|
|
 |
edusearch articles |
|
|
|
|
| Foreign Language Learning for Children |
Article images
- click to enlarge - |
| Author : Chris Perkinson- New Beginnings
|
|
| Created : 03 Dec 2003
|
| Last Revision : 03 Dec 2003
|
In Europe and worldwide, it is natural for children to learn several languages at once. Up until recently, in New Zealand this has only been seen as a possibility for families where one or both parents are bilingual. However, there is an increasing awareness of the incredible learning potential of children, particularly in the first 5 years.
Research clearly shows that a child�s brain is designed to learn languages, and is capable of learning several languages at once, and the earlier the better. There are many products available now for parents and teachers to expose their child to languages from birth, regardless of whether they themselves are bilingual.
Newsweek, in the US devoted a special edition to the critical first 3 years of a child's life and indicated that there is a "window of opportunity" for second language learning starting at 1 year of age. A February 1997 article in Time magazine suggested that foreign languages should be taught to children as early as possible.
A baby�s brain is like a computer waiting to be programmed, and exposure to other languages creates tonal memories on the brain, which will help language learning later on.
Many New Zealand parents believe they have to concentrate on English first, and that it may be �pushing� their child too hard to expose them to another language. In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's English ability. Children actually learn much about English by learning the structure of other languages. Experimental studies have shown that no long-term delay in native English language development occurs in children participating in second language classes, even in full immersion programs.
In those critical early years, a child is absorbing everything that surrounds them - that is how they�re designed to learn. Exposing a baby to more than one language, promotes the use of an area in the brain that would not otherwise be used, and like any muscle, if it is not used, it loses its effectiveness.
Studies have shown -- and experience has supported -- that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like pronunciation.
Recently, the Government announced that it is intending to promote language learning in Primary Schools. However, there are already several primary schools within New Zealand teaching languages, from Year 1.
The tides are changing in New Zealand, and our eyes are being opened to the possibilities of foreign language learning for children. There was a study done in the US in 2001 that recommended that they needed to "start language education early." The authors strongly recommended that, �The United States needs a national commitment to elementary school language teaching for all children�. Beth Manners, who produces materials in Spanish and French for monolingual parents and teachers to use in the classroom for children aged 2 � 6 years, said that it is now �almost expected that a preschool in the US is bilingual�. If it is happening in America, it is only a matter of time before we follow suit.
There are extensive resources available now to introduce children to languages, from Bilingual Dolls, to audio CD�s for the Car, to Computer CD ROMs and DVD�s. The earlier a child learns a language, the more natural it is for them and the easier it is.
Further information, products and articles are available on the New Begiinings website.
|
| Comments on this article:
| |
|
|
