Raising Bilingual Children

Raising bilingual children has numerous benefits. Not only are they able to communicate in two languages, but research has demonstrated that learning additional languages strengthens children’s multi-tasking abilities and that bilingual children excel in communication and problem-solving skills. 

The Benefits of Raising Bilingual Children

There are a myriad of benefits to raising children who can speak more than one language. For one, by understanding different cultures and language structures, bilingual children are better equipped to become global citizens. In addition, bilingual children become better writers, as they are exposed to a variety of styles and forms of writing. 

Being bilingual also makes students more competitive in the job market. According to research, 75% of employers prefer bilingual employees and are more likely to provide higher salaries.  Through the acquisition of two (or more) languages, children can gain better access to personal and professional opportunities. 

It is also believed that children who speak multiple languages can gain additional cognitive benefits. This is because they are presented with dual structures and definitions to learn simultaneously. 

Encouraging Bilingual Language Acquisition

To support bilingual language acquisition, it is necessary to provide an environment that encourages it. Expose children to the exploration, learning, and recognition of multiple languages. This can be accomplished through various interventions. For example,  language classes, immersion programs, and engaging bilingual play activities may all help aid children in language acquisition.

Also, encourage children who live in foreign environments to acquire the local language. Emphasize to children that learning the local language is a way of showing respect for local culture. Additionally, you can express that upon returning to your home country, they will have acquired a language skill that most others do not have. A rare language ability can have many benefits for children. 

With my own daughter, for example, she found the local language of our second home country quite difficult to learn. However, she became more open-minded after understanding that learning a second language as difficult and rare as the local language could help her get a leg up on her college applications one day.

Language acquisition is an essential part of a child’s overall development, especially when it comes to the acquisition of multiple languages. With the right resources and the right encouragement, bilingual language acquisition can be achieved.

Growing Our Bilingual Future

As the world continues to become more interconnected and global relationships strengthen, the need to develop a bilingual future has intensified. By fostering language learning and helping them to learn two languages at once, our societies, businesses, and relationships can benefit in countless ways.

Learning two languages is more than just a great asset – it lays the foundation for greater lifelong strides in education, academic success, and future job prospects. It encourages global relationships, the sharing of ideas, and the mutual understanding of different cultures