The answer to the question “is it good to know more languages” would certainly be answered positively by each one of us. But why? How much benefits does it really have? And what does the knowledge of foreign languages bring to our children? Read the scientific findings of some studies in which the positive effects of early language learning are proven. You will be surprised at how children who speak more languages or who learn foreign languages are better performing on various tests in comparison to their peers!
Positive effects of early language learning:
1. Better cognitive abilities, flexible thinking, multi-tasking, problem solving
A lot of studies have been carried out on the relationship between learning a foreign language at an early age and cognitive abilities. They proved that the student, who studied the foreign language is mentally more flexible and better in conceptual thinking. In the external examination of knowledge in mathematics, mother tongue and social sciences, those who learned a foreign language performed better. Robinson, D. W. (1992). The Cognitive, Academic and Attitudinal Benefits of Early Language Learning. In Met, M., ed. Critical Issues in Early Language Learning. White Plains, NY: Longman.
In the American study that examined the influence of foreign language learning on the knowledge of mathematics it was found: significantly better results were achieved by younger students who learned a foreign language five days a week in comparison to the results of older students who did not learn foreign languages. Saunders, C. M. (1998). The Effect of the Study of a Foreign Language in the Elementary School on Scores on the Iowa Test Of Basic Skills and an Analysis of Student-participant Attitudes and Abilities. Unpublished dissertation, University of Georgia.
A comparative study was conducted between a group of American first-class students attending a French school and a group of first-class students that went to a normal elementary school. On the intelligence test, those who were learning French were much better off than those who did not learn French. Better results were achieved primarily in the tasks that required children to interpret and interconnect in seemingly unrelated objects. Samuels, D. D. and R. J. Griffore (1979). The Plattsburgh French Language Immersion Program: Its Influence on Intelligence and Self-esteem. Language Learning, 29/1, 45-52.
2. Better reading comprehension
In a previously mentioned study that compared success in solving mathematical tasks, younger students who learned a foreign language five days a week were also better at reading comprehension. Saunders, C. M. (1998). Another study examined the difference between students with different abilities in reading their mother tongue. They compared students who studied Spanish for one or two years in the fifth or sixth grade and students that took no Spanish lessons in the same age. The parallels between good results in reading comprehension and the length of learning a foreign language were found. What’s more, it turned out that the average intelligent students gained the most by starting to learn a foreign language at an early stage. Garfinkel, A. and K. E. Tabor. (1991). Elementary School Foreign Languages and English Reading Achievement: A New View of the Relationship. Foreign Language Annals, 24/5, 375-382.
3. Better communication skills
A study carried out in 23 high schools in the US showed that in the external examination of oral expression, students who learned a foreign language were incomparably better off in comparison to those who did not learn a foreign language. It turned out that the social environment was not affecting the results of the study. Cooper, T. C. (1987). Foreign Language Study and SAT-Verbal Scores. The Modern Language Journal, 71/4, 381-387.
In addition, on the standard external examination of oral expression after completion of the secondary school, students who have been learning a foreign language for four or more years received better scores than students, who chose to take any other subject instead of a foreign language in the high school. Robinson, D. W. (1992). The Cognitive, Academic and Attitudinal Benefits of Early Language Learning. In Met, M., ed. Critical Issues in Early Language Learning. White Plains, NY: Longman
4. Wider view of the world and better understand and acceptance of other cultures and diversity
Early language learning literally spreads the horizon to the child. Children develop a sense of cultural pluralism, openness and respect for other cultures. For this reason, the European Commission for Early Childhood Education and Training is also striving for early language learning.
5. Long-term competitive advantage for careers
Research confirms that linguistic and cultural awareness will be the one, that will feature a well-educated 21st century person, who will successfully face the growing diversity and will compete on the global marketplace. Genesee, F. and N. Cloud. (1998). Multilingualism is Basic. Educational Leadership, March, 62-65.
Many scientific studies demonstrate how early language learning positively influences the development of children’s cognitive and communication skills, encourages flexible thinking, strengthens memory and concentration. Aside from that science proves that multilingual children are also more creative. Do you agree that early language learning is a good investment in our children?Research confirms that linguistic and cultural awareness will be the one, that will feature a well-educated 21st century person, who will successfully face the growing diversity and will compete on the global marketplace. Genesee, F. and N. Cloud. (1998). Multilingualism is Basic. Educational Leadership, March, 62-65.
Many scientific studies demonstrate how early language learning positively influences the development of children’s cognitive and communication skills, encourages flexible thinking, strengthens memory and concentration. Aside from that science proves that multilingual children are also more creative. Do you agree that early language learning is a good investment in our children?
Source for studies: dr. Karmen Pižorn. Additional foreign languages in the childhood (In slovene Dodatni tuji jeziki v otroštvu). Evaluation study. PF Ljubljana. August 2009.