Scientists, researchers, and education experts have been proving the benefits of children learning a foreign language for decades. However, bilingual and multilingual children are still a minority: in the US, only 22% of children speak a language other than English – but the numbers are increasing.
Learning a foreign language is not only fun and educational, but also has dozens of benefits for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development.
In the following article, read about the top 10 reasons why every child should be learning a language next to its native one.
1. Improves Problem-Solving Skills
When it comes to learning, it can be said that “if you can learn another language, you can learn anything”!
Language learning engages parts of a children's brain that's usually under-used. It also promotes thinking from different perspectives and observing a problem from many different sides.
Vocabulary exercises and practicing foreign language structures will also dramatically increase a child's memory capacity, according to studies.
2. It Will Be Easier to Learn Languages Later in Life
Even though learning a foreign language as a child is highly beneficial, unfortunately, mostly children from bilingual backgrounds are those who end up learning another language to a fluent level. In teen and adult years, these bilingual or multilingual children will have a much easier time learning new languages.
It’s argued that learning a foreign language at an early age develops a child’s “ear for languages”.
As a person ages, it becomes exponentially more difficult to learn new languages and grasp new concepts. A child’s mind is like a sponge, which takes in everything it’s surrounded with, so if there’s a perfect time to learn a language, it’s definitely in childhood!
3. Exercises the Left Brain Hemisphere
Language skills are located in the brain’s left hemisphere, which is also connected to other logical and rational skills. Some other abilities that are controlled by the left lobe are:
mathematics
logics
science
critical thinking
problem-solving
analytical skills
The best part about this fact is that by exercising a hemisphere in one part (languages) also improves abilities in other, connected segments.
This means that, according to neuroscience theories, a child that’s learning and practicing a foreign language is simultaneously boosting its skills in math and science.
4. Better Grades
It’s not a surprise that children with a knack for languages achieve better results in school.
This is linked to so-called “verbal intelligence”, which is highly appreciated in modern education and recognized in tests and examinations.
“Studies have shown that bilingual and multilingual kids achieve better results academically. It’s closely linked to increased cognitive activity and problem-solving skills. Learning a language is like a puzzle, an exercise for a kid’s brain”, says Sheila Jefferson, a children book writer at TrustMyPaper and Studicus.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy
When you learn a non-native language, you are not only practicing grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, but you’re grasping the entire worldview of a particular culture.
This notion was outlined in the linguistic Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which claims that a language directly determines the way a person sees the world. A popular example of linguistic relativity supported by this hypothesis is the fact that Eskimos allegedly have dozens of different words for “snow”. This shows that snow presents an important part of an Eskimo’s life and world.
In terms of cultural sensitivity, language learning will teach children to view the world from another culture’s perspective. They will learn about the differences and similarities between two or more cultures and develop empathy.
6. Increases Understanding of Native Language
Some theories claim that learning a foreign language too early can actually decrease the vocabulary of your native language. With plenty of research and studies, this has been disputed and rejected as a myth.
The absolute opposite is through. Surveys and experiments have shown that children who speak two or more languages have a richer vocabulary and better understanding of structures in their own language.
7. Career and Professional Opportunities
It’s no secret that people who are multilingual have an easier time finding a job and landing higher-paid jobs.
This is not only applicable to the language industry (such as the profession of a translator), but across all industries and sectors. Wharton research suggests that people who know two languages earn 2% on average.
If you want your kid to have a head start, you can sign them up for a children’s language learning academy such as Little Pim (designed from children age 0-6).
8. Improves Mood and Self-Confidence
Experts claim that language learning can literally make you happier. The feeling of successfully grasping a new concept or a complex structure does wonders for self-esteem, which in turn has a positive effect on mood.
9. Boosts Other Cognitive Abilities
We have previously mentioned that language skills are closely connected to logic, science, math, and other critical thinking abilities. However, research has proven that there are many more skills and talents that are advanced with language learning.
One of the most notable ones is music. Given that children who learn a second language have a tendency to pick up new sound patterns and voices, they will also find their way around music and instruments much easier than others.
10. Enables Easier Traveling
Whether you’re a globetrotting family who tends to take vacations abroad or there’s a moment where your child might be interested in a semester abroad, knowing another language makes things significantly easier.
This is not only valid for children, but for teenagers and adults as well. So, even if your child doesn’t do much traveling in childhood and youth, another language will prove to be really handy later on.
Conclusion
There are tons of benefits for children learning a foreign language. Even if you’re not convinced by any of these, another fact is that language learning has no drawbacks!
If you want your child to have improved cognitive abilities, better memory, increased cultural sensitivity, and better career opportunities, it’s high time to enroll them in a foreign language class!
About the Author: Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. Now she works as a freelance writer at BestEssayEducation and GrabMyEssay.