The Benefits of Learning Another Language at An Early Age

Learning a new language is rewarding for all ages! However, children benefit the most from learning languages at an elementary level. There is enough and more literature to suggest that starting bilingual education at an early age can help brain development at an early level. Children at this age are particularly good at picking up the language fluently. Learning a new language has many benefits- the most significant being the cognitive advantages they might get, such as creativity and problem-solving skills, from an early age.

The benefits of learning a second language are as follows -

Better Academic Performance - There is significant literature to suggest that people who are bilingual or have some level of aptitude in another language perform much better on standardized tests than their peers. At the SAT level, it was shown that bilingual students performed better and scored 140 more points on average than students who had little to no experience with foreign languages.

Better Reading Skills - A study suggested that bilingual children have an edge over monolingual children when it comes to fluency and the capacity to read.

Build Greater Confidence - A child acquiring new skills becomes more competent and able with age. This new level of achievement gives them self-confidence and assurance that truly helps build their self-esteem and overall performance in every sphere of life. Besides, children love to discover and explore new things, and learning a language comes quite naturally to them. Accomplishing mastery of a language may be the boost your child needs to grow!

Brain Development - Research on the effects of multilingualism has suggested that early exposure to multiple languages is a wonderful way to exercise the brain and help it grow. It helps them build important cognitive skills like memory, speech, sensory perception, and speech!

Fluency - Learning a language at an early age can help your child attain the correct accent and fluency in the language concerned. Children notice cues and accents very easily and are constantly mimicking what they hear. With this sensitivity, they can easily navigate through tricky sounds and accents to help them speak the new language smoothly and with mastery with a natural-sounding, native-like accent.

Opens Up Avenues - Learning these skills can help open avenues for later education and career. Colleges are getting extremely competitive these days, and they often prefer extra-curricular activities and knowledge when considering admission. Knowing a second or a third language can prove to be an advantage for your child in the future.

Exposure To Foreign Cultures - Learning a new language gives them a broader and more intimate knowledge of the diverse cultures in the world. It exposes them to different nationalities and different customs, which is tremendously important as the world starts to become a global village!

Greater Understanding of the First Language - Children are perceptive beings. Learning a new language exposes them to new syntax and grammar, making them use their analytical skills and compare their known languages. This helps them gain a stronger grasp of both languages.

Learning a new language can be an all-family activity! Starting this process early with your child or children provides your family with an activity and an experience it can return to and grow with over the years. Your child and your family will benefit - in these ways and others - from learning a second language. And the benefits of learning a foreign language last for many years to come.