In a globalized world, where borders are shrinking and cultures constantly intersect, being bilingual or multilingual is frequently celebrated for its practical benefits. We tell young people that knowing multiple languages opens doors – they can help family members, assist tourists, or navigate foreign countries with ease. This perspective is valid, and indeed, multilingualism offers a wide array of advantages in an interconnected world. Yet, there’s a depth to being multilingual that goes beyond these everyday benefits, a depth that goes beyond practical significance.

When you speak more than one language, you experience the world in a uniquely layered way. Languages are not just codes for the same set of universal meanings; they each bring their own histories, cultures, and perspectives. A word in one language might capture a feeling or concept that doesn’t exist in another—like the Chinese phrase '人情味' (rénqíngwèi), which describes the warmth and empathy found in human relationships, something richer than mere friendliness. Multilingual individuals constantly shift between these perspectives, accessing a nuanced, embodied understanding of life and culture that others might not fully understand or appreciate. This cognitive and emotional flexibility doesn’t just change how multilinguals communicate – it shapes how they think, feel, and connect with the world around them.

At its core, multilingualism offers another way of being human. Through each language, we see the world from a different lens, challenging us to grow in empathy and open our minds to new possibilities. Every language is embedded with cultural nuances that shape how we express identity, convey respect, and approach problem-solving—for instance, the Chinese concept of '面子' (miànzi), or 'face,' which emphasizes respect, dignity, and social harmony in interactions. Living with multiple languages is diversity embodied in thought and expression. Existing as a multilingual being isn’t simply a skill; it’s a dynamic way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

So, while it’s beneficial to remind kids of the tangible benefits of being bilingual, we should also honor the profound beauty of their multilingual minds. Let’s celebrate multilingualism not just as a tool for communication, but as a way to foster empathy, deepen our connections across cultures, and enrich our human experience.