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"Importance of Language - Why Learning a Second Language is Important"(Website)

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"Importance of Language - Why Learning a Second Language is Important"(Website)

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This article discusses the importance of communication as a whole. Because our world is so vast, and there are so many different languages and cultures, the ability to communicate with different parts of the world is a power in itself. Being able to communicate in more than one language opens up opportunities in jobs, relationships, and experiences. The article illustrates how the aspect of language and communication can set a child up for success, and the impact they can leave on the world being bilingual is immense. Finally, it discusses the fact that in order to set up a successful future for further generations, it's important that people now begin to learn new languages and become curious about new cultures. I used this article as more of a focus on the children aspect, because it's beneficial the most for them to begin learning a new language as they're still a child.

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Language impacts the daily lives of members of any race, creed, and region of the world. Language helps express our feelings, desires, and queries to the world around us. Words, gestures and tone are utilized in union to portray a broad spectrum of emotion. The unique and diverse methods human beings can use to communicate through written and spoken language is a large part of what allows to harness our innate ability to form lasting bonds with one another; separating mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom.

The importance of communication is often overlooked. Despite our great prowess in communication, misunderstandings and mistranslations are commonplace. It is arrogant to believe that one can travel the world and expect all of mankind to understand his or her native tongue. In order to travel the world, whether for business or pleasure, a desire and willingness to adapt to new cultures and methods is necessary. Adaptability, of course, includes the ability to communicate with new people in various dialects. Being unable to communicate in a country is akin to living with a serious impairment; it is very difficult and near impossible, to adapt and get along with new people if there is no way to communicate with one another.

Additionally, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is becoming more and more important in the increasingly integrated global business community. Communicating directly with new clients and companies in their native language is one of the first steps to founding a lasting, stable international business relationship. Being able to do this automatically puts any multilingual person miles ahead of his or her peers in the competition for jobs and high-prestige positions. Language is such a key aspect to setting up children for success in their future professional endeavors that high schools across the nation and in almost every Western country require at least two years of a foreign language. Most institutions offer opportunities to learn a foreign language at even earlier ages. In recent years, psychologists such as Agnes Kovacs have studied the intelligence and mental capacity of young bilingual children in comparison to monolingual children. As noted in the article Why Bilinguals Are Smarter by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee of the New York Times, the author states, "The collective evidence from a number of such studies suggests that the bilingual experience improves the brain's so-called executive function - a command system that directs the attention processes that we use for planning, solving problems and performing various other mentally demanding tasks." Furthermore, by instilling a reverence for foreign language at a young age, parents put their children miles ahead of their future competitors.

The impact of multilingualism can be traced to even more fields. A doctor who can communicate with his or her patient in their native tongue is much more likely to have success at diagnosing them. A scientist or engineer capable of explaining his findings and ideas to his peers will be able to expedite and perfect their work, even if his peers could not understand him in his first language. Any hiring manager in any company in the world would tell you that the ability to speak a foreign language is a prized commodity. Learning to communicate fluently in multiple languages provides additional job security and advancement opportunities in uncertain economic times.

In order to prepare our nation's children to be the next generation of future entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, engineers, or whatever influential job they choose, we must foster an environment from a young age that promotes multilingual learning. Through this we are setting up ourselves, our children, and our children's children, for growth, success, security, and ultimately, prosperity.

Therefore, it is up to you to create a warm and comfortable environment in which your child can grow to learn the complexities of language. The communication skills that your child learns early in life will be the foundation for his or her communication abilities for the future. Strong language skills are an asset that will promote a lifetime of effective communication.

I have always been interested in languages. I have traveled to over 125 countries in the last twenty years and have recently published a book series entitled, Our Beautiful World. Our language is the most important part of our being. I think it is important to learn other languages, other forms of communication besides our own because it helps us to learn about other peoples and cultures. The most important one, however, that we can learn is our own mother tongue as this is one of the most basic parts of our identity. If we were to lose our own tongue, for example, if we were to grow up in a country which is not our own, someplace that is not our home, in my opinion, we would be losing a part of ourselves.
Other texts: From: Washington State University - Why Study Foreign Languages
What can you expect? You will learn a second language in exciting new ways, using technology and focusing on communication. Learning a language is not just learning grammar and vocabulary; it is learning new sounds, expressions, and ways of seeing things;

Should you continue language study after high school? Yes! Don't waste your investment of time and effort; whatever you have learned is a foundation for further study. Stick with it. Use your second language on the job; seek out opportunities to use it in your community; in college, take more courses, study abroad at intersession or for a summer, a semester, or a year.

More and more businesses work closely with companies in other countries. They need many different kinds of workers who can communicate in different languages and understand other cultures. No matter what career you choose, if you've learned a second language, you'll have a real advantage. A technician who knows Russian or German, the head of a company who knows Japanese or Spanish, or a salesperson who knows French or Chinese can work successfully with many more people and in many more places than someone who knows only one language.
From: Omniglot - Why Should I Learn a Language
Many English speakers seem to believe that wherever you go on holiday you can get by speaking English, so there's no point in learning any other languages. If people don't understand you all you have to do is speak slowly and turn up the volume. You can more or less get away with this, as long as you stick to popular tourist resorts and hotels where you can usually find someone who speaks English. However, if you want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the local language is necessary.

Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages.
(Dave Barry)

If you and some of your relatives, friends or colleagues speak a language that few people understand, you can talk freely in public without fear of anyone eavesdropping, and/or you can keep any written material secret. Speakers of such Native American languages as Navajo, Choctaw and Cheyenne served as radio operators, know as Code Talkers, to keep communications secret during both World Wars. Welsh speakers played a similar role during the Bosnian War.

Maybe you're interested in the literature, poetry, films, TV programs, music or some other aspect of the culture of people who speak a particular language and want to learn their language in order to gain a better understanding of their culture.

Most people in the world are multilingual, and everybody could be; no one is rigorously excluded from another's language community except through lack of time and effort. Different languages protect and nourish the growth of different cultures, where different pathways of human knowledge can be discovered. They certainly make life richer for those who know more than one of them.
(Nicholas Ostler, Empires of the Word)

If your family spoke a particular language in the past you might want to learn it and possibly teach it to your children. It could also be useful if you are research your family tree and some of the documents you find are written in a language foreign to you.
From: Auburn University - Twenty-five Reasons to Study Foreign Languages

1. Foreign Language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.

2. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language.

3. Business skills plus foreign language skills make an employee more valuable in the marketplace.

4. Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture.

5. Creativity is increased with the study of foreign languages.

6. Graduates often cite foreign language courses as some of the most valuable courses in college because of the communication skills developed in the process.

7. International travel is made easier and more pleasant through knowing a foreign language.

8. Skills like problem solving, dealing with abstract concepts, are increased when you study a foreign language.

9. Foreign language study enhances one's opportunities in government, business, medicine, law, technology, military, industry, marketing, etc.

10. A second language improves your skills and grades in math and English and on the SAT and GRE.

11. Four out of five new jobs in the US are created as a result of foreign trade.

12. Foreign languages provide a competitive edge in career choices: one is able to communicate in a second language.

13. Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory.

14. One participates more effectively and responsibly in a multi-cultural world if one knows another language.

15. Your marketable skills in the global economy are improved if you master another language.

16. Foreign language study offers a sense of the past: culturally and linguistically.

17. The study of a foreign tongue improves the knowledge of one's own language: English vocabulary skills increase.

18. The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature.

19. Foreign languages expand one's view of the world, liberalize one's experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant.

20. Foreign languages expand one's world view and limit the barriers between people: barriers cause distrust and fear.

21. Foreign language study leads to an appreciation of cultural diversity.

22. As immigration increases we need to prepare for changes in the American society.

23. One is at a distinct advantage in the global market if one is as bilingual as possible.

24. Foreign languages open the door to art, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, film, philosophy, science...

25. Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic liberal education: to "educate" is to lead out, to lead out of confinement and narrowness and darkness.

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Importance of Language - Why Learning a Second Language is Important - Continuing Education

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Language impacts the daily lives of members of any race, creed, and region of the world. Language helps express our feelings, desires, and queries to the world around us. Words, gestures and tone are utilized in union to portray a broad spectrum of emotion.

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Ted Talk: "4 Reasons to Learn a New Language" (Multimedia- video)

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Ted Talk: "4 Reasons to Learn a New Language" (Multimedia- video)

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This video provides the viewer with reasons why they should learn a new language. The first reason was because language shapes your thoughts. The speaker, John McWhorter, essentially says that if you want to better understand and be immersed into a new culture, you should first learn the language of that region. Secondly, he states that the development of dementia decreases, and the ability to multitask increases. Being able to multitask can even provide you with a better job opportunity, let alone also being bilingual. The third reason is that learning a new language is simply fun. Being able to converse with people all around the world, having the ability to switch languages mid sentence, and increasing brain capacity are all simply fun. Finally, he says that there is no better time to learn that now. With society evolving everyday and the people as a whole are in need of constant communication, knowing more than one language gives a person an edge in the ever-changing society. I used this video as a visual to better provide evidence. Also it discussed Mandarine Chinese, which I have a connection to.

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4 reasons to learn a new language | John McWhorter

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The article by Joey Papa discusses the importance of school administrators. School administrators essential make or break a school. If your administrator is confident, cares about not only the students but the staff as well, and understands the importance of communication- you will likely have a good administrator. However, if an administrator is opposite of those characteristics, it's often times difficult to share ideas and communicate with them. The article explains ways to respectfully communicate with your superiors all while still getting your point across. There is verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that have proved to be effective. Verbal techniques include giving positive feedback as well as constructive criticism. Nonverbal communication techniques includes your actions towards the situation, and a sense of trust that should be maintained between the students and administrators. I used this article as means of evidence for my audience because it focuses on communicating with school administrators, which too is my audience.

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School administrators have the challenge of running a school, dealing with student-related issues and maintaining a satisfied staff. Effective communication is essential for a school administrator to be successful in his job of creating and maintaining a healthy learning environment. Putting verbal and nonverbal communication skills into practice can greatly improve a school's organizational flow, which in turn provides secure boundaries for students and positive reinforcement for staff.

Use Verbal Communication

Use verbal communication appropriately with students and staff. During schoolwide gatherings, the school administrator should set a clear vision for the student body. Much like a father or mother, the administrator should encourage students with good news about their achievements and hard work, address areas that need improvement and finish with encouraging words that set the student body up to win. Staff meetings should carry a similar feel, but be a bit more direct with an open forum for feedback from staff. Allow school staff to voice their opinions, concerns and ideas. Feedback gives the staff a voice.

Use Nonverbal Communication

Ensure that your verbal and nonverbal communication compliment one another. Your actions, policies and body language should all properly represent the messages that have been communicated orally. When a school administrator says she is going to do something and fails to do so, a strong message is sent to students, staff and parents alike. The nonverbal message contradicts the verbal message, causing a breakdown in communication and leaving people to form their own opinions. Stay consistent to avoid appearing confused or hypocritical.

Implement Feedback Outlets

Implement feedback outlets throughout the school year that give students, staff and parents the ability to rate the school's performance and satisfaction. Create a questionnaire for the three different groups (students, staff and parents). Fill the questionnaire with statements that can be rated from 1 to 10, with 1 being strongly disagree and 10 being strongly agree. Have each group fill out the form and return it to the administration. Tally up the scores and look for consistencies in areas of improvement and achievement. Address those issues and tighten up the the school's policies and procedures.

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School administrators have the challenge of running a school, dealing with student-related issues and maintaining a satisfied staff. Effective communication is essential for a school administrator to be successful in his job of creating and maintaining a healthy learning environment.

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"How to Write a Letter to the School Board" (Website)

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"How to Write a Letter to the School Board" (Website)

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For centuries, writing a letter has been a popular way to address concerns and bring up ideas. This article discusses the importance, effectiveness, and ways to write a letter. Writing a letter is a way for your voice to be heard, often times other people feel the same way or have the same idea, so a letter can address the situation as a whole. The article suggests that by using the professional form of writing a letter by addressing the situation, you're more likely to be taken seriously at a professional level. The author also lists tips to include in your letter which prove to be beneficial. These include, introducing yourself, having a straight forward person, addressing concerns, and suggesting steps to resolve the situation. I used this article to support the evidence of my outcome. I am writing a letter to the school board, so this was very helpful.

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Writing a formal letter is an effective way to voice your concerns, ask questions, and make suggestions about the school district to the board of education.
If you want your voice to be heard and to show your concern for your child and others in the community, writing a letter to the school board is an important step. For over a century, schools have relied on their boards of education to represent the community in academic matters. School boards advocate for teachers and administrators, ensuring they have the tools and training necessary to be effective educators. Boards also play a pivotal role in setting the curriculum. In addition, boards are also responsible for setting policies designed to ensure all students receive the education necessary to be successful in college and the workforce.

There are several reasons people write letters to the school board. It may be to voice concerns or thoughts on a particular topic or to file a complaint about an event or incident. Communicating with the school board regarding your child's education, special services, or school functions shows your concern for your child's well-being and quality of instruction. By using a formal method to communicate with the board, you can expect board members will also respond formally. School districts typically have a timeframe within which they must address issues.

Are you interested in becoming a school board member? Learn more here.

Tips for How to Write a Letter to the School Board

Writing a letter to the board of education allows you to address a serious concern about a particular topic. You can write to the entire board or a specific person. When you compose a letter to the board, present your issues in a logical, well-organized manner. It should be written formally and with respect.

Introduce Yourself

Begin the letter by introducing yourself and identify whether you are a parent, teacher, or another member of the community, and the subject of your concern. This provides context for your letter. Use a positive tone by commending them on the quality of teachers or administration, direction of the curriculum, or other aspects of the school district. Include a statement that indicates you are confident they will address your concerns seriously. The board may view this as a balanced, open-minded perspective, making members more likely to give your concern the attention it deserves.

State Your Purpose

Use a voice of authority and state the purpose of the letter. Write with confidence, showing that you understand the topic you are discussing. When organizing the communication, ask yourself the following: Why you are writing? What are your concerns or questions? What actions do you wish to see?

Present Your Concerns

Start by explaining the situation. Keep the letter short, ideally no more than a page, but make sure you include pertinent information. If you are writing about an incident, add names, times, and dates. Maintain a positive and respectful tone when detailing the situation. Relate the facts as you know them. Refrain from becoming emotional, issuing threats, or using profanity, even if you are upset.

Describe the steps you have taken to resolve the matter or investigate events that occurred. This may include detailing conversations with teachers, parents, or other school officials. Attach any relevant supporting documentation. Identify how you would like the problem resolved.

Conclude the letter on a friendly note and express your appreciation in advance for the board members' time and attention. Be kind and respectful. They work hard and often do not get paid. Communicating with them is not about complaining. Be specific about the issue you are addressing and be candid about your thoughts.

Final Steps

Use the grammar and spell-check features of your software or ask someone to edit your message to ensure it is error-free. Before sending the letter, take a moment to re-read it. If you were upset when you wrote it, give yourself time to calm down and read it again. Put yourself in the position of the recipients. Is your depiction of the situation and request clear? Don't forget to date the letter and ask for a reply. Provide your contact information, including your email address and phone number to ensure they have everything they need to provide a response. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records as a reference for future communication.

Sample Letter

Below is a sample letter. Personalize it by adding or changing information to suit your particular needs.

Anytown Board of Education

Address

Phone / email

Dear [Name] School Board Members, (If sending to individual members, personalize your letter with their name)

[Personalize the introduction - State whether you are a parent, teacher, community member, or have another connection to the school district.]

I am a parent whose child attends Acme Elementary School. I would like the board to consider adding a bus stop at the corner of Elm Street and Main Street. Currently, children in my area must go to the nearest stop at West End and Main Street. This requires a half-mile walk and crossing several busy streets.

I know that the school board is committed to the safety of all children. Approving this stop would align with the values and mission of the school district. There are several benefits to the modification of this route:

The school bus passes through the intersection of Elm Street and Main Street on the way to the current stop, which means the route does not need significant changes.

Several families in my neighborhood have children who must walk to the West End and Main Street stop.

By having the bus stop closer to home, there is less risk as the students only need to cross one street.

Many parents I have spoken with drop their children on campus because of the length of the walk. This causes traffic issues at the school. By adding the bus stop closer to home, more parents will allow their children to ride the bus. Congestion in the drop-off area at the school will decrease.

I appreciate the time and effort the school board puts into protecting the safety of our children. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter. If you would like to discuss this request further, please contact me at your earliest convenience at 123-456-7890.

Thank you for your time, service, and consideration.
[Personalize closing
Name

Address

Email

phone]

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How to Write a Letter to the School Board | XQ Institute

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Writing a formal letter is an effective way to voice your concerns, ask questions, and make suggestions about the school district to the board of education. If you want your voice to be heard and to show your concern for your child and others in the community, writing a letter to the school board is an important step.

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"Schools can Improve Motivational Quality: Profile Transitions Across Early Foreign Language Experiences" (Academic Journal)

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"Schools can Improve Motivational Quality: Profile Transitions Across Early Foreign Language Experiences" (Academic Journal)

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When students are constantly doing the same things, and learning the same subjects everyday, they will tend to lose motivation to keep up with their studies. Elementary schools are a place for early education and should still be a fun place to learn. In Japan, learning English is extremely difficult, so many schools are trying new techniques to ensure their students are staying motivated to continue learning the language.

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"Bilinguals Show an Advantage in Cognitive Control- the Question is Why" (Academic Journal) 

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"Bilinguals Show an Advantage in Cognitive Control- the Question is Why" (Academic Journal) 

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In this article by J. Bruce Morton and Sarah N. Harper, they statistically prove why bilinguals having higher cognitive skill. They discuss that the reason behind the higher cognitive skill is likely based on the power of control. A person who is bilingual is able to selectively decide what words and phrases to remember and use, instead of just plain talking. In everyday language use a person may learn a new word or phrase and then say it a few times within the next few days. However, a person who's bilingual is able to commit it to memory and use it for years to come. This is due to the constant evolution of the both parts of the brain instead of just the one more common academic side. I used this article to show that there are major academic benefits to being bilingual.

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Bilinguals show an advantage in cognitive control – the question is why.: EBSCOhost

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"Benefits of Learning a Second Language as a Child" (Website)

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"Benefits of Learning a Second Language as a Child" (Website)

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This article discusses how children who learn a second language are much more likely to succeed. Because a Childs mind is still developing until they're much older, learning a second language only enhances their brain even more, let alone having it be much easier to learn in general when you're young. It increases creativity, problem-solving skills, memory, and open-mindedness. Study's show that the "critical period" of a child's mind, meaning the area of the brain that unconsciously absorbs information is in its prime stage from ages 0-10. Thus proving that its significantly easier to learn a new language when you're young because your brain is physically seeking knowledge. I used this article in attempt to illustrate the benefits of learning a new language while you're young. Studies have proven that since a child's brain is just beginning to develop there is significant increase in problem solving, concentration, multitasking, and overall and increase in the depth of function of their brain.

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Soccer summer camps and academies all over the world

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It can be difficult to raise a bilingual child, but the benefits of learning a second language at an early age are certainly worth the struggle.

Bilingual children learn faster and easier, have improved problem solving skills and creativity, and have more career opportunities in adulthood. They also find it easier to connect with other cultures which makes them more open-minded and tolerant of diversity, and they are less likely to experience age-related mental illness as they reach old age. Most importantly, it's much easier to learn a second language at an early age.

In addition, learning a second language isn't as difficult as it used to be. Scientists are constantly studying second language acquisition and developing new methodologies to help kids learn faster. And, the rising demand of language programs has created a whole new market of international summer camps with language classes where kids can enjoy their favorite activities and learn a new language at the same time. Check out these international camps:

If you are looking for a Spanish language program but don't have the option to travel abroad we can highly recommend the online live Spanish courses offered by Salamanca University or online Spanish courses offered by Malaga University. Another alternative for younger children is the language programs offered by foreignlanguagesforkids.com

One of the main benefits of learning a second language at an early age is that children learn languages faster and easier. They have more time to learn, less to learn, fewer inhibitions, and a brain designed for language learning. In short, teaching your child a second language at an early age saves them from having to learn a second language as an adult.

On a biological level, children are like sponges. The brain of a child is designed to absorb new information unconsciously. They do this similarly to the way that we, as adults, unconsciously learn song lyrics, rhythms, and melodies. Dr. Paul Thompson, a neurology professor at UCLA, and his team found that the brain systems specialized in learning new languages grow rapidly from around six years old until puberty. Then these systems basically shut down and stop growing from ages 11 to 15, during puberty. Click HERE to read more about the study.

Take a look at this TED Talk where Patricia Kuhl explains how babies listen to the sounds around them and "take statistics" on the sounds they need to know. Before the age of 10 - 12, babies can differentiate between all sounds across all languages. Then, according to their exposure to languages, they start to only differentiate between the language sounds which are necessary to create meaning. The Japanese language does not diferentiate between the l and the r sounds. Japanese babies before 10 months old, can hear the difference between these sounds. Then, between 10 and 12 months old, they lose their capacity to differentiate.

Can babies learn a new language with radio and television? Or do they need real human interaction to absorb a new language? Skip to minute 7:05 to find out.

Another one of the benefits of learning a second language at an early age is that children think more simply than adults. They use fewer words, simpler sentence structures, and think less abstractly. Children who are learning a second language are not overwhelmed by the task of communicating their abstract thoughts and feelings in their second language because they simply don't have any. Then, as these children develop into adults, they learn to express themselves in both their native and second languages. Adults, on the other hand, must face the daunting task of translating complex sentence structures and abstract thoughts to be able to fully express themselves in their second languages.

Combine LANGUAGE STUDY + SPORTS

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Think about the books you read as a child compared to the books you read now. Remember it took years of schooling and required reading to be able to understand the texts you can read now. The same applies to writing, listening, and even speaking. It took at least 15 years of academic study to be able to communicate the way you do in your native language. Time is another one of the benefits of learning a second language at an early age. Children have time on their side. They can start small and simply and work their way up to both higher levels of thought and communication at the same time. Children have a great advantage over adults as second language learners.

Children who learn a second language grow up to be expert problem-solvers and creative thinkers. Their brains experience a constant workout from a young age as they try to sort out which language to speak and when. Researchers have found that in addition to enhanced problem-solving skills, bilingual children are better at planning, conentrating, and multi-tasking. And, they score higher on standardized tests. By teaching your child a second language at a young age, you are setting them up for success.

Bilinguals are constantly experiencing a mental workout as they sort through more than one language system to communicate. In the 20 th century, researchers and educators discouraged second language learning. A second language was thought to interfere with children's intellectual and cognitive development. While there is evidence that bilingual children do experience this interference of language systems, it turns out that the internal conflict that bilingual children experience prepares them to be expert problem solvers. Click here to read the full article.

Collective evidence from various studies demonstrates that learning a second language improves the brain's executive function. This means, bilingual children are better at:

1. Planning

2. Problem solving

3. Concentration

4. Multitasking

An interesting study

In 2004, psychologists Ellen Bialystok and Michelle Martin-Rhee tested the problem-solving abilities of bilingual and monolingual preschoolers. All children were asked to sort blue circles and red squares on a computer screen in two digital bins - one marked with a blue square and the other with a red circle.

First, they were asked to sort the shapes by color putting the blue shapes in the blue bin and the red shapes in the red bin. Both children performed well.

Then, the preschoolers were asked to sort by shape placing the blue circles in the red circle bin and the red squares in the blue circle bin. This task required more concentration as the children had to place the shapes in a bin with a conflicting color. Bilingual children performed this task quicker.

Another one of the many benefits of learning a second language at an early age is improved test scores. Students who study foreign languages perform better on standardized tests such as the American College Test (ACT) and the SAT verbal sections. In fact, students test scores improve with the length of time they have spent learning a second language.

Combine LANGUAGE STUDY + SPORTS

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An interesting study

To read more research regarding the effect of learning a second language on academic performance, click HERE.

A boost in creatively is another one of the benefits of learning a second language at an early age. Various studies have proven it.

One of the most used creativity tests is called the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) created by Ellis Paul Torrance in 1962. These tests are designed to measure "divergent thinking" or thinking outside the norm, thinking creatively. Theymeasure participants' divergent thinking in four areas: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration.

Bilingual children score higher on the TTCT.

Take a look at some examples of TTCT test problems in the figure below:

Bilingual children learn to see the world through different lenses. Therefore, they have different points of view at their disposal to be able to think creatively. Let me explain what I mean by "different lenses." Every new language we learn presents us with new obstacles in terms of conveying meaning. For example, Turkish and Russian have no equivalents for the English verbs "to have" or "to be" - two of the most common English verbs. As bilingual minds work out ways to bypass these barriers, they engage in intensive divergent thinking - the same divergent thinking that stimulates creativity.

Combine LANGUAGE STUDY + SPORTS

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Interesting fact

As technology advances in today's world, machines are mastering more and more intricate tasks such as translating texts or diagnosing illnesses. According to The Economist, 47% of jobs in America are vulnerable to automation. In poorer countries such as India and Ethopia, those numbers are even higher.
Can you guess why more jobs in poorer countries are vulnerable to automation?
Rich countries have more jobs that are hard for machines to perform. The jobs that require original ideas (like advertising) or complex social interactions (like arguing a case in court) will be left to humans.

In times like these, CREATIVITY is more important than ever.

In the modern age of globalization, more and more companies are seeking employees that speak more than one language. Furthermore, employees who speak more than one language are often paid significantly more than their monolingual counterparts.

This claim applies to jobs beyond translation and interpretation. Companies need employees who can communicate across borders and internationalize their specific products or services. This means that companies are often looking for employees that are able to translate into one or more languages and specialize in a specific field. Bilingual individuals with experience or expertise in legal, medical, technical, or scientific fields can find high paying jobs translating or interpreting.

This is great news for bilingual children who either grow up in a bilingual household or have significant exposure to two or more languages at a young age. Since children learn languages much faster than adults, they can learn a second language while they're young and then spend their time at university specializing in a specific field that they find interesting. Then, these bilingual specialists can charge a lot of money to translate texts related to their expertise.

Whether these children grow up to become translators or interpreters in a specific field or find a job in the field while marketing themselves as bilingual, their salaries will be much greater than the salaries of their monolingual coworkers.

One of the most exciting benefits of learning a second language at an early age is being able to communicate with more people from different cultures. Children who learn a second language will have incredible opportunities to travel around the world and get to know other cultures.

English has become the world's lingua franca which means English is the common language that people use to communicate when they don't share a native language. These days, many young people all around the world have a pretty good understanding of English. That being said, children who speak English natively are extremely lucky. As they grow and mature, they'll be able to travel to many places and communicate with many people from all around the world building tolerance and appreciation for cultural differences.

The image below presents the top 10 countries with the highest proficiency of English as a second language.

Nevertheless, many beautiful countries rich in culture and tradition are a bit behind on the proficiency index. And, even the most proficient countries might only be proficient in bigger metropolitan cities where tourism drives the economy. It's much easier to explore quaint little towns, to participate in authentic cultural rituals and ceremonies, and to really connect with people from other cultures when you speak their language.

Check out the images below to see the English language proficiency of countries all around the world.

Native English speakers also have a second advantage. While speakers of other languages are basically required to learn English as there second language, native English speakers have more freedom to choose which language to study as their second language.

For children, what language they learn is really up to their parents. Parents whose native language is not English often teach their children their own native language. By doing so, it's easier to be involved in the child's learning process; these parents don't need to hire native speakers to come speak to their children, for example. Furthermore, their children can more easily connect to their own heritage.

But for young children who come from monolingual English speaking families, parents often must decide what language they would like their child to learn from a long list of possibilities. Will they learn Spanish? Mandarin? Portuguese? Arabic? Some languages are more popular around the world than others and are therefore more useful.

The image below illustrates the most popular languages in each continent around the world.

Many studies have hypothesized that people who speak a second language regularly may be able to delay Alzheimer's disease by 4.5 years.

New research published in the journal Neuropsychologia reveals that bilingualism makes changes in brain structure that are linked with resilience against Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Researchers reason that this is due to the constant workout that a bilingual brain experiences as they constantly filter through information in two languages.

Click here to read to full article.

There are 5 main benefits of learning a second language at an early age.

1. Our brains are designed to learn languages before we reach puberty. It's a good idea to start learning as early as possible.

2. Babies can differentiate all the sounds of language before 10 -12 months then they start to lose this capacity according to the sounds they find useful (their own language). Therefore, it's good to expose babies to many different languages so they retain this ability.

3. Children think more simply and therefore have less to learn. They don't get overwhelmed while attempting to communicate complex thoughts like adults do.

4. Children have much more time to dedicate to language learning. Learning is their full-time job.

5. Bilingual brains experience a non-stop, full mental workout.

6. This brain exercise leads to improved planning, problem-solving, concentrating, and multitasking.

7. This brain exercise also contributes to divergent thinking - out of the box thinking and problem-solving skills.

8. Bilingual children are more creative.

9. Learning a second language leads to improved test scores during childhood and adolescence.

10. As children get older, their bilingualism can help them get jobs and earn higher wages.

11. They'll also have more opportunities to travel, connect to their heritage or get to know other cultures.

12. Finally, as they approach old age, their bilingualism will have the capacity to slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease by 4.5 years.

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Benefits of learning a second language at an early age | Ertheo Education & Sport

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Ertheo explores benefits of learning a second language at an early age. In this article, we talk about the incredible power of baby brains, take a look at some interesting studies conducted on bilingual and monolingual preschoolers, explore the relationships between bilingualism and creativity, and much more.

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"Why is it Important to Learn a Foreign Language?" (Website)

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"Why is it Important to Learn a Foreign Language?" (Website)

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Every second the world is evolving, advancing, and globalizing. Because of this the usefulness of understanding a foreign language, understanding other cultures excluding your own, is so important. This article discusses the connectedness you have when being bilingual and many benefits that come with it. The author Kendall Dick proves that when you're bilingual travel becomes easier and cheaper, how a world of job opportunities will open up to you, and how much the language itself affects your brain. Aside from the physical and mental benefits, the author also states emotional benefits. These include, forming friendships, open-mindedness, and the importance of appreciating other cultures. I used this article as a simple way to back up my argument that learning a second language, and becoming bilingual only provides you with positive outcomes.

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Why is it Important to Learn a Foreign Language?

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What kind of question is that?! Either way, we have the answer. Here's why it's so important to learn a foreign language.