Thanks to technology we are becoming more connected with the world. With just our phone we can connect with people in countries all around the world. This is the reason countries around the world begin teaching their children English in public schools. The realize that having language skills increases the future generation’s chance of success. Our public schools are just now starting to catch up with these other nations. There are multiple benefits, for your children, to learning a second language.
Benefits to Learning a Second Language:
- Brain Growth: Learning a second language actually helps your brain grow. Studies have found that people who learn a second language strengthen their brainpower and increase their ability to learn. People who have learned a foreign language show greater cognitive development in mental flexibility, creativity, problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning. Learning a second language helps the brain later in life by staving off dementia and alzheimer’s.
- Better Multi-Tasking: People who learn a second language are able to switch from one task to another more easily than people who only know one language. They show more cognitive flexibility and find it easier to adapt to unexpected circumstances.
- More Career Opportunities: People who are fluent in a foreign language have a marketable skill. Most companies, both national and international, will be more likely to hire someone with multiple languages because it helps them reach their customer base in a better way.
- Better Grades in Every Subject: A study by the College Entrance Examination Board reports a direct correlation between foreign language study and high SAT scores.
How to Learn a Second Language
1. Immersion Learning – If you can afford it, this is the very best way for your child to learn a foreign language. Charter schools that offer this style of teaching are becoming more popular. Global Village Academies has a school here in Colorado Springs. Up to 95 percent of a student’s day is spent learning about reading, writing, math, history, science and other subjects in a second language. The key to this is starting your kids early. If they start in Pre-K or Kindergarten they will learn the language as they learn other skills.
2. Join a class or Hire a tutor – The Colorado Springs Chinese Language School offers classes and programs for all ages. GlobeLink has in-depth courses for more than 50 languages. Their programs are used by college students and military members. Speaking of the military, there are many linguists throughout the military and college students with various language skills. You could put an ad on your local Craigslist to find someone to tutor you or your child in almost any language. Check out tutorspree.com, languagetrainers.com, and peaklanguageinstitute.com for more options.
Best Languages to Learn:
- Spanish is the second most common language spoken in the US.
- French is the fourth most common language spoken in the US and it is spoken primarily in countries in North America, Europe, and Africa.
- Mandarin Chinese is the most common language spoken in the world. With increased relations between the US and China, there will be a need for US companies to employ Chinese speakers.
