Speaking several languages has never been so important
in an ever more globalised and interconnected world. Beyond the obvious
advantages of being multilingual, like better job opportunities and a better
understanding of other cultures, learning another language also has a
significant impact on a young child's cognitive development. Starting this
journey early can have a lasting positive, educational and academic impact on
how young minds develop. Francesca Pini,
the founder and creator of Language Angels, explores the cognitive benefits of learning foreign
languages from a young age.
What are
the Specific Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language from a Young
Age?
There are so
many! Let's explore a few:
- It
improves a young child’s ability to problem solve
When learning
another language, children have to master and negotiate new rules and
structures. This inherently develops their problem-solving skills. For example,
knowing when to employ irregular verb conjugations or gendered nouns will
encourage children to think critically and draw connections between linguistic
patterns. Beyond the classroom, these problem-solving skills enhance their
ability to solve puzzles, adjust to new unknown circumstances, and approach
potential difficulties in a more original way.
- It
improves a young child’s ability to multitask
The act
of switching between languages develops a skill called code-switching, which
significantly strengthens cognitive flexibility. The brain must switch between
various linguistic systems during the process of learning another language,
which improves multitasking skills. According to studies, bilingual kids are
much better at balancing several tasks without losing focus or accuracy - a
skill that becomes more and more important as they get older and deal with more
challenging tasks.
- It
improves a young child’s executive functioning
Executive
functioning is an umbrella term that describes a set of higher order cognitive
abilities such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning,
understanding, reasoning and problem solving. Children who have advanced
foreign language proficiency have better results in executive tasks. They
simply manipulate, understand and process information better. In a classroom
environment, where all too often there is only one educator present in the room,
these are essential skills for all to possess.
- It
helps improve a young child’s long-term brain health
The cognitive
advantages of learning a language have been connected to improved brain health
as we age. According to research, multilingual people may delay dementia and
other age-related cognitive decline. In short, beginning a language learning
journey early staves off age-related mental illness later in life.
How is
Language Angels Supporting Primary Schools With This?
Language Angels can really help achieve all of the above! A child's cognitive development can be greatly aided by integrating great language learning early into their education. It is much more than simply developing their communication skills in a different language. As we have read, the advantages range from improving memory and multitasking skills to encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills. By encouraging children to learn a second or third language at school (and at home with Glurbs) parents and teachers equip our young learners with skills that go well beyond learning the language. It will set them up for improved academic success in school across all other curriculum areas. Pupils will navigate social situations better and be better prepared for future employment. The pedagogy and methodology of learning a foreign language at primary phase is different to other school phases but also curriculum subjects. Language Angels has experience and expertise in this field, particularly by supporting teachers with their planning and delivery of lessons in school. Language Angels slowly develops pupils’ memory skills and allows pupils to manipulate language. It teaches them to place vocabulary in short-term memory and then into long-term memory with copious opportunities for revision, consolidation and then recall. With our meticulous planning and structure, lessons fully support working memory, ensuring all pupils are able to access this incredible brain boosting power of learning French, Spanish and/or Italian.
