My baby hasn't even begun to talk yet. Is there any point in starting language lessons so early?
The ability to distinguish and process sounds or phonemes of foreign languages is highest in the first year of life, before babies even utter their first word. Many experts now believe that babies exposed to more than one language during their first year of life will not only have an easier time learning foreign languages later in life, but actually improve their listening, problem-solving, and reasoning skills in general.

We utilize an immersion approach. The teachers speak only the language they are teaching, without translation. As adults, we have a tendency to translate foreign language into our own native tongues. Children intuitively pick up on the meaning of language without the need for translation

Why should my child learn another language?

There are cognitive benefits as well as academic benefits to learning a second language. Recent studies on brain development show that early exposure to more than one language actually builds a more powerful brain. It also strengthens a child's mastery and understanding of his first language. In addition, research has found some surprising benefits to early foreign language exposure in children. Studies show that babies that were exposed to sounds of different languages early in life retained the ability to identify those sounds years later. This may make it easier for your child to learn other languages later in life.

Studies have shown that when children are adequately exposed to two languages at an early age, they are more flexible and creative. They also demonstrate improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. ₁

Studies have also shown that students of foreign languages tend to score higher on standardized tests. Results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) show that students who had studied a foreign language for 4 or more years outscored other students on the verbal and math portions of the test.₂

Of course, there are other reasons to learn another language as well. These include the importance of becoming global citizens and being able to communicate with others in an increasingly multicultural society, and the possibility of broadening future career opportunities.

Why are children able to pick up languages quicker than adults?
Research shows that kids possess their greatest ability to absorb and retain languages until the age of 10. Also, kids are less self-conscious than adults and not as afraid of getting things wrong or saying them incorrectly. Because of this, they verbalize more and can become fluent in a language sooner than adults.

How long will my child need to take lessons before becoming conversant in another language?
It depends on many factors, including the interest level of the child, the reinforcement opportunities the parent provides, and perhaps one of the most important factors - the difficulty of the language the child seeks to learn (assuming they are already speaking English). One thing to consider is that it generally takes longer for native English speakers to gain Chinese or Japanese proficiency than it takes to gain proficiency in many European languages. The Foreign Service Institute of the State Department categorizes Chinese and Japanese as Category 4 languages, meaning it takes three times as long to learn these languages as compared to learning Category 1 languages such as Spanish and French to the same level of fluency.

Can I take two different languages?
Yes. Taking more than one language is a chance to expose your child to the sights and sounds of multiple languages and cultures. This may also give your family the chance to decide which language to choose for your focus.

1. K.W. Bamford & D.T. Mizokawa, "Additive Bilingual Immersion Education: Cognitive and Language Development." Language Learning (1991) 41, 413-429, see discussion in Hakuta, 1986.

2. College Board (2003). College-Bound Seniors: A Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. New York: College Entrance Examination Board. Retrieved October 16, 2003, from http://www.collegeboard.com.