Why is bilingual better? There is a plethora of research and information on why the multilingual brain is better than the monolingual brain. Giving your child the gift of a 2nd or 3rd language is more beneficial than just sticking to English. Let’s take a look at a few advantages bilingual children can have over other children.
1. Bilingual Children have a More ‘Flexible’ Brain.
Bilingual brains are more flexible. Multilingualism requires the brain to process, file, choose, select, translate, and decode two languages at any given moment. This gives the bilingual brain a distinct special environment and circumstance. By ‘grooming’ their brain for dual language linguistic scenarios, they are set up for success in critical thinking, problem-solving, learning to read and write, as well as other functions.
2. The Ability to Understand 2 Cultures
Due to knowing two languages, bilingual children have strong insight and understanding of more than their own culture. This brings benefits such as understanding, compassion, leadership, humility, and being better prepared to help others.
3. The Ability to SPEAK to so Many More People (for Traveling and Work)
By learning Spanish (for example), your child can now talk to another 500 million people! Your child can visit just about anywhere in North America and South America and feel comfortable getting around. Of course, knowing the 2nd language opens up more work opportunities and creates a more valuable employee to an organization (or a more valuable entrepreneur to the world. Bilingualism promotes an understanding of how to create value for various cultures.
4. Bilingualism Creates CONFIDENCE in Children
By understanding more languages, bilingual children tend to be more confident in speaking and social situations. Many bilinguals are surrounded by monolingual children, which gives the bilingual secret confidence. When you give your child the bilingual edge, they will feel proud to have a gift that others around them do not have.
Why is bilingual better? It is safe to say that there are far too many advantages to not teaching your child a second language. Get started today with the Complete Spanish for Kids program offered through Booklingual. BookLingual has been used in more than 100 school settings.