The benefits to society are many. Americans fluent in other languages improve global communication, enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, and maintain our political and security interests. In recent years, the U.S. government has expressed a need for fluent speakers of languages other than English, particularly in less commonly taught languages such as Arabic and Chinese.
Is younger really better?
Learning a language at any age is beneficial. Studies have shown – and experience has supported – that the human brain is more open to linguistic development during the years between birth and pre-adolescence and that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are more likely to develop native-like pronunciation. A number of experts attribute this proficiency to physiological changes that occur in the maturing brain as a child enters puberty. Yet, for most students, foreign language is introduced and formally studied when they are twelve years of age or older. The reality is that children who have an early start to a long sequence of language instruction that continues through high school and college, are able to achieve levels of fluency that are not been possible with the late start of most language programs.
Will a second language interfere with my child’s English ability?
On the contrary, learning another language can enhance knowledge of English structure and vocabulary. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English. Experimental studies have shown that no long-term delay in native English language development occurs in children participating in second language classes, even in full immersion programs. In fact, children enrolled in foreign language programs score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. One study showed that by the fifth year of an immersion program, students outperformed all comparison groups and remained high academic achievers throughout their schooling.
What can I do to help?
Most importantly, encourage your child's interest in the language and in other cultures. Show him or her that you value the ability to speak a second language. Attend cultural events that feature music, dance, or food from the country or countries where the language is spoken. If possible, provide some books, videos, or other materials in the second language. If you are familiar with the language yourself, read to your child. Summer programs offering international exchange are suitable for older children and offer valuable opportunities to speak a second language and explore a different culture firsthand. Children normally live with a host family, which provides them with a safe and sheltered environment where they can practice their language skills.
What options are available in our area?
The types of language programs available can be placed on a continuum. At one end of the continuum are immersion programs, which offer the greatest amount of time in language study and produce students with the highest levels of proficiency. At the other end are programs that explore language and do not have language proficiency as a goal.
Where can I learn more?
The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language by Kendall King, Alison Mackey Viva el Español www.vivaelespanol.org info@vivaelespanol.org 925-962-9177 Article adapted and published with permission from the Center for Applied Linguistics. For references and further reading please visit www.cal.org.
August 2012
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