Why Should Your Child Learn a Second Language?
Jun 10, 2017
We know there are many benefits to mastering a second language as our community embraces diversity and globalisation more than ever today. Language has the power of bridging two culturally diverse individuals together and improving your child’s social adaptability within the community. That is why your child is encouraged to learn a new language from an early age. The benefits of your child picking up a second language are aplenty and here are some of our favourites.
1. Increase learning capability
There is an immense value in picking up a foreign language and it shows whenever your child is in the classroom. A bilingual child can reap the benefit of increased learning capabilities, memorisation skills and problem-solving ability. When each of these capabilities is amplified, their learning skills improved along with it. Whether they’re in a mathematics class or linguistic lesson, a child who excels in a foreign language is also proven to have mental alertness when studying.
2. Improve brain development
It’s fair to say that learning a new language through conversations beats textbooks any day. As your child’s development stage progresses, the active areas of the brain that is dedicated to language acquisition diminish. If you’re a bilingual parent, it’s best to take full advantage of this small window of development to converse in a language that is other than your child’s mother tongue.
3. Higher academic achievement
One of the greatest promises of a bilingual child is the gift of excellent critical thinking skills and mental flexibilities. When these capabilities are put together and apply in classroom learning, your child will exhibit enriched academic achievements. As parents, you will notice a significant improvement in examination and test scores as well.
4. Become a standout applicant
You will notice the long-term benefit of introducing your child to a brand new language when they begin their university or job applications. Being bilingual, while not entirely compulsory, does shine a brighter spotlight on your child’s application. Imagine the wave of opportunities that will present itself for a child who excels in both academic achievements and language fluency. Furthermore, a child that is fluent in widely spoken languages such as Spanish and Mandarin can find their place in Europe, the United States and China.
5. Encourage cultural awareness
Your child socialises with someone from a different culture every day. While it’s challenging to learn every single language in the world, picking up any foreign language opens up the perspective of cultural awareness. They will learn to understand and communicate with them. They might even pick up a few basic phrases from their friends themselves. Exposing your child to the beauty of a second language will definitely broaden their view of cultures and the world around them.
Teaching your child a new language opens up plenty of opportunities for them. Aside from being a standout applicant in university and their careers, it also offers a boost in their learning capabilities, brain development, and academic achievement.
1. Increase learning capability
There is an immense value in picking up a foreign language and it shows whenever your child is in the classroom. A bilingual child can reap the benefit of increased learning capabilities, memorisation skills and problem-solving ability. When each of these capabilities is amplified, their learning skills improved along with it. Whether they’re in a mathematics class or linguistic lesson, a child who excels in a foreign language is also proven to have mental alertness when studying.
2. Improve brain development
It’s fair to say that learning a new language through conversations beats textbooks any day. As your child’s development stage progresses, the active areas of the brain that is dedicated to language acquisition diminish. If you’re a bilingual parent, it’s best to take full advantage of this small window of development to converse in a language that is other than your child’s mother tongue.
3. Higher academic achievement
One of the greatest promises of a bilingual child is the gift of excellent critical thinking skills and mental flexibilities. When these capabilities are put together and apply in classroom learning, your child will exhibit enriched academic achievements. As parents, you will notice a significant improvement in examination and test scores as well.
4. Become a standout applicant
You will notice the long-term benefit of introducing your child to a brand new language when they begin their university or job applications. Being bilingual, while not entirely compulsory, does shine a brighter spotlight on your child’s application. Imagine the wave of opportunities that will present itself for a child who excels in both academic achievements and language fluency. Furthermore, a child that is fluent in widely spoken languages such as Spanish and Mandarin can find their place in Europe, the United States and China.
5. Encourage cultural awareness
Your child socialises with someone from a different culture every day. While it’s challenging to learn every single language in the world, picking up any foreign language opens up the perspective of cultural awareness. They will learn to understand and communicate with them. They might even pick up a few basic phrases from their friends themselves. Exposing your child to the beauty of a second language will definitely broaden their view of cultures and the world around them.
Teaching your child a new language opens up plenty of opportunities for them. Aside from being a standout applicant in university and their careers, it also offers a boost in their learning capabilities, brain development, and academic achievement.
