Embarking on the journey of bilingualism with your young child is an extraordinary adventure into elevating their potential. From the babble of babyhood to the chatter of early childhood, language acquisition is inherent for children with zero language development issues. For our little ones, the world is a playground of sounds, gestures, and words waiting to be explored. When that exploration spans multiple languages, the benefits are profound.
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Children can easily learn as many languages as they are exposed to. Not to say that one cannot learn a new language at any age, but it might be harder after the teenage years. According to research, children are proficient to learn a second language until about 18 years old (Smith D.G. 2018). This is because the brain changes after the teen years and makes it difficult (not impossible) to learn a new language (ParentCo. 2021).
My Experience
Growing up, I navigated the linguistic tapestry of English, my native Ibibio dialect, and later, French. My husband and I, each with our own linguistic backgrounds, found English to be our common thread. However, being proficient in French not only enriched my personal life but also opened doors to thriving in global spaces. Years ago, I had the privilege of serving as a Protocol Officer at a Trade Ministers Conference. In this role, I seamlessly interacted with French speakers from various nationalities, facilitating smooth communication as a translator/interpreter.
So, when our children came along, I was determined to weave bilingualism into their lives. Sometimes, I use simple instructions in Ibibio with my children. The very basic ones are amesiere (good morning), di (come), ka (go), and tieh (sit) which they are grasping day by day. Also, witnessing my daughter effortlessly respond with “bonjour” (good morning) to a French-speaking usher at church was a delight. Additionally, when she playfully exchanges words with friends from diverse cultural backgrounds, I smile. Language isn’t just about words; it’s also about social connections and growth.
Luckily, there are numerous resources, like YouTube, designed to facilitate language learning for children. I am eagerly anticipating my daughter’s enrollment in “big school” where she’ll have the opportunity to learn Irish as part of the curriculum. Understanding that the window for absorbing languages effortlessly extends until about 18 years old, I’m committed to fostering our children’s linguistic development from an early age.
The Multicultural Tapestry
Our children’s linguistic journey isn’t confined to just reading books or listening to stories. Instead, it flourishes through everyday interactions with friends from different nationalities – India, Eritrea, Brazil, Ireland, South Korea, and beyond. Through these connections, they not only learn other languages but also embrace diverse cultures, traditions and friendships.
Research Insight
Studies, like those by the U.S. Department of Education (2018), underscore the benefits of bilingualism. From cognitive agility to enhanced social-emotional skills, bilingual children are equipped for a world of possibilities. As they grow, their linguistic prowess opens doors to diverse opportunities and experiences.
Benefits of raising a bilingual child
- Cognitive development: the brains of bilingual children are usually very active and flexible. In addition, they have strong thinking and logical skills.
- Social-emotional development: languages help a child to develop their identity. They are able to make friends through language and connect with other cultures.
- Learning: the ability to switch between languages promotes abstract thinking while sifting irrelevant information. The cognisance to read in one’s home language makes it easier to learn a second language.
- Long-term success: the opportunities for being bilingual or multilingual are vast. The child grows into an adult with various job offers and exposure to diverse global platforms, traditions and cultures.
Conclusion
As parents, we play a pivotal role in nurturing our children’s linguistic journey. Whether it’s through bedtime stories, everyday conversations, or cultural exchanges, every interaction shapes their linguistic landscape. In doing so, we pave the way for a future rich in multicultural understanding and global fluency. So, let us keep on encouraging and exposing our young children to the beauty of bilingualism/multilingualism and the endless possibilities it holds for them.
Action Point
Are you raising a bilingual or multilingual child?
Think about the advantages you see in embracing linguistic diversity and kindly share your experiences and insights.
Reference
ParentCo. 2021. The Best Age for Kids to Learn a Second Language. Accessed on 30 April 2024. Available at: https://www.parent.com/blogs/conversations/2023-the-best-age-for-kids-to-learn-a-second-language#:~:text=After%20the%20teen%20years%2C%20the,are%20at%20ages%202%2D5.
Smith, D. G. 2018. At What Age Does Our Ability to Learn a New Language Like a Native Speaker Disappear? Accessed on: 30 April 2024. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/at-what-age-does-our-ability-to-learn-a-new-language-like-a-native-speaker-disappear/#:~:text=They%20concluded%20that%20the%20ability,before%20the%20age%20of%2010.
U.S. Department of Education. Talk, Read and Sing Together Every Day! The Benefits of Being Bilingual – A Review for Teachers and Other Early Education Program Providers. Available at: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/early-learning/talk-read-sing/bilingual-en.pdf