Why should your Child Learn a Second Language?

Children are the future of our global society.  The next generation needs to be even further developed, tolerant, and have the ability to communicate with different cultures.  The great news is that as young children they absorb everything around them. In Canada, French has commonly been the choice for a second language.  That is logical when it is one of the two national languages, but exposing your child to Spanish may be important for other reasons.  Spanish is the third most commonly used language on the Internet after English and Mandarin. It is also the second most studied language and second language in international communication, after English, in the world. 

As parents, we certainly want the best for our children, allowing them to reach their potential. Teaching your child another language, even while he is still developing his first language, has some real benefits.

Help with Development

Exposing your child to another language is a great way to help with their development.  General thought is that if they are too young, they will be confused and it will inhibit their ability to learn their primary language.   In reality, learning another language will improve their linguistic abilities.. Children that are learning or have learned a foreign language when they are real young tend to do better in school and on standardized tests. In fact, the earlier you start, the more likely it is that your child will become proficient in that language, being able to speak and understand it like a it is his or her natural language.

Expose your child to new cultures

Another benefit is the exposure to different cultures.  By being exposed to the language they are also being exposed to the culture.  Along with learning a language, your child will certainly benefit from learning about where that language is spoken and the culture of the people. As your child gets older, he or she will have an appreciation of another culture other than their own.   This will provide him or her a broader understanding of other cultures, more tolerance, and potentially increase their curiosity to learn about more cultures.

Teaching your child a new language at a young age will benefit them both mentally and socially.  Helping them learn about different languages and cultures will make your child more well-rounded, improve learning skills, and will help them with their future.