7 Reasons Why Children Should Learn Languages

Why learn a foreign language, we hear you ask? Learning a foreign language is an extremely valuable skill that will benefit your child for the rest of their life. As it’s the European Day of Languages, what better time to start learning than now?

Foreign Language Learning For Kids

Is it necessary for children to learn a foreign language?

No, but it does wonders for their development! Researchers have found that the brains of bilingual and multilingual children have enhanced cognitive abilities versus kids who don't speak another language.

What age should a child learn a foreign language?

Children from as young as three years old can learn a foreign language. In fact, it actually comes far more naturally to young kids than it does to most adults, as children's brains are more capable of making rapid neural connections, speeding up their ability to learn new languages fast. Starting at around six or seven, or at least by the age of 10, is said to give youngsters their best chance of speaking a second language fluently.  

What are the benefits of foreign language for kids?

Explore the 7 reasons why children should learn a foreign language below.

1. Boosts Brain Power

Scientists have discovered that the brains of bilingual and multilingual kids develop more densely. London’s Wellcome Department of Imaging Neuroscience found that bilingual speakers had denser grey matter in comparison to monolingual speakers. More grey matter = more brain power!

2. Enhances Empathy

Learning a foreign language helps children to truly understand the difficulties others may experience when not speaking in their native tongue. A University of Chicago study found that kids who speak multiple languages are better at putting themselves in other people’s shoes and understanding different points of view. Overall, it helps youngsters understand that learning a language is a special skill that requires perseverance, patience, and dedication.

3. Improves Cognitive Abilities & Problem-Solving Skills

Speaking more than one language requires negotiation skills as kids navigate between different languages. This aids problem-solving skills as youngsters use their initiative to seek different approaches to solve a problem. Research has even discovered a link between being bilingual and having the ability to think abstractly about language. With young minds being extremely mouldable, children who learn a language at a young age, on the whole, tend to have better pronunciation and grasp of an additional language. 

4. Builds Future Career Prospects

Being fluent in another language can open up your child's future job prospects! They can work abroad, chat with business partners and customers around the globe in another language, and have an advantage over monolingual competitors. Starting their learning young ensures children have an in-depth knowledge of foreign languages and plenty of opportunities as they grow up.

5. Creates High Achievers

Studies have revealed that bilingual students score higher on college admissions tests than monolingual students do, particularly in areas of reading and mathematics. You can help your kids on their language learning journey with our literacy toys and alphabet puzzles. 

6. Increases Understanding of Native Language

By learning an additional language, children will better understand how language works in general and become more aware of their native language, with an enhanced understanding of grammar, sentence structures, etc. Studies have shown that bilingual kids understand printed materials (books, magazines and stories) better than monolingual children do.

7. Appreciation of Different Cultures

Little learners can appreciate the rich diversity of our world by learning a foreign language. It allows them to see there are various ways of living, different customs, and unique traditions. It also means children can get enthused about discovering the culture of the language they’re learning - they may even take a trip there when they’re older!