In one of his statements, the President of Hippo Family Club Japan, Kenshi Suzuki, remarked that Indonesia is fortunate because many Indonesians can naturally speak more than one language. This is a common phenomenon in Indonesia, where most people speak their mother tongues or regional languages, in addition to the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. According to him, multilingual individuals tend to have sharper cognitive abilities compared to those who only speak one language. This statement sparks an important discussion about the role of multilingualism in boosting intelligence and the importance of preserving mother tongues in Indonesia.
Multilingualism and Cognitive Intelligence
Modern research supports the claim that multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities. People who speak more than one language frequently switch between different language systems. This strengthens the brain’s executive functions, including the ability to shift attention, control impulses, and multitask effectively. Bilingual or multilingual individuals tend to have stronger memories, better problem-solving skills, and higher creativity. Furthermore, using more than one language trains the brain to think flexibly, as individuals navigate different linguistic contexts in their daily lives.
In a study by Bialystok et al. (2012), bilingual individuals showed a delay in the onset of dementia symptoms by up to five years compared to those who only spoke one language. This demonstrates that the ability to use multiple languages not only boosts cognitive performance in youth but can also prolong cognitive health in old age.
Examples of Multilingual Nations with High Intelligence
Several multilingual nations exhibit high levels of cognitive intelligence. For example, European countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are known for their multilingual populations. In Belgium, citizens commonly speak French, Dutch, and German, with the education system strongly encouraging multilingual proficiency. Switzerland, with four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—is another example of a country where multilingualism thrives. These nations consistently rank high in global education indices, showing that their populations are not only multilingual but also globally intelligent.
In Africa, Kenya offers an intriguing example of a multilingual society. Kenyans typically speak several languages: their mother tongue, Kiswahili (the national language), and English (the official language). Although educational resources may be limited in some areas, Kenya has a strong tradition of using multilingualism to solve local problems, showing that language is not merely a tool for communication but also for critical and creative thinking.
Why Indonesia Should Revive Its Mother Tongues
With over 700 regional languages, Indonesia has vast potential to be a naturally multilingual nation. However, in recent decades, the use of regional languages has been declining. Many children in urban areas only speak Bahasa Indonesia, with little understanding of their mother tongues. This poses a risk of losing linguistic diversity and missing out on the cognitive benefits that multilingualism offers.
Here are several reasons why reviving mother tongues in Indonesia is crucial:
- Cognitive and Brain Health Benefits: As noted earlier, multilingualism offers significant cognitive benefits. By strengthening the use of regional languages, Indonesian children can experience enhanced brain development, leading to better critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and memory.
Cultural Identity Preservation: Language is a key part of cultural identity. By preserving mother tongues, young Indonesians can develop a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage, which in turn can strengthen national pride and collective identity.
Respect for Diversity: Indonesia is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Reviving mother tongues will protect this rich cultural treasure and prevent the extinction of valuable local languages.
Global Competitiveness: In an increasingly globalized world, people who can speak multiple languages have a competitive edge. Strengthening multilingualism in Indonesia will position the country to compete more effectively in global economic, diplomatic, and academic arenas.
Steps Toward Reviving Mother Tongues
To revive mother tongues in Indonesia, several steps can be taken by the government and society:
- Multilingual Education in Schools: The Indonesian education curriculum could be adjusted to encourage the use of regional languages at the early stages of education. This would help children familiarize themselves with and appreciate their mother tongues from an early age.
Awareness Campaigns: The government and non-governmental organizations can launch awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of mother tongues and multilingualism. These campaigns could involve media, cultural events, and television programs in regional languages.
Technology for Language Revitalization: The use of technology, such as language apps, online learning platforms, and social media, could be a valuable tool in popularizing local languages, especially among younger generations.
Conclusion
The statement by the President of Hippo Family Club Japan, Kenshi Suzuki, regarding the intelligence of multilingual individuals is highly relevant to Indonesia. With its rich diversity of regional languages, Indonesia has the potential to become one of the most intellectually advanced nations in the world if it can revive and preserve its mother tongues. Through strategic efforts in education, cultural awareness, and the use of technology, Indonesians can strengthen their identity while reaping the immense cognitive benefits that multilingualism offers.
Mr, Kenshi Suzuki : https://www.lexlrf.org/kenshi-suzuki.html
