A Professor of French Language and Translational Studies, Kate Ndukauba, says being bilingual or multilingual has several benefits in human existence.

Professor Ndukauba disclosed this while delivering the 72nd inaugural lecture of Abia State University, Uturu, on the topic, “Speaking In Diverse Tongues: A Gateway To Global Citizenship,” held at the University Auditorium, pointing out that multilingual person, especially at the global level, becomes a global citizen as well as enjoy many open doors.

She said, “In a world increasingly globalised, multilingualism is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Being multilingual has a lot of advantages in the areas of education, health, environment, social interactions, growth, and development of the individual and the society. Supported by mother tongue-based multilingual education, linguistic diversity brings several benefits not only to learners but also to the society as a whole”.

She further stated, “Bilingualism strengthens cognitive abilities. Language is a fuel for the brain, framing the thoughts of the human mind and making complex communication possible. Therefore, speaking more than one language is good for you”.

The inaugural lecturer noted, “One has a more developed critical thinking and problem-solving ability, as the brain becomes more adept at switching between tasks, focusing in a busy environment, and remembering things.”

“It has been established that the ability to speak many languages helps one to multitask because that person finds it easier to focus on various tasks simultaneously as he constantly switches from one language to another.

“It leads to having a better attention span and better adjustment! Changes in one’s environment.

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“Bilingualism boosts one’s confidence, as one can access more information and move out of one’s comfort zones to try new endeavours. Being able to switch from one language to the other with confidence gives the individual self-confidence and pride,” she said.

She stressed the need for the government to train and retrain French Language teachers as well as properly implement the language policy of the Federal Ministry of Education and called on parents to support their children who want to study French because of its numerous benefits.

Declaring the 72nd Inaugural lecture open, the Chairman on the Occasion and Vice-Chancellor ABSU Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu commended Professor Ndukauba for lecturing on the need for people to be multilingual for them to become global citizens and welcomed her into the college of Distinguished Professors.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Chairman ABSU Ceremonials Committee, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha, thanked Professor Ogbulu for sustaining the inaugural lecture series as well as Professor Ndukauba for his wonderful lecture and all who graced the Occasion.