(BLACK PR WIRE) (March 8, 2009) Whether people greet someone with “hello … hola … or bonjour, “you must realize that Bilingualism is increasing today.

The ability to communicate in two different languages, Bilingualism is a real plus in today’s society, if not a must! According to www.oaal.org, each year, 200,000 Americans lose out on jobs with business because they do not know another language. The website goes on to cite many benefits of being able to speak the language, such as:

• There can be an increase in job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

• The majority of American employers, according to a national survey, consider the command of a foreign language a useful skill.

• The value of a bilingual education not only lies in job-related advantages but also in the added dimension of an understanding of other people and cultures.

• Bilingualism leads to more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.

• Bilingualism opens the door to other cultures and helps one to understand and appreciate people from other countries.

These are just a few of the benefits of bilingualism. So, if one thing is clear, the benefits certainly outweigh any disadvantages. Even celebrity linguists know how to speak the language. This includes actress/model Garcelle Beauvais who is of Haitian descent; NBA player Kobe Bryant who speaks Italian; actor/model Boris Kodjoe who is of German, Ghanian descent; actress Holly Robinson-Pete who speaks French; actor Sidney Poitier who speaks Russian; actress Phylicia Rashad who speaks Spanish; and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice who speaks Russian, Spanish and French (www.oaal.org).

It’s no surprise that bilingualism is on the rise. In a diversity driven society, it makes sense for all of us to speak the language!