One of the aspects that really highlight the world-class quality of most international schools here in Manila is that learning a foreign language is, if not required, highly encouraged for students. In this day and age, the world is becoming smaller and more connected. By studying other people’s culture and way of speaking, your children would be able to experience so many things that could benefit them.
Here are some of the major factors that show the most fundamental advantages of learning a new language:
Enhanced Linguistics and Cognitive Abilities
Exposing your child to a different language at an early age allows her to acquire knowledge in different subject matters easily; that is, learning will become more natural on her part. The reason for this is because children’s brains are developmentally prepared to accept and gain semantic knowledge of a foreign language. This entails that their transition to phonetic fluency is rapid. Besides mastery of linguistics, learning a new language cultivates an improved set of critical thinking, problem-solving, thought flexibility, more creative skill sets, and a conceptual development of object permanence.
Academic Excellence
Stemming from the previously mentioned point on cognitive benefits, learning a foreign language also offers your child academic advantages. Children, who are well-acquainted with bilingualism, have been commonly documented to function at levels of greater mental flexibility. This, in turn, accounts for exemplary academic performance.
Research and statistics show that bilingual students usually have higher standardized test scores and math skills. Studying a different language has also shown to enhance their native and English language proficiency without inhibiting it.
Cross-Cultural Enlightenment
Parents, in general, want their children to grow up with a deep appreciation for all the best things that the world has to offer. They would want them to become a successful and giving member of society.
Learning a foreign language undoubtedly opens a multitude of avenues for your child. Having access to people, places, and a grasp of resources for knowledge of other cultures not only gives her a competitive edge, but more importantly, it fosters empathy for others therefore having a more enriched life.
Boosting Empathy and Communication
Studies conducted by Dr. Katherine Kinzler of Cornell University shows that children, who are exposed to multicultural environments, acquire knowledge that serves as a guiding practice in learning and considering the varying perspectives and contrasting thought processes of others.
Language, culture, and communication are so deeply intertwined with each other that studying a foreign language at a young age builds substantial insights as to how another group of people sees the world. Philosophically speaking, linguists claim that the language is a huge factor in how an individual views the world.
Key Takeaway
At the end of the day, whether your child is studying in an international school here in Manila or otherwise, encouraging her to study a foreign language provides for a lifetime of benefits that center on empathy and a deeper understanding of humanity and the world the revolves around her.
