The introduction of a second language to a child is universally regarded as a positive development that can help facilitate the learning the process in a variety of disciplines. Learning a second language not only gives a child the chance to learn about and appreciate another culture, but it can eventually serve them in their chosen career and even expand their interests as they mature. The question often becomes a matter of how best to expose a child to a second language. The most effective method of introducing a child to another language is one that is, unfortunately, not available to every household. Scientific research is in agreement with anecdotal evidence that suggests that children who grow up in a bilingual household or culture pick up on a second language with the least difficulty. The simultaneous acquisition of both a primary and secondary language that are both regularly spoken by adults around the child is especially beneficial in improving the child's mastery of linguistic rules such as grammar, idioms and connotation.
Comments
Wonderful info. So many other countries do this. The U.S. is very behind when it comes to teaching second languages. We start teaching kids second languages in middle school even though they are more receptive when they are younger.
Our little guy is getting the benefit of growing up bilingual (he just turned one, so is just starting) but we are sure we want him to learn simultaneously..
This was fascinating, as we were in the unique position of having to teach a child whose first language was NOT English how to speak English. We could not maintain both languages, partially because there was a speech delay in the native language. However, I think when both languages are being spoken in a household, it could be possible and an advantage, too.
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