Introduction
As a parent, I understand the dreams and aspirations we hold for our children. One of the most valuable gifts I can give to my kids is the ability to speak more than one language. In our increasingly interconnected world, bilingualism is more important than ever. As a millennial mother who decided to immigrate to the US in 2014, I know that technology and travel bring people from different backgrounds closer together, and the ability to speak multiple languages becomes a crucial skill for personal, academic, and professional success. If you are a parent who speaks a first language other than English and you would love to pass on what I call “your cultural heritage” to your children but worry about confusing them, I invite you to keep reading.
You need to know that learning any second language, be it German, Spanish, Hindi, or Russian, from a young age offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond simple communication. And here is the thing: starting early is the way to go. It is a lot easier than you might think (trust me, I’ve been there and it is better to start from day one than even waiting until month one, brain wiring and all).
Now, let's explore why bilingualism matters and address some common concerns and misconceptions parents might have. I hope this will convince you to start speaking your first language to your children. And as the saying goes: it is better to start later than never.
Cognitive Benefits
Watching my two young daughters grow up bilingual has been a fascinating journey. Though they are both still rather young (two and six years old), it impresses me day after day how their brains are wired so uniquely. Not only can they effortlessly switch from one language to the other, but they also exhibit a unique ability to understand cultural nuances and express themselves in ways that sometimes leave me in awe. Their conversations often blend elements from both languages, creating a rich tapestry of communication that is as dynamic as it is insightful. By no means am I trying to imply that my children have super brains or are smarter than other kids. However, research shows that bilingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in various cognitive tasks. ^1 Learning and using two languages improves problem-solving skills, multitasking, and creativity. ^2 It also enhances memory and the ability to focus, providing a solid foundation for academic success. Just think about it: Though it may sound exhausting, switching between languages has its perks developmentally as it requires mental flexibility and control, which in turn strengthen these abilities. When children use two languages regularly it enhances their working memory. It makes complete sense because bilingual children need to keep track of which language to use in different contexts. Don’t you believe that this, in turn, improves their overall memory capacity and recall abilities?! I certainly would assume so.
Also, bilinguals are generally considered to be pretty good at multitasking. Can you imagine the effort it takes for your bilingual brain to constantly manage two languages? This experience makes them more adept at handling multiple tasks simultaneously ^2. Of course, these cognitive benefits are universal and apply no matter which languages are being learned at home or at school.
Social and Cultural Advantages
Apart from the enhanced cognitive development, being bilingual also opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. My daughters, who speak both German and English fluently, have a deep connection to their heritage and a broad understanding of different cultures. They have been exposed to more than one language from day one and I can tell, especially with my older daughter, that she truly appreciates other languages and is very intrigued by them rather than intimidated. I believe that her developed cultural sensitivity will enhance her interpersonal skills and global perspective.
Children who learn German, Spanish, Hindi, French, or any other language, either from birth on or later in life, get the opportunity to connect with rich cultural heritages, fostering greater empathy and understanding. This cultural awareness helps them appreciate diversity and build stronger relationships with people from different backgrounds, which is exactly what we need in today’s multicultural and diverse society.
Academic and Career Opportunities
Did you know that bilingualism can significantly boost children’s academic performance? Studies indicate that bilingual students tend to have better reading and writing skills in both languages. ^3 ^4 Who would say no to that?!
Let’s go a step further, or should I say let’s fast forward a few years to when our kids are older: Proficiency in a second language, whether it’s German, Spanish, or another, can offer a competitive edge in the job market, where especially international employers highly value multilingual candidates. The skills gained through bilingualism are highly transferable and beneficial across various fields and industries. Growing up speaking another language opens doors to a completely new world and culture, and that’s exactly the intercultural competence that employers may look for in a candidate. Someone who has a deeper understanding of a certain culture will help them navigate cultural nuances in international business settings. This awareness can prevent misunderstandings and foster better relationships with clients and partners. I get excited knowing that I could be giving my children an advantage to land their first job with ease.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Some parents worry that learning two languages might confuse their child or delay language development. I had these concerns too, especially when my older one started preschool and I noticed her mixing languages with her teachers. I started doubting my consistent efforts to speak only German to her because I was concerned that she would be behind or that other people wouldn’t understand her when she was speaking to them. I am glad I resisted my inner voice that kept telling me to “quit making it so hard for her”, because by the time she entered Kindergarten, nobody even knew that English wasn’t her first language.
Hence, personal experience as well as research have shown me that bilingual children develop language skills at the same rate as their monolingual peers. I will say it again: several studies that I read refuted my initial concerns that bilingualism causes confusion or delay in language acquisition. On the contrary, bilingual children often have enhanced metalinguistic awareness, which means they have a better understanding of how language works.^3^4 How cool is that?!
Supporting Your Child's Bilingual Journey
As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's bilingual journey. In our home, we've always encouraged the use of both languages, but we try to stick to the minority language as much as possible. We provide access to books and media in German, and we engage in activities that promote language learning. This includes FaceTiming friends or grandparents and connecting with other local German-speaking families so that our kids realize that the language is spoken elsewhere as well, and that German isn’t a made-up fantasy language that’s just spoken within our own four walls. TV shows will also mainly be on in German -Shout out to Disney Plus and Netflix for adding all those language options, we appreciate it!
Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key!
Conclusion
Bilingualism is a gift that keeps on giving. By raising bilingual children, you are equipping them with invaluable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Embrace the journey and watch your child thrive in a world where bilingualism truly matters. Whether it’s German, or any other language, the benefits of bilingualism are universal and far-reaching.
About the Author
Jasmin Versage is a dedicated mother of two bilingual children. With a background in language education and over a decade of experience in teaching, Jasmin has a wealth of knowledge in language acquisition and multilingualism. She co-founded Home of Cultures to share her insights, personal experiences, and practical tips with other parents and educators. Jasmin is committed to fostering a community where multilingual families can thrive and support each other on their language learning journeys. In her spare time, she enjoys being active, baking, and spending time with her family.
Footnotes:
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2015). “Bilingualism as a Life Experience.” Retrieved from https://www.gse.harvard.edu
Frontiers in Psychology. (2023). “Comparing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in bilingual children and their monolingual peers.” Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org
ERIC. (2018). “Bilingual Literacy Development: Trends and Critical Issues.” Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov
Waterford. (2019) “Why Bilingual Students Have a Cognitive Advantage for Learning to Read.” Retrieved from https://www.waterford.org
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