The best age to learn a second language is really from birth, for children’s minds are like sponges, soaking up everything as easily as if it were naturally in them to do so. In fact, it is naturally in children to learn things, like language, faster and easier than it is for adults.  Learning at a later time, say at age 40, may be more difficult for even adults who had no problems with learning all their lives, than for a child at age 4. However the ability to learn and retain language so easily declines as time goes on, so that by age 6 or 7, the child simply does not distinguish the sounds and connections as quickly or effectively.

The benefits of learning a second language early are numerous. For one thing, learning a new language can actually improve one’s own English speaking and listening skills. Consistently speaking a new language early gives room for children to continually make the sounds they hear, that adults may not pick up on as well. They may make pronunciations better in English, because their mouths are used to having to utilize a wider range of phonetics.

Their foreign language understanding and speech can be better if they have learned a language outside English as very young children. The Romance languages have very similar roots. If you can understand the roots of one word, it can help you understand the meaning of countless related words in another Romance language. Taking Latin in school, for instance, opens the door to endless understanding of other languages, especially the Romance languages. This is very good; but learning at a younger age, and using the second language on a consistent basis, is more effective for a child’s learning and understanding another similar language, due to the sponge-like ability children have at soaking up information.

Being familiar with other languages at an early age increases the comfort and interest in other cultures and peoples. Because we live in a world of differences, it can only help to be conscious of others’ lives and identities. Otherwise, it may be difficult not only to understand others, but to live peacefully alongside them, as well.

Knowing another language can build self-esteem. Some children find themselves feeling more confident when they can communicate in another language. They may develop a feeling of belonging, and can build more friendships in a way that they may not feel comfortable doing if they only spoke English. Considering that Spanish is becoming the second most spoken language in America, it may be more help than harm for a child to learn the language early.

Children who learn a second language can be more creative than someone who does not learn another language. And they tend to understand complex concepts very well, possibly making math and science easier for the student.  These are more benefits that make exposing a young child to a second language worthy of a parent’s consideration.

Another benefit to note is that being bi-lingual may help with future job opportunities. There are many companies who need bi- or multi-lingual employees, and again, the child who grows up speaking Japanese fluently, for instance, may be considered for an international team at a prestigious company faster than a child who only speaks English. While someone who only speaks English may be considered for a certain position, someone who has spent a lifetime communicating in another language could appear more functional, connected, and, therefore, useful to that company.

Exposure a child to a second language is worth considering. Should you choose to place your child into a class at an early age, there are options, such as the Foreign Language in Elementary School (FLES) program, the Foreign Language Exploratory program (FLEX), and immersion. Check with your child’s school or research some sites on the internet. It may be worth it for your child’s cultural development!

http://www.languagestars.com/pdfs/articles/article_01.pdf

http://www.earlybirdslearning.com/faqs.asp

http://www.parentspress.com/edulanguages.html

http://fles.org/

http://bi-lingual.com/School/WhatIsImmersion.htm