Hola. 你好. Bonjour. أهلاً. Habari gani? With over 7,000 languages and dialects around the world, learning to speak another language is an appreciating asset for children, teens, and yes, even adults too.
What is an Asset?
This economic term can sometimes be a bit confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply, an asset is something that holds value. Assets are resources you own. They are useful and helpful in our lives.
Assets can be tangible, like land, buildings, stocks, or even cash itself. They often increase in value over time to help you build wealth.
Assets can also be intangible. And, although we can’t really “touch” what it means to learn another language and culture, this is a life skill that can actually convert to high returns in so many ways.
So, here are 4 reasons why teaching kids and teens new languages is an asset worth appreciating.
1. Language Learning Fortifies the Brain
Becoming bilingual or multilingual is mental exercise. Studies show that individuals who speak more than one language have improved executive functioning.
Their ability to make decisions, maintain attention and focus, and navigate their working memory are all improved when compared with monolinguals.
So, why does this matter for kids and teens? Simply, it matters a lot. Because language learners are managing two or more linguistic systems, they make connections, transfer information, and often think critically and more deeply.
Decades of studies indicate the academic benefits of learning another language. Bilinguals tend to outperform monolinguals on many different types of tests.
Their metalinguistic abilities cause them to have fewer problems in becoming literate and they do better on tests of reading readiness as well.
Students in bilingual education environments often have increased levels of academic achievement. For example, research has shown students in Dual Language Immersion programs have improved Math and Reading performance on standardized tests in English.
But wait! Maybe you heard that teaching your child another language will confuse them. This is a language learning myth. It’s a lie and not the case at all.
Sure, learners may have a short period of mixing their new languages, but this is completely normal and to be expected as vocabularies are strengthened.
It’s typical to mix languages in the pursuit of becoming a balanced bilingual. You might hear: “Quiero agua in the bag.” “I want water in the bag” in Spanish.
Or “Wǒ shì excited.” “I am excited” in Mandarin.
It’s not detrimental to learn another language for any group of children. It’s worth repeating again – it can’t hurt them.
Instead, learning another language is a gift and it is normalized all around the world. It’s beneficial and enriching for ALL types of learners.
Here’s another exciting fact! People with knowledge in more than one language tend to be more creative.
Different sounds and ways of expressing yourself can provide new perspectives and offer inspiration.
Such creativity, open-mindedness, and the ability to solve problems are becoming more and more important in society.
So, when kids learn more than one language, it empowers them with all of these added brain benefits during their most formative years. Talk about the biggest bang for your buck!
2. Becoming Bilingual or Multilingual Teaches Cultural Competence
By celebrating other cultures and heritages, we learn to appreciate others with dignity, respect, and admiration. This is really important for kids and teens today.
Studies show that when children learn a second language they are more likely to have positive attitudes toward speakers of that language. Children in language programs are also more likely to have friends from different backgrounds.
Learning another language promotes cross-cultural understanding, sensitivity, empathy and kindness across lines of difference.
Language learners come to understand how humanity is the universal tie that binds us all together.
And, if we fast forward years ahead, we can see how this skill will help them with interpersonal strengths to work on diverse teams at work, travel with ease and enjoyment, contribute to their communities as caring citizens, and more.
3. Language Learning Strengthens One’s Own Sense of Self
When you learn another language, you speak a lot about yourself in the target language with new vocabulary and structures.
Bonjour. Je m’appelle Jasmine. J’aime lire et chanter. / Hello. My name is Jasmine. I like to read and sing.
Learning another language is a culturally-responsive mode of instruction. This kind of teaching helps students from all backgrounds truly see themselves and it increases their sense of belonging in schools and communities. This all leads to more student engagement and success.
As you see, learning a language is more than just verbs, nouns, and pronunciation.
Language learners appreciate history, culture, icons and are able to think critically about their own experiences and environments with reflection and pride.
4. Becoming Bilingual or Multilingual Affords a Competitive Edge
Being proficient in more than one language looks great on college and job applications.
Bilingual employees can earn anywhere between 5 to 20% more money on average per hour than monolingual employees. So, adding a second language can literally translate to more cash.
Why? Because when a skill you have is in high demand, you are in high demand.
Even if a child does not become fully proficient in the target language, this pursuit is still well worth it.
Learning another language demonstrates commitment to learning, motivation, and a global worldview. These are all desirable characteristics to make any résumé stand out.
Video Article:
Select References:
– Bialystok, E. (2018). Bilingual education for young children: review of effects and consequences. Read: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti…
– Steele, J. et al (2017) Dual-Language Immersion Programs Raise Student Achievement in English. Read: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_br…
– Edutopia Infographic Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0MlOuOPjfU&t=0s