Major Benefits of Learning a Second Language Early

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Global communication has grown increasingly easier and more important, thanks to the advent of
technology. Americans, who traditionally lag behind the rest of the world when it comes to the number
of languages they can read or speak fluently, could benefit strongly by learning at least one other
language. And since children learn languages quickly and more easily than adults, teaching them at a
young age seems to make the most sense. Here are a few of the benefits of starting them out at an
earlier age:

Understanding different cultures. If Americans want to continue to compete in the global market,
future generations are going to be forced to understand not only the languages of other countries, but
at least a surface knowledge of the cultures represented therein as well. And it isn’t just capitalism that
drives people to communicate. Understanding and being able to speak the language of another culture
is an important way to build a bridge that connects people and can lead them to strive for social justice,
especially for the downtrodden in foreign countries.

First language. Learning the verb structures and vocabulary of a foreign language, particularly other
Romance languages such as French or Spanish, is an excellent way of improving your child’s English
reading and writing skills. A child studying the mechanics of another language will develop a greater
understanding for the similar mechanics of English. As an added bonus, they will undoubtedly increase
their own vocabulary and develop more advanced reading abilities.

Higher education. Colleges and universities place a heavy emphasis on learning a second language. A
child who enters high school with a background in one language will only strengthen it during those four
years, and may be able to enter a more competitive college based on their background and language
retention.

Studying abroad. Learning a second language also offers the student the opportunity to immerse
themselves in the language and culture of the people whose language they are studying. Visiting
another country will grant your child a different perspective on the world that will help them become
a more well-rounded person, someone who is more capable of dealing with the changing global
community. They will also be able to take the skill sets and cultural understandings they cultivated
abroad and apply them to their own lives once they return home.

Confidence boosting. Learning a second language will offer your child added confidence that will
aid them as they continue to learn. Developing an affinity and the ability to speak another language
is an impressive accomplishment that your child should keep in mind as they explore other areas of
education. One discovery leads to another as their confidence in their ability to learn increases. And
the more that your child flexes their thinking abilities, the easier time they’ll have learning more difficult
subjects as their speech and memories improve. The more opportunities you provide for them to start
learning another language at a younger age, the more they’ll be able to develop confidence and other
necessary life skills.

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Übersetzungsbüro Deutsch Englisch (translation service German
English). Whether you are traveling to Berlin or Hamburg, brush up on your language skills before you
go!