Which Language Is Best for My Child?
Many parents approach their children's language learning with a very specific reason and goal in mind. For these families, selecting a second language may be a clear choice. They plan on taking trips abroad and want their child to be able to appreciate their destination in a way far beyond just soaking up the sights. Or they hope their child will pick up their new language and use it to communicate with a relative who might feel most comfortable in a language other than English.
For many of us, however, the answer isn't quite as obvious. Many simply recognize what an incredible benefit knowledge of a foreign language can be in a career or in the college admissions process. But do you know what field your child will be most interested in as an adult? Probably not yet. Maybe you learned a language in your youth and want to share your love and knowledge of that language with your child, but aren't quite sure that the language that was right for you in high school is right for your child today. Maybe you live in an area where English is not the only common language, and would like your child to participate more fully in your community. All of these scenarios can lead to conflicting answers.
Selecting a language might seem a lot like picking classes in high school or college—the question of what to take can sometimes be very straightforward, but other times there are a number of great options. Our advice? Focus more on the benefits and pleasure that another language—any language—will give your child. Opening a new window to the world for your child through language is the most important step. When it comes to choosing a language to start, there are no wrong answers.
Spanish Today. French Tomorrow?
Fortunately, parents who are trying to decide what second language might be best for their child aren't limited to just one. Children are perfectly capable of learning more than one language, and even of learning multiple languages simultaneously. There is absolutely nothing hardwired into the brain that prevents children from learning more than one secondary language, or from learning more than one language at a time. It is also important to note that a child's capacity to learn more than one language simultaneously isn't something children have to grow into—they can begin their exploration of language(s) very early, and often with amazing results. In fact, the earlier they start, the longer and richer their exposure will be to the language or languages, and the deeper the effect will be.
No Language is "Too Hard"
Another important thing to remember is that languages are not like different vitamins—each with its own little brain supplements and benefits. While certain languages may appear to have more complicated grammatical rules (and there is, of course, the issue of learning a different script when learning to read or write many languages, such as Chinese, Russian or Arabic), parents should not be worried about the "complexity" of a language as either an advantage or an impediment for their child's learning experience. The process of learning a second language, and the confidence that experience brings, can be the real gift to your child. You don't need to compare conjugation tables to determine if a language is too 'hard' or too 'easy.' For a child there is simply no such limitation. Language learning is natural and fun.
You Don't Have to Be a Fluent Speaker
Also, as we noted last month, parents need not be concerned about introducing their child to a language that they themselves might not know, or might not feel completely comfortable speaking. As experts at Brigham Young University argue, "Perhaps the most damaging bilingual parenting myth, which prevents many qualified parents from thinking they are qualified to raise bilingual children, is the myth that you should be a native speaker of a language to teach that language effectively to your children. You do not have to be a native speaker of a foreign language to teach that language to your children. Nor do you have to be living in a country where that language is spoken to teach it to your children."
So, How Do You Choose a Language?
If you are on the fence, there are a few factors you may want to consider while deciding which language to introduce to your child. Even if you believe you already know, you may want to read these over just to re-confirm your decision.
Identify Your Resources
Perhaps the most important consideration is the number and type of resources available to you and your family as you begin learning a second language. Language learning is most successful when it is supported in multiple media and includes conversational practice—even at the simplest level. Make a checklist of the ways your family and your community can provide opportunities for your child to gain exposure to and practice with her new language. Are there playgroups in the area that support education in this language? Do schools in the area teach it? Do you have family members or family friends who speak the language? Does your library have any materials that can help you expand your immediate resources? There are many ways of making the most out of what you have in and near your home.
Looking outside of your community, though, you can browse the internet for books, games, audio CDs, movies and supplementary resources in some of the languages you're interested in. Take a look at your child's favorite DVDs. Is there a language track available that would allow some additional exposure to the language your child is learning? Look into not just the breadth of offerings, but into how well the materials available will allow and encourage your child to grow with them. Are these materials things that your child will move on from quickly, or will she be able to return to them repeatedly to build on what she has learned previously? And secondarily, what kinds of interaction do these materials allow you to have with your child? Considering the way the materials will be used over the years will give you a good idea of how you and your child will be able to grow into a language together.
Evaluate Your Goals for Language Learning
After considering the resources available to you, it is wise to then reflect on your goals for language learning, and the enthusiasm that lies behind those goals. Of course, there are no right or wrong reasons to learn a foreign language. When choosing a language to introduce to your child, understanding what you hope the end result will be—and evaluating that based on the resources available to you—can put things in the proper perspective. With your support and enthusiasm, your child's adventures in language are sure to be wonderful and exciting.
Parents around the world introduce their children to a new language for incalculably many different reasons. There may even be more reasons to learn a new language than there are languages to learn! And there is absolutely no wrong language to learn—every language will help your child, broadening her world and expanding her horizons.
Choosing a language to introduce to your child is an exciting opportunity to open your family to new avenues of knowledge and fun. It's a way to connect to your family, to connect to your community, and to connect to the world. Whatever language you do choose, the learning process is sure to be a rewarding experience for both you and your child. So what are you waiting for? Get started!
Email This Article to a Friend
