As a parent, you're undoubtedly invested in providing the best opportunities for your child's growth and development. One question that often arises is: when is the ideal time to introduce a second or even a third language? The answer lies in understanding your child's developmental stages and the unique advantages that early language exposure can offer. So, When is the Right Time to Learn Second & Third Language?
AimHigherAcademic provides some insight on this matter, as follows
Early Language Acquisition: A Natural Gift
It's widely stated that children have an exceptional aptitude for learning languages during their early years. From birth to about the age of seven, their brains are highly receptive to linguistic input, making it the prime time for language acquisition. During this window of opportunity, their brains are wired to effortlessly absorb sounds and vocabulary from different languages. (though some words and sentences could also be forgotten if not reinforced)
The Critical Period Hypothesis and its counter-argument
Experts often refer to the "critical period hypothesis," which suggests that there is an optimal timeframe for language learning that gradually diminishes with age. While this doesn't mean that learning languages become impossible after this period, it does imply that the process might require more effort and time.
The Best Age to Start: Personal Factors
The optimal age for introducing a second or third language varies from child to child. However, starting as early as possible, within 7 years, is generally believed to be the best approach. However, recent studies have challenged this idea with much conviction and compelling reasons. Both early children and adults have different advantages and disadvantages at the time of acquiring a new foreign language:
Although children may learn languages faster than adults (in terms of pronunciation and memory), adults have advantages in learning derived from life experiences, which young children lack of.
Numerous studies have highlighted the adaptability and plasticity of the adult brain in language learning. Neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to reorganize itself in response to new experiences, plays a pivotal role in language acquisition. Advanced neuroimaging techniques reveal that adults can rewire their neural pathways to accommodate new languages, albeit with differing strategies compared to young children.
Adult learners often leverage their cognitive maturity to analyze complex linguistic structures, while life experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural contexts and pragmatic language use.
So at what age should my child start learning a new language? : some factors to consider
1. Cultural Exposure: If your family is multicultural or you plan to live in a multilingual environment, introducing languages early helps your child adapt and communicate effectively.
2. Emotional Readiness: Ensure your child is emotionally ready for language learning (patience, discipline etc). Early exposure should be positive and enjoyable, fostering a love for languages rather than creating pressure such as 'it is a must to memorise all the vocabulary list'.
3. Individual Interest: Some children show a natural curiosity about languages early on. If your child displays an interest, it might be a sign that they're ready to learn.
4. Availability of Resources: Access to resources like bilingual books, educational apps, and language classes can significantly enhance the learning experience.
Fostering Multilingualism: The Benefits
Introducing languages during a suitable period for each individual offers a multitude of benefits:
1. Cognitive Advantages: Multilingual children tend to have enhanced problem-solving skills, better memory, and improved multitasking abilities, as mentioned by a TED Talk video on the Bilingual brain.
2. Cultural Awareness: Learning multiple languages opens doors to understanding diverse cultures and perspectives, leading to the cultivation of an open-minded individual.
3. Academic skills: A study in 2005 by Bialystok and her team proved that Multilingualism has been linked to improved skills in learning (which has been reinforced by bilingual writing and literacy learning). This could contribute to overall enhanced cognitive ability, which results in a positive academic outcome.
4. Future Opportunities: Without a doubt, in an increasingly globalized world, knowing multiple languages can provide distinct advantages in career opportunities.
5. Lifelong Skills: Learning languages instils a lifelong love for learning and acquiring new languages for both children and adults.
Conclusion:
In the end, the decision of when to introduce a second or third language to your child is a personal one. Remember that it's never too late to embark on the language learning journey, Everyone both children and adults can commence this beautiful experience whenever they are ready and set their mind to achieve it.
Teacher Thany Founder, AimHigher Academic Tutoring
Bibliography:
Lenneberg, E. H. (1967). Biological Foundations of Language. Wiley.
Johnson, J. S., & Newport, E. L. (1989). Critical period effects in second language learning: The influence of maturational state on the acquisition of English as a second language. Cognitive Psychology, 21(1), 60-99.
Birdsong, D., & Molis, M. (2001). On the evidence for maturational constraints in second-language acquisition. Journal of Memory and Language, 44(2), 235-249.
Hakuta, K., Bialystok, E., & Wiley, E. (2003). Critical evidence: A test of the critical period hypothesis for second-language acquisition. Psychological Science, 14(1), 31-38.
Abrahamsson, N., & Hyltenstam, K. (2008). The robustness of aptitude effects in near-native second language acquisition. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 30(04), 481-509.
DeKeyser, R. M. (2000). The robustness of critical period effects in second language acquisition. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 22(04), 499-533.
Bialystok E. et al., (2001). Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Learning to Read: Interactions Among Languages and Writing Systems. Child Development. 72 ( 1) , 1-18.
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