Giving the gift of languages – Is a foreign language really a gift to my child?
As Malaysians, being bilingual is something we take pride in. Being able to converse in at least two or more languages, be it Malay, English, Mandarin or Tamil, switching tongues just seems natural to us. But as parents in Malaysia, sending your child to language classes just might not be on your mind. Here’s why you should definitely consider language-based enrichment classes for your little one:
1. Language Absorption
Children between the ages of 6 months up to 10 years are like little sponges, they absorb everything easily and quickly! It’s a natural ability for children that age to imitate their surroundings. Monkey see, monkey do!
Their brains are designed to receive and learn foreign languages easily within the early years of their lives. Studies from the University of Washington show that as children age, they lose the ability to understand and learn foreign languages gradually.
Mortimer English Club offers English language enrichment classes through games using senses and is easily accessible with locations all over Klang Valley.
2. Boosts Brain Activity
Studies have also shown that being bi- or multilingual are better at multitasking and are more focused than monolinguals. Exposing your child to foreign languages can provide ‘mental gymnastics’ which can assist in sharpening their attention skills.
Other skills that are acquired when your child is introduced to foreign language include:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Better memory
- Better overall cognitive patterns
Check out EMS English School, a top-ranking English language center that offers a variety of classes to suit the needs of a modern family.
3. Boosts Empathy
Children who are exposed to foreign languages are often more open and empathic. This is because they understand and appreciate foreign culture and arts through the languages they learn. Often times, children who are multilingual tend to be mindful of their surroundings and considerate towards others who may or may not understand the language.
Other than that, a multilingual child also has a deeper perspective towards a different race, customs, geography, and other things that may be ‘different’ from what they are accustomed to.
Bright Star Chinese Education strives to promote the Chinese art and culture through different courses made available at the center. Classes are available for different age groups, covering various topics.
With native English speakers as teachers, parents can be sure that Emphasis English Academy only provides the best English language lessons using the Emphasis Method to help your child master the language.
4. Better Academic Performance
As your child begins to learn a new language and acquire additional skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, these skills become the foundation of your child’s learning abilities academically.
Studies show that children and young adults who are multilingual perform better academically especially with Mathematics and languages.
Looking to teach your child Mandarin? Little Professor Chinese Learning Centre has a specially designed pictorial programme to help young children master 2,500 Chinese characters in no time using right and left-brain strategies.
Modern English also provides English language classes of the highest standard using a student-centred approach.
5. Breaking Borders
When your child masters a foreign language, it enables them to spread their wings and acquire friendships from around the globe, opens up opportunities for them in the future, and have deeper insights into how others perceive the world.
Learning Mandarin itself can allow you child to speak with over a billion people worldwide and learning English allows them to speak with over half of the world’s population. Isn’t that cool?
As a household name in English education, Cambridge English for Life has centers all over Malaysia to provide English language training for you and your little one.
Similarly, check out British Council, an English language center that is specially designed to stimulate learning via latest technologies.
This article has been republished with permission from Kiddy123.
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