“Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.”
- Benjamin Lee Whorf
Providing young children with the opportunity to learn multiple languages is a common practice among families and in schools. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 33 percent of all U.S. children under the age of 9 are Dual Language Learners (DLLs). Recent studies indicate that the best time for a child to learn another language is in the first three to four years of life. Learning a new language has numerous benefits, especially if exposure and practice start at a young age. Acquisition of an additional language can open multiple opportunities for novel thoughts and ways of thinking for young children.
Researchers have found that children who learn a second language have improved cognitive skills, including those involving memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that "bilingual children have a stronger executive function (a set of cognitive skills that are responsible for controlling and coordinating other cognitive processes) than monolingual children." These skills can help children to organize their thoughts and efforts, both in academics and at home. Children who learn additional languages are also more likely to regard cultures different from their own with respect and curiosity, particularly if culture is explored as part of the instructional process.
In addition to the personal benefits, learning a new language can also have practical applications. Students who learn a second language often perform better on standardized tests and have higher grades overall. A review of studies published in the American Journal of Educational Research found that "students who study a foreign language generally score higher on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT, and they also have higher grades in their other academic subjects" (Lin & Huang, 2014). Being proficient in a second language can improve the speaker’s communication skills and open up new career opportunities, as many international companies require their employees to be bilingual. According to the U.S. Department of State, "bilingualism is a highly marketable skill in today's global job market" (U.S. Department of State, n.d.). Fluency in multiple languages can increase potential employment opportunities even in the local job market, as the worker can effectively assist a wider range of needs of customers, clients, or patients.
While it may be challenging to learn a new language at any age, starting at a young age when the brain is “uniquely suited to learn a second language… in its most flexible stage” can facilitate the process and increase the lifetime benefits of second language acquisition. It is critical that the instruction reflects knowledge of early childhood development and individual differences as well as includes play, movement, and use of multiple modalities (such as photographs, music, and tactile experiences with real-world objects) in order for the learning to be relevant and successful for the youngest learners. With careful attention to children’s individual needs and cues, teachers can provide young students access to the many benefits of learning a new language that can have a positive impact on their personal, social, academic, and professional development.
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