monolinguals may use the contact as a cause for hate or distrust.

We have to decide which option we choose to promote.

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