Being multilingual definitely has a long list of benefits, which is constantly elongating while the world's many unique cultures interact and blend.
In this age, where almost everyone can be connected in a matter of seconds, multilingualism is a unique skill that grows more valuable with each passing day. However, even though the pros heavily outweigh the cons, it doesn't mean being multilingual is always easy!
1. Getting excited after successful conversations
I don't think anything gives me a greater thrill than being able to successfully communicate with people in my target languages. Learning a new language is difficult and tedious! It's normal to want to celebrate a little after you see yourself making progress.
2. Confusing your languages
Contrary to popular (see: monolingual) belief, accidentally mixing up your languages is not the same as accidentally forgetting to "switch back". Personally, I struggle with focusing on thinking "Don't use English, don't use English, don't use English" so vigorously that I accidentally speak in the wrong language.
3. Gossiping
If you can speak more than one language and have never spoken about anybody in another language right in front of them, you are lying. Or you're seriously abusing your gift. Sure, it's rude and totally unfair, but it's also so fun...
4. Forgetting words
For me, this is especially true with cooking ingredients and explaining to somebody what's in my food. The amount of times I've had to google pictures of basic herbs or how to say "kothmir in English" is more than I'd care to admit.
5. The accent struggle
From before I can remember, I've been able to speak in two languages fluently: Gujarati and English. This means that when speaking in Gujarati, my accent is a distorted mixture of an Indian accent and American one. When I'm speaking in English, the accent is weaker, since I do so more often and more comfortably, but it is still a strange combination of an Indian accent and a southern American one. When I'm speaking in Spanish? You guessed it- I'm blessed with a strange fusion of an American accent, an Indian accent and a Spanish one.
6. You're instantly unique
This can be a double-edged sword, however. Being able to speak in multiple language is extremely impressive and quite unique, alongside being an interesting conversation topic. On the other hand, you're always going to meet somebody who says "Oh, you speak [language]? Say something in it!" Hearing that simple sentence is incredibly uncomfortable; you're then forced to awkwardly say something while the other person smiles and talks about how pretty your language is.
7. Learning another language
Learning a new language is usually easier- especially if you've grown up able to speak or understand multiple languages. The only downside is that learning grammar is the most difficult since it comes more naturally in your first languages. If you already know two or three languages, why stop there?
8. Finding parallels between languages
This is SO satisfying, and it's absolutely relieving when you start to grow frustrated with your target languages. In English, the number 4 is spelled four. In Spanish, it's quatro. In French, it's quatre. This isn't so bad, right?
9. False cognates
WRONG. On the other hand, parallels can become a problem when you accidentally use the wrong language (point number two!) or when you have to deal with false cognates with your target language. Why does billón not mean billion?? WHY.
10. Showing off
Okay, it's time to confess. We all have shown off our ~multilingualism~ at some point in our lives. And you should show off (a little!) Being able to speak more than one language is a big deal! It's a versatile ability that'll last you a lifetime.
