One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
?Frank Smith
Language is an important skill for us to communicate with others. It is used to bond relationships with others and also a sense of self. Language helps us express who we are as a person and is a part of human life. The achievement of other languages are magnificent, BUT! This cannot be the reason for us to forget our mother tongue because it represents us and our identity, which cannot be replaced. A study has shown that being multilingual is achievable.
Is Language Important?
The American Speech, Language and Hearing Association stated that language isn’t the same as speech and it consists of a set of social standards that shows comprehension of the meanings behind words and putting them together in a sentence to communicate. It is essential to start as soon as possible, and I think children must develop the skills to interact with others socially.
Language helps us express how we feel, what we desire and queries to others. A broad spectrum of emotion is portrayed by the use of words, gestures and tones. Mankind is separated by the animal kingdom through unique and diverse methods of communication through words.
Is learning a foreign language good for kids at a young age?
The younger, the better. When they are younger, they are more likely to achieve native-like pronunciation compared to older learners. Furthermore, a child’s mind is known to absorb everything, their brains are like a sponge, but it is recommended to give them enough time to understand one language before introducing another one to them fully. If you teach them two at a time, they might get confused.
When they grow older, they will appreciate their advancement and fluency in a foreign language. This will also boost their self-esteem when they find out that they are able to communicate easily.
How To Help Kids Develop languages?
- Talk to them: Talk to them using their mother tongue but add on some foreign language in and ask them what you meant.
- Read to them: Besides reading them an English book, make sure you read to them books which consists of other languages.
- Enjoy music together: Listen to different genres and languages of music which are, of course, suitable for kids. Kids love music, so this is one of the best ways to help them develop languages.
Parents are required to encourage the development of languages in their child. As they grow older, they will appreciate your action because he or she will be able to communicate with people easily and after all this is the beauty of languages.
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