The secrets of Learning a second language
Contrary to the belief that making your child learn two or more languages at a young age is detrimental to their mental growth, educators have found that it is, in fact, very beneficial to the child. In this article, we will bust the myth that young children should not be exposed to multiple languages and learn how bilingual early learning can help a child. The following article puts toward the reasoning behind learning a second language in EYFS.
Learning a second Language: The Younger the Better
Learning a second or even a third language at a young age is easier than trying to learn it in adulthood. This is why bilingual early learning is so important. Between the ages of 0-3 years, the child’s brain is more flexible. Thus, it is easier for younger children to learn and understand two or more languages. It has been observed that children who grow up in multi-cultural families where two or more languages are spoken could detect a switch between languages at a very young age. Language is a natural learning process for a child such as learning to walk and it is just as easy.
Benefits of Being Bilingual or Multilingual
We all know that as adults, being able to communicate in a language other than the mother tongue has definite advantages. In a world that is so interconnected, knowing more than one language is a definite advantage. Learning a second language in early childhood years has similar advantages and often helps the child do much better in life. Let us take a look at the advantages a child has when she or he speaks more than one language:
Cognitive Benefits of learning a second language – children who speak more than one language need to switch between two completely different language systems. This makes their brain very active and flexible. They have better cognitive functions than monolingual children. It has been observed that such children are:
- Better able to problem-solve and understand math concepts and word problems.
- They have enhanced thinking skills and a better ability to use and follow logic.
- They have better memory and are more focused than their monolingual peers.
- They have better decision-making abilities.
- Children who are exposed to more than one language find it easier to learn languages.
Social And Emotional Benefits from learning a second language. Children who are bilingual tend to have a better bonding with their families. They have greater ties with their culture and community. Bilingual children are exposed to at least two different cultures and this better prepares them to accept other cultures and communities than the monolingual children. Bilingual children are more social and able to make friends more easily. They adapt and accept cultural diversity more easily. Studies have shown that children who are raised in multicultural homes where more than one language is spoken have better self-control which is an indicator of academic success. Being bilingual is directly linked to:
- Pride in culture and cultural heritage
- Self-confidence and closer bonds with family and community.
- Better knowledge of their culture and heritage.
- Better communication with the family
- Participation in cultural activities
- Boosts the sense of belonging and pride in the cultural heritage.
- Understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.
- Exposure to music, art, and literature of more than one culture.
- More empathy and acceptance of people that are of different ethnicity, religion, etc.
Learning a second language
Learning – Learning a second language in EYFS education comes easy to children who speak two or more languages. Since they have to constantly switch between languages, their minds are more flexible and they have a more flexible thought process. They apply multiple approaches to problem-solving and think laterally. Bilingualism promotes abstract thinking which is an important component of learning and acquiring knowledge. Even in very young children, studies found that bilingual children were better at sorting out irrelevant information and concentrating on relevant information. This contributes to academic performance in later years. The advantages that a bilingual child has after learning a second language:
- Better concentration
- Better memory
- Better problem solving and critical thinking
- Enhanced creativity and logical thinking
- Better language and vocabulary
- Alert, flexible and active brain.
- Better communication
- Quicker response
- More adaptable to situations.
Longterm Benefits of Bilingualism
Children won’t remain children forever. They will grow up and the lessons of their childhood will shape the person they become. The advantages that a multilingual child has, continue in adulthood too. As adults, they carry the same values, understanding, and empathy that they learned as a child. Being multilingual thus has long-term advantages for a child. In an interconnected world, learning a second language has distinct advantages. Some of these are:
Learning a second language improves employability. Being able to speak more than one language is extremely desirable in the world today. It is easier for bilingual people to find better employment and more quickly than monolingual people.
Learning a second language provides opportunities to participate in the global community where they can easily communicate with people from other regions, countries, and cultures.
Learning a second language provides opportunities to travel and explore the world.
How to Raise a Bilingual Child
Expats who are living in other countries and regions of the world have a unique opportunity to help their children learn languages other than those spoken at home. The same is the case with children who grow up in a multicultural family where family members come from different communities and cultures. Here the parents need to assist their children to learn the language of the country. They can do this by the following means:
- Ensuring that other languages are spoken at home. This would mean if the parents speak a different language than the country where they live, they should ensure that the child speaks their own language at home.
- Use other languages to play games, read other language books, and do other fun things.
- Play music, watch movies, TV, and videos in other languages.
- Choose a school that teaches children other languages at early learning level.
- If in a foreign country, send your child to a school that supports bilingual learning so the child picks up the local language.
Conclusion
It is pretty clear that having the ability to read, write, and speak more than one language gives a definite advantage to a child. It is important that bilingual teaching should be available in the early years education and schooling.
At GGN we support bilingual early learning and encourage our children to speak more than one language. We have an immersive Arabic language program that exposes our students to Arabic and helps them acquire the language and understand the culture of the country where they live.
Arwa Naccho
CEO
Green Grass Nursery
