The why behind raising bilingual kids
If you’re in any parent groups on social media these days, chances are you’ve come across a few accounts sharing advice on raising bilingual children. From language immersion preschools to bilingual storytimes to popular YouTube channels, there are so many ways to introduce your little ones to a second language. Before you embark on this journey with your family, let’s explore the why behind raising bilingual (or multilingual) kids.
In 2011, the Office of Head Start said, "For many multilingual families, one of the most important benefits is the chance to foster deep connections between children, their families and their cultures. Learning new languages helps children communicate with relatives who also speak this language and actively participate in cultural experiences during visits or international travel. Their research also shows that children who speak the same home language as their extended family have higher self-esteem and increased confidence, as they feel a greater sense of belonging and community. Dual-language learning also creates more social opportunities for children. In simple terms, children have double the chances to form friendships with others because of their ability to interact and play with children who speak multiple languages. And, these impacts are lifelong.
Beyond the social benefits, raising bilingual or multilingual children also has advantages for their brain development. In 2020, the National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education found that these children’s brains are more flexible due to regularly switching between languages. Knowing different languages improves their ability to think critically and problem-solve innovatively. Researcher Hanako Yoshida determined that the ability to name objects and clearly define terms is improved in bilingual children, as they use multiple names for the same places and things. Finally, children who grow up as dual-language speakers are better able to learn new languages later in life – their brain flexibility is long-lasting. So, even if you begin with just two languages, you’ll set your child up for even more success later in life. Who doesn’t want to give their child each and every opportunity they can to succeed?
All in all, there are so many advantages that knowing multiple languages gives to children. Each and every time you practice a new vocabulary word or sing a song with them in their second language, you create a lasting impact. Now, all you have to do is take the first step!