Science Says: Start Learning a Second Language Early!

Learning a second language early in life is not just an exciting opportunity; it’s also backed by science as a way to boost brain development and social skills. Research has shown that children who learn a foreign language during their early years gain significant advantages that can last a lifetime.

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In this blog, we’ll resort to science to explain why early childhood is the best way to learn a second language, and we’ll delve into the main benefits of language-learning for children.

The Best Time to Learn: Early Childhood

Early childhood, particularly from birth to around 8 years old, is a time when the brain is exceptionally adaptable. This adaptability, often referred to as neuroplasticity, means that the brain can easily absorb new information, making it an ideal period for children to learn new languages. During these formative years, children’s brains are highly receptive to picking up new sounds, vocabulary, and grammar rules. This period is often called the “critical period” for language learning because it’s when acquiring a second language happens most naturally and effectively.

Dr. Thomas Bak, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, conducted studies that provide insight into how learning a second language during early childhood can significantly boost cognitive abilities. In one of his studies, Dr. Bak followed a group of 853 participants, all of whom were initially tested at the age of 11 in 1947. These participants were then retested in their early 70s between 2008 and 2010. The study aimed to see how bilingualism affected cognitive aging.

The results were striking: those who had learned a second language, even later in life, performed better in cognitive tasks than those who only spoke one language. However, the cognitive benefits were even more pronounced for those who had learned a second language during childhood. These bilingual individuals showed better memory retention and attention span compared to their monolingual peers.

How Bilingualism Helps Children Strengthen Their Memory and Attention

When we talk about strengthening memory and attention, we’re referring to the brain’s ability to retain and focus on information more effectively. Bilingual children often show improved working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. This skill is crucial for tasks such as solving math problems, following complex instructions, or remembering a series of events.

For example, a bilingual child might be better at remembering a sequence of activities, like getting ready for school in the morning, than a monolingual child. This is because managing two languages requires constant mental juggling—children have to switch between languages, which helps them develop a sharper memory.

Attention span is another area where bilingual children excel. The process of switching between languages in different contexts (e.g., speaking one language at home and another at school) trains the brain to focus more intently and ignore distractions. For example, when a bilingual child has to complete a task in one language while ignoring input in another, their brain practices filtering out irrelevant information, which enhances their overall attention control. This ability to focus and switch attention is not only beneficial in academic settings but also in everyday activities, such as listening carefully in class or paying attention to details during a game.

Cognitive Benefits: Boosting Children’s Brain Power

Psychologists Ellen Bialystok and Michelle Martin-Rhee conducted a pivotal study that illustrates the cognitive benefits of bilingualism in children. Their research involved a series of tasks designed to test the children’s ability to focus and manage conflicting information. One such task was the “Dimensional Change Card Sort” test, where children were asked to sort cards based on one characteristic, like color, and then asked to switch and sort the same cards based on a different characteristic, like shape.

Bilingual children consistently outperformed their monolingual peers in this task. They were more successful at switching between sorting rules and could do so with less confusion and hesitation. This suggests that bilingualism enhances the brain’s executive functions—the mental skills involved in planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks effectively.

Building a Stronger “Command Center”

The constant practice of managing two languages strengthens the brain’s executive control system, often referred to as the brain’s “command center.” This system is responsible for high-level cognitive processes such as problem-solving, planning, and multitasking. For example, in a bilingual English/Spanish household, a child might need to switch from speaking Spanish with their grandparents to speaking English with their school friends. This frequent switching not only makes them fluent in both languages but also trains their brain to adapt quickly and effectively to different contexts, thereby strengthening their cognitive control.

Long-Term Cognitive Benefits

Learning a language during childhood, when the brain is most receptive and capable of absorbing new information, is not just about immediate gains—it’s an investment in the future. Research suggests that bilingualism helps delay the onset of dementia (link) several years. The mental workout provided by managing two languages throughout life keeps the brain more resilient against age-related cognitive decline.

By learning a language, children are setting themselves up for lifelong cognitive health and flexibility. The skills and neural connections formed through early language learning can provide a protective buffer against cognitive challenges later in life, ensuring that they remain mentally sharp and agile well into their senior years

Social and Emotional Growth: Understanding Others Better

As mentioned before, a key aspect of bilingualism is the ability to switch between languages and cultural contexts, which naturally enhances a child’s capacity for empathy and social understanding. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, led by Katherine Kinzler, provides significant insights into this phenomenon. The study examined how bilingual children, compared to their monolingual peers, interpret social cues and understand the perspectives of others.

In one part of the study, children were asked to interpret a speaker’s request based on the speaker’s visual perspective. Bilingual children were more successful than monolingual children in understanding what the speaker could see and therefore better able to grasp the speaker’s intended meaning. This suggests that bilingual children are more adept at considering the viewpoints of others, a skill that is closely linked to empathy.

The researchers concluded that this enhanced perspective-taking ability in bilingual children stems from their experience in navigating multiple languages and cultural settings. Bilingual children frequently engage in social interactions where they must consider which language to use and how to adapt their communication style depending on the context and the person they are interacting with. This constant practice in adjusting to different perspectives naturally fosters a more profound social awareness and the ability to empathize with others.

Conclusion: The Value of Early Language Learning

In conclusion, introducing a second language in early childhood offers numerous benefits. It enhances cognitive abilities, boosts academic performance, and improves social skills. By taking advantage of the brain’s natural flexibility during these early years, we can give children tools that will benefit them throughout their lives. As the world becomes more connected, the ability to speak multiple languages will be an invaluable asset, making early language learning a key part of a child’s development.

At Language Trainers, we have proudly helped hundreds of children embark on their language-learning journey. At the moment, we have more than 300 students under 13 on their way to fluency. These young learners benefit not only from the cognitive and social advantages of bilingualism but also from a fun and engaging learning experience tailored to their needs.

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Unlike traditional language schools, we offer personalized one-to-one lessons that ensure your child receives focused attention and support. For siblings or friends, our small group lessons provide an ideal setting for collaborative learning, allowing them to learn together in a comfortable and familiar environment.

Additionally, we understand the importance of convenience for busy families. That’s why we offer face-to-face language lessons in the comfort of your home, as well as flexible online language courses that can be accessed from anywhere. Whether your child is just starting their language learning journey or looking to build on existing skills, our experienced teachers are here to guide them every step of the way. So, why wait? Give your child the gift of bilingualism and set them up for success in our increasingly global