On the brink of the release of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” moviegoers everywhere will break out their best European accents to relive their favorite movie moments. The advantage goes to those who are already bilingual or multilingual. They can use accurate accents and substitute real French for Franglish.

There are more ways than ever to learn a new language. Local libraries offer free Rosetta Stone trials, mobile apps offer language instruction and translation services, and classes (online or classroom) provide one-on-one instruction.

There are a lot of advantages to learning another language. In addition to the obvious (but very helpful) ability to speak a foreign language in a vacation destination, becoming multi-lingual has other social and mental advantages.

Learning a new language is a brain booster for any age. AARP says learning a new language is serious mental training that can help protect the brain from aging and delay dementia. Complete fluency isn’t even required. Conversational language is enough to enhance brain capacity. Learning colloquialisms and conjugating verbs require concentration and mental flexibility.

Anne Merritt, author and world-traveler, says that learning a foreign language improves your English. As you study an unknown language, Merritt says you gain skills that enhance your native tongue: “Learning a foreign language draws your focus to the mechanics of language: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. This makes you more aware of language, and the ways it can be structured and manipulated.” She says the focus on listening and the mechanics of language develops your overall communication, editing and writing skills.

For those in the workforce, knowing two or more languages gives an advantage in our increasingly global society. As the media and the economy continue to connect people all over the world, the ability to speak multiple languages gives an edge in the workplace and social circles. Those who are multilingual are seen as motivated to learn new skills. Those who know two or more languages have the flexibility to work with others around the globe.  This means more opportunities for employment, travelling for a job and potentially higher wages.

If you ask those who is bilingual or multilingual, they will very often say that one of the most effective ways to learn a foreign language is to travel. Whether you’re taking classes in another country or just on vacation, practicing the language with those who are completely fluent is the best way to learn. Imagine breaking down language barriers and reaching out to people all over the world. Learning another language encourages meeting people who live in different cultures. In an ever-shrinking world, the more people connect, the more understanding develops between cultures.

Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” opens in American theatres on March 17, but you can YouTube older versions of the classic en français as “La Belle et la Bête.”