It benefits to learn more than one language in the Early Years

Many researchers over the years have studied the brain of bilingual and multilingual children and they have found that these children have greater cognitive development than children who speak only one language. These differences give several advantages to children who speak more than one language.

Boosts Brain Power- The brain develops more densely giving it an advantage with skills and abilities for the children. Many findings have suggested that the structure of the brain is altered by the experience of acquiring a second language, especially in the early years. 

Better Problem-solving abilities– Children who speak more than one language learn to negotiate and find different approaches to solve a problem. The children have the ability to think non-verbally as well as abstractly. 

Develop an ear for languages- Children who learn a second language in their early years develop the correct pronunciation and fluency. They are native language speakers of the language learned and have a better command over the same. 

Higher academic achievement– Studies have shown that children who speak more than one language from childhood have a comparatively higher academic score in other domains as well. It also helps them in their later years when high school and college require all students to learn a second language

Increased Empathy- Bilingual children find it easier to understand different perspectives- they are better at ‘putting themselves in the shoes of others. They have an increased ability to understand how their peers feel and show higher levels of empathy. 

Promotes international-mindedness- Children have the opportunity to become more culturally aware and better understand and appreciate cultural differences. It allows them to be more open-minded to different ways of thinking and understanding. 

In our increasingly diverse society, people from different cultures and communities must have the tools to communicate effectively with each other. A world in which different cultures and languages are appreciated and understood is a better world for all.