The Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age

Credit: Giggle Magazine

Include the whole family, everyone will benefit.

In many European and Asian families, children as young as two, start learning a new language. Bilingual kids learn faster and easier, and according to psychologists, they find it more comfortable to connect with other cultures, which makes them more open-minded and tolerant of diversity. Here are some useful tips, which will make the time you spend together even more valuable.

The best way for a child to learn to understand a new language is to hear people speaking it fluently. Creating such an environment is not that hard. Try with songs you can find you YouTube or TV shows for children. Since the brain is still developing, children tend to learn quickly and effortlessly.

Bilingual parents have the advantage of being able to teach their kids a second language themselves. If you aren’t among them, join them. You cannot have the same expectations for a two-year-old and a six-year-old. For toddlers, keep it simple, light, and use only nouns. As the child grows, so does their vocabulary. We live in a multicultural society, so ask your neighbors or parents of your kid’s friend to help you.

Hiring a bilingual nanny or hosting an exchange student are great ways to teach your child a foreign language. Having a native speaker around in a familiar setting will help kids learn the language in a natural way, with plenty of time to practice.

Once the child is older, send them to summer camps specialized for languages. When they come back, create a little quiz or mini competition to see who learned more during the time apart. Learning a new language is supposed to be fun and entertaining, a new way to bring you closer.

If you only speak one language, join your child. Learn together because there’s no age limit on educating yourself. Furthermore, you are preventing your brain from prematurely aging. Baby brains have special skills for language-learning. It doesn’t mean that you cannot start a new language as a senior. On the contrary, languages may even help with dementia prevention. Create a positive learning atmosphere and include grandparents; they will benefit from learning as much as your child.

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