February 20th marked International Mother Language Day. It’s a good opportunity to remember that a mother tongue isn’t always unique. Some people master two or more languages from a very young age. What are the benefits of a bilingual or multilingual education for your child? And how can you implement a bilingual education?
Why choose a bilingual education for your child?
In an increasingly globalized world, fluency in multiple languages has become a major asset. Parents want their children to be prepared to interact in an international context, whether academically, professionally, or personally. A bilingual education opens doors to global opportunities by facilitating communication and broadening cultural horizons.
Indeed, opting for a bilingual education offers children the opportunity to acquire a second language more fluidly and naturally. Children learn new languages faster and more easily, so it’s an opportunity to immerse them directly in foreign languages.
Whether you choose to teach your child English , considered a universal language, or to learn another language, it will remain a valuable asset throughout their life. In short, deciding to raise your child in a bilingual environment offers many advantages, both in the short and long term. Lunii takes you on a tour of the benefits of early bilingualism !
The Montessori method for 7-11 year olds
Early bilingualism: definition
As Sophie Rosenberger , a doctor of linguistics, explains , early bilingualism involves the acquisition of an additional language from early childhood . This can take various forms, for example, when a child is raised in a home where their mother tongue is spoken and then discovers a foreign language at school, corresponding to that of the country in which they live. The bilingual child can also grow up in a so-called “mixed” family, that is, in which the parents speak two languages completely naturally, switching from one to the other. In both cases, the child develops in a bilingual environment from early childhood.
The benefits of early bilingualism are numerous, but rest assured, it is not the only way to become bilingual: you can still be bilingual even if you start learning a second language after the age of 6, and therefore after acquiring your first language – this is what we call “late bilingualism”.
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The Benefits of Bilingual Education
Socio-communicative advantage
As your child will be able to communicate with more people in their native language, they will have more opportunities for communication throughout their life, whether for work or travel.
Not to mention that, exposed early to a bilingual education, children have the unique ability to master the pronunciation and intonation of a foreign language naturally, without the burden of a strong accent that can be difficult to get rid of as adults.
Additionally, people prefer to express their emotions in their native language, or the language they know best. Being able to communicate with others in their native language allows them to establish a more emotional connection with them. Research has also shown that bilingual or multilingual children develop a greater capacity for empathy , as they more easily put themselves in other people’s shoes.
Cultural advantages
Speaking two (or more) languages fluently provides a valuable opportunity for cultural enrichment. Parents can encourage their children to explore diverse cultures through literature, music, film, and other art forms in their native language. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity worldwide.