Building your child's future through language

Language really, really matters. If you’ve reached this blog, you probably think so too. But just in case, let's talk about why.

There’s so much evidence out there about children and families who speak multiple languages. It paints a really powerful case for the benefits of bilingual and bicultural education.

Let’s start with the myths about bilingualism. Some people say that having two languages in the family confuses children, lowers their school achievement, and delays their language development. Those myths have been debunked, and both scientific evidence and family experience have proven otherwise, though sadly these messages do still circulate.

Instead, evidence shows that rich and supportive linguistic environment at home has multiple benefits for children’s brain development and future opportunities.

Numerous scientific studies have found a link between bilingualism and:

• memory and attention levels

• Cognition

• Executive functioning

• Creativity

In other words, children who have learned a second language at an early age have been found to have better memory, attention, executive functioning and creativity - all of which give them a headstart in other areas of life.

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“Learning a language is beneficial because you’re not just learning another set of grammar rules and vocabulary. You are also learning a new way of thinking, it is a window into another culture, and often a mirror into yours.”

Professor of Applied Linguistics at Lancaster University, Panos Athanasopoulos

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So here’s the thing. Language is more than a means of communication. It is not only cognitive, but a vector of emotions too. Language builds friendships and emotional connections. It helps to identify, make sense of and share our feelings. This translates into children with compassion and empathy.

And importantly for families who are attempting to integrate different countries and backgrounds, language helps us to access culture. It builds cultural awareness, adaptability, curiosity and the ability to step into another person’s shoes.

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“Languages are the key to… unlocking the world and its cultures to young people”

UK Government - Research Review Series: Languages, 2020

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Finding your own family language rhythm, as I call it, at home can strengthen family bonds and build children’s heritage and cultural experience and preserve a family’s heritage language.

The evidence is clear that speaking two or more languages opens up a whole world of advantages. Now what’s not to love about that?

But we get that it resonates differently with different people. Some people begin their bilingual parenting journey skeptical, apprehensive, unsure or skeptical - especially if they’ve heard the myths that have painted bilingualism in a bad light, or have fewer supportive resources in their community. Other people begin with exuberant enthusiasm, ready to champion bilingualism from day one.

Wherever you are on this spectrum, a learning mindset is all you need.

So for those of you who want arm yourselves with the evidence, the facts and figures and tools for success - we’ll dive deeper in our bilingual parenting masterclass in 2023. Subscribe to our newsletter via the website to be the first to hear when we’re ready to launch!