The Imperative of Language Learning for Children: Its Significance Explored
In a nutshell, learning a new language during childhood is a game-changer for brain development and overall life success. Here's the lowdown on the advantages you can expect:
Brain Power Boost
Young learners who pick up a second language delight their developing brains with a tidy workout. The extra mental exercise strengthens executive functions like adaptive thinking, working memory, and organization—stuff that's useful for other areas, like mastering multiplication, for instance.
Moreover, the plasticity of the young brain allows it to use both hemispheres, making learning new languages a piece of cake compared to later in life[1]. The more languages you learn, the stronger the neural pathways for information retention and recall speed, giving your kid a significant advantage.
Academic Excellence
Young bilingual brains show an impressive ability to distinguish between different-sized fruits and make quicker decisions, thanks to the cognitive flexibility they've developed in the language-learning process. This skill comes in handy when focusing, making choices, or problem-solving[1][4].
According to research conducted by Michigan State University, young adults who know more than one language perform much better in attention and concentration tests than their monolingual peers[2].
Social Perks
Learning another language opens up a new world of opportunities and understanding. It helps foster friendships and expand social networks, given the chance to communicate with people from different backgrounds in their native tongues[3].
Research has shown that children who speak more than one language demonstrate remarkable empathy, as they're more adept at grasping diverse perspectives[4]. Language itself shapes our everyday experiences, so learning another language enables users to more easily empathize with others.
Imagination and Creativity
The renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien is a shining example of the wonders that lie in linguistic exploration. Fluent in 35 different languages, Tolkien's intricate work on The Lord of the Rings showcases the power of language to unlock the imagination.
Encourage Language Learning at Home
Want to help your child master a second language? Here are a few strategies:
Play Games
Why not make learning fun by turning everyday activities into language lessons? Label items around the house, and let your child practice by repeating the new words. Even old favorites like 'I spy' can become a language game with a twist.
Storytime
Storytelling is a captivating and effective way to teach children languages. Check out One Third Stories, which presents stories in English and another language, or World Stories, where you can find timeless tales in various languages.
Local Language Communities
Connecting with fellow language enthusiasts can be a fantastic way to build friendships and promote cultural exchange. See if there are any language cafes or events for kids in your area you can take part in.
Language Apps
Apps like Duolingo, DinoLingo, and PimTrack make language learning enjoyable and interactive for children. These apps cater to kids, offering daily challenges and rewards to encourage language mastery.
By promoting language diversity and encouraging children to embrace new cultures, you're setting your child up for a world of opportunities and advantages. As a leading preparatory school in Devon, we pride ourselves on fostering linguistic excellence in our students. Explore our website to learn more about our school, Spanish, and French classes, and contact our Director of Admissions & Marketing, Rachel Elliott, for more information.
[1] Bialystok, E., & Martin, L. L. (2014). Beyond bilingualism in early development: Comparisons with other contextual influences, Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 43(1), 1-17.
[2] Pochynok, L. Y., Vakhtin, A. V., Kraljic, I., Rubini, M., Hilchey, F. M., Martin, L. L., & Shtyrova, O. I. (2016). Contrasting models of attention in bilingual and monolingual infants.Cognition, 155 Pt 1, 140-152.
[3] Genesee, F., Nicoladis, E. J., & Paradis, J. (2006). Cognitive benefits of bilingualism: An introduction. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 35(5-6), 305-316.
[4] Bialystok, E., & Feng, X. (2008). Bilingualism and executive control. Trends in Neurosciences, 31(7), 331-339.
[5] Green, D. (2013). Multilingualism in child development: A meta-analytic perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 139(4), 789.
- Engaging in performing arts activities can provide an additional avenue for children to practice their second language, as scripts and songs often contain language-rich content, thereby enhancing their cognitive development and linguistic skills.
- When it comes to education-and-self-development, studies have shown that home-and-garden activities, such as gardening or home repairs, can be beneficial to one's overall lifestyle. However, incorporating language learning into these activities, such as reading gardening books or manuals in the target language, can further enhance cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and cultural understanding for young bilingual learners.
