Why Teaching Your Child a Second Language Is a Good Thing
The Earlier the Better
You do not have to be an Einstein to note the ease in which most babies learn how to master a language-or 2. The earlier words are introduced to a kid, the faster he will be able to learn to communicate. In reality some theoreticians claim the fetus picks up on language while still in utero.
Studies on brain development have revealed that early exposure to more than one language promotes a stronger brain and reinforces a child’s understanding and mastery of his first language. In a world where success depends on good communication, being conversant in more than one language has definite advantages.
Consistency is Important
Often enough, acquiring two or even three languages can be as easy as learning just one. Children of bilingual parents have tremendous opportunities to master both languages. Consistency is one of the key ingredients to success. Each parent should speak to the child in his or her native language and expect the child to respond accordingly. Sometimes, strictness is called for. For example, if the family is residing in an English speaking country and one parent speaks English, while the other speaks Spanish, the child will more naturally want to speak English as this will be his stronger language. Insistence on the part of the Spanish speaking parent is needed in order to maintain a constant dialogue in Spanish.
Requirement on the part of the Spanish talking parent is required so as to maintain a sustained dialogue in Spanish. Bilingual-Multilingual in several homes today, elders talk different languages and the kid is influenced by a 3rd language-usually the lingua franca of the country. The kid has the capability to master all 3 languages if the elders are consistent and determined.
To introduce a foreign language in a home where both parents speak the same language requires much time and effort and is not always successful. It calls for much patience on the part of the parent and in the end is placed in the hands of an outside instructor. There are also many useful teaching tools available in the form of software programs, DVD’s and books that will help in the learning process.
Talya Moreno is a freelance writer and part time blogger. As part of her work in Israel she employed a hebrew translator to help her with the language. Talya speaks fluent French and on occasion with the help of her hebrew translator does some traduction en hbreu .
February 12, 2011 | Posted by Orfus Mayer
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