1. You can speak to more people

At the end of the day, isn’t this why most people learn a second language? When you can speak to people in their own language you deepen connections and understanding. Learn a foreign language as a child and you have a lifetime to benefit from cross-cultural friendships, broader career opportunities, exciting travel adventures and deeper insights into how others see the world.

Learn Mandarin and you can speak with more than a billion people worldwide. Learn Hindi and you can speak to another 650 million people. Spanish gets you approximately another 420 million. If you already speak English, you would almost be able to speak to half the world’s population!

While English has become the lingua franca of the world, learning a foreign language (or two) increases opportunities for connection and opens to the door to the many benefits of bilingualism.

2. It grows kids’ brains

Studies have shown that people who are bilingual are better at tasks that require multi-tasking and attention focusing than monolinguals. Brain scans show they have more gray matter in the regions of their brain that are involved in executive function. The hypothesis is that the effort to constantly choose the right language at the right time provides a “mental gymnastics” for bilinguals which gives them extra practice in focusing their attention.

These benefits show up early – new research shows that even babies less than a year old who are exposed to multiple languages show different cognitive patterns in their brain compared to monolinguals. In fact, some researchers argue that the best way to have smarter kids is to expose them to multiple languages when they are young.

3. It boosts test scores in core subjects

Studies of tens of thousands of high school students have found that students who have studied foreign languages perform better on the American College Test (ACT) for English and Mathematics. Additional studies have found that SAT-verbal scores improve with the length of time students have studied the foreign language. So if you want your child to ace those tests, encourage her to learn a foreign language.

4. It boosts kids’ abilities in their native language

Years ago people believed that learning a second language would confuse a child. Now, research shows that children who study a foreign language perform better in their native language than non-bilingual students, as measured on standardized tests. Other research has shown that children learning a second language start reading earlier, and the advantage increases the earlier they are exposed to the second language. In addition, bilingual children were better at identifying grammatically incorrect sentences than monolinguals. As Goethe said, “Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.”

5. It’s easier to acquire foreign languages as a child

We’ve all heard babies described as “sponges” for learning language. Research shows that there is “critical period” for language acquisition, when your brain is primed to learn. Post-puberty our aptitude for second language acquisition is reduced.

Research conducted by Dr. Patricia Kuhl at the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences at the University of Washington shows that by 8-12 months, babies are starting to focus in on the sounds that occur in their native language, and are losing their “ear” for sounds in other languages. However, if the babies are exposed to a second language they retain the ability to distinguish those foreign sounds.

Through the age of 7 or 8, children can learn to speak a second language with fluent grammar and without an accent. After this critical period the ability to master a foreign language gradually declines.

And once you’ve learned one foreign language, it gets easier to learn others. So if you want your children to master a foreign language starting as young as possible makes it easier.

6. It boosts empathy

Dr. Katherine Kinzler, at Cornell University, tested monolingual and bilingual children on a task which required them to consider someone else’s perspective to understand her meaning. Children in bilingual environments performed better than monolingual children. As Dr. Kinzler explains, “children in multilingual environments have social experiences that provide routine practice in considering the perspectives of others: they have to think about who speaks which language to whom, who understands which content, and the times and places in which different languages are spoken.”

7. It helps prevent age-related cognitive decline

Some studies have shown that people who regularly speak a second language may be able to delay Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia by 4.5 years. The hypothesis is that by improving the executive function of the brain, bilinguals develop a “cognitive reserve” which helps delay symptoms of dementia.

8. It boosts cross-cultural understanding

With 7 billion people living on the only known inhabited planet in the universe, it’s important we get along. And as any relationship therapist will tell you, to get along, good communication is key. That gets a lot easier if, at a minimum, you can understand each other’s language.

But learning a foreign language packs a more powerful punch. Language and culture are so intertwined that learning a foreign language both builds cultural understanding and provides deep insights into how other people see the world. Linguistic relativists argue the way we see the world is shaped by the language we use.

Research has even shown that the same person may have different responses to questions depending on the language the question is asked in!

Different languages can build your brain in different ways. In some languages, geographic coordinates – north, south, east and west – are used to describe the location of something, never subjective terms like left and right. Not surprisingly, speakers of those languages have exceptional spatial navigation abilities.

Learning languages provides a view into cultural traditions that helped shape a language. For example, in Chinese there are different words for relatives depending on whether they are on the mother or father’s side and their birth order. Why? Historically in China this conveyed important information about a person’s social status.

So if getting along really depends on being able to put ourselves in other peoples’ shoes, being able to speak their language helps us more deeply understand how others see the world.

9. It helps train a child’s ear for music

Studies have shown that speakers of tonal languages, like Mandarin and Cantonese, were better at identifying musical pitches than speakers of non-tonal languages like English and French.

In tonal languages a word can have different meanings depending on the pitch and inflection of the voice. What happens if you don’t pay attention to the tone in Chinese? Say “ma” with a high level tone, and you’ve said "mother". Say it with a falling then rising tone, and you’ve said "horse". Best not to get the two words mixed up.

10. It boosts career opportunities

Language education is critical for the workforce of the future and being bilingual can broaden career options. Many jobs in education, healthcare, social work, national security, translation, tourism, and international business require or favor candidates who are bilingual, resulting in more job opportunities for those who can speak a second language. And speaking a foreign language can make it easier to be eligible for jobs, internships and work-study programs in other countries – especially if you have critical skills.

11. It boosts salaries

MIT economist Albert Saiz, calculated that there is a 2% salary premium for American college graduates who can speak a second language versus those who can’t. The salary boost varies by language – for those who can speak German it is 3.8%. With compounding, this can turn into over $100,000 over the course of a career. Not bad!

12. It makes travel more fun

International travel is an amazing way to broaden children’s perspectives and help them experience the diversity and beauty of the world first hand. Being able to speak the language of the country they’re visiting unlocks the possibility of deeper connections and understanding. And most foreigners will appreciate the effort your children are making even if they aren’t fluent yet. Putting their language skills to use in “real life” can also be a motivation booster for kids.

There’s something very special about watching children use their language skills to develop cross-cultural friendships. Whether it’s putting their Spanish to use on a beach in Mexico to build sandcastles with new-found friends, or talking to locals in Mandarin while riding the train from Beijing to Shanghai – speaking the language allows access to experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have – and builds memories for life. Learning a foreign language as a child gives them a lifetime to benefit from more enriching travel experiences.

For high school and university students, studying abroad can be a great way to deepen foreign language skills. The US State Department even offers some scholarships.

Which languages offers the most mileage when it comes to travel? After English, Arabic, French, Chinese and Spanish are spoken in the most countries. Of course, travelers don’t need to speak the language of every country they visit, but being fluent in a second language makes it easier to pick up other languages. Even knowing basics like hello, please and thank you can go a long way to make a trip more magical.

13. It can connect kids to their heritage

A big reason many parents want their children to learn a foreign language is so they can speak to family members in their native tongue. Not only can learning the language improve communication, it comes along with a great deal of cultural insight that can help children appreciate their family’s perspective.

While many parents aspire for relatives to help teach children their native language, it turns out that can be a challenge. As kids get older they often learn they can get away with speaking English, and relatives often prioritize understanding over teaching. As a result heritage language learners’ language level will often plateau unless they also receive formal education in the language.

The distinct needs and opportunities for heritage language learners has been a hot topic for language education researchers lately, with many studies showing the effectiveness of dual language immersion programs. Being a heritage language learner is a great opportunity, and language classes tailored to their needs can help them reach full fluency.

14. It can increase out of the box thinking

Much has been written about how many jobs in the future will be automated – with tasks requiring ingenuity and creativity being left to humans. How then to build creative thinking skills in children? One of the surprising ways is by learning a second language. Several studies have demonstrated greater creativity and problem solving skills amongst bilinguals.

Learning a foreign language helps children see the world through different lenses. The ability to consider multiple viewpoints to a problem is a cornerstone of creative problem solving.

15. It’s fun!

Sure, there’s a joy that comes from being able to speak to others in their native language – not to mention a sense of achievement. But part of the fun of learning a foreign language is discovering differences in how people look at the world. It’s fun to think about why dogs say "woof" in English, "wang wang" in Mandarin and "guau" in Spanish. What’s the right word? The dogs aren’t saying.

It’s also fun to discover words in a foreign language that don't exist in your native tongue. Take the Tagalog word, "gigil", which means “the irresistible urge to pinch/squeeze someone because they are loved or cherished.” Shouldn’t every language should have that word?

You’re wondering if you have the time and motivation to help your child learn a second language. And you’re not 100% convinced the effort will be worth it.

What benefits can a kid get from learning a second language?

With the internet and other technology making the globe seem smaller with each passing year, knowing additional languages is becoming more commonplace. It’s no longer the exception. And that’s a good thing for both your child and the people they interact with. Here are some of the biggest advantages becoming bilingual has for your child.

1. Opening Up the World of Travel

One of the most intimidating things about travel to many people is the language barrier. Language barriers have prevented some people from traveling to faraway destinations they would go visit if they only spoke the language there.

Now that travel to any part of the world is more accessible, it’s a shame to let anything get in the way of exploring our beautiful earth. Teaching your child a language could someday lead to them experiencing the joys of travel and the eye-opening experience of learning about other cultures.

Learning one country’s language opens up more travel possibilities than just that place though. Many languages are widely used throughout multiple countries. If you’re wanting to teach your child another language to help them travel throughout the world, look for a popular language that’s used many places. Your best bets would be Spanish, French, German, Russian, Portuguese, or Mandarin Chinese.

2. A Better Memory

According to some studies, one of the benefits of learning a second language is an enhanced memory. And amazingly, this works for both children and adults.

If you try to learn a second language with your child, you’ll improve your memory as you go. Although more conclusive research is needed to verify it, some studies have even shown a link between learning a second language and warding off dementia, at least for a while.

 Anyone who has known an elderly person suffering from dementia knows how difficult the condition can be. Those with a family history of dementia, or anyone who feels they are at risk, may want to consider adding another language. You can make it a family learning project.

For an added boost, sneak some family exercise time into your language learning. Exercise is also another known way to slow down dementia. So lace up your sneakers and practice your vocabulary with your child as you take a walk. You’ll be working your body and mind at the same time for double the fun and benefits.

3. Improved Focus & Brain Function

Bilingual parenting is one of the best things you can do for your child when it comes to boosting their brain function. There is evidence that the benefits of learning a foreign language include greater intelligence and better concentration.

With so many electronic devices for kids to play with that gives them instant gratification, it’s good to give them an activity that doesn’t do all the work for them or give instant rewards for little effort. With language learning, you only get out of it what you put in.

If you’re worried your child may get frustrated trying to pick up one of the more difficult languages to learn, don’t worry. Some languages are easier for English speakers to pick up. You may want to start there, and possibly add a third language at a later point if your child shows interest.

One of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn is Norwegian. The vocabulary is quite similar and the grammar isn’t the same complicated mess that English can be.
Other easier languages for English speakers can learn include:

Swedish
Spanish
Dutch
Portuguese
Italian
Indonesian
French.

4. Better Job Opportunities

Will every child who attempts to learn a second language become fluent? Probably not. Unless they get constant exposure to the language, and there’s a roadmap in place to get them to a fluent level, they won’t gain more than basic conversational skills in their new language. That’s not a bad thing, but it won’t benefit them as much as fluency will.

If they become fluent, which will take some time, all kinds of possibilities open up to them. Just having that second language under their belt may give them an edge in their job search when they’re older. Bosses place a high emphasis on communication and having someone talented in many facets, including language, is a real asset to any company.

5. A More Realistic View of the World

Kids, and even some adults for that matter, can be incredibly self-centered. They can think the world revolves around them and their corner of the world. It’s good for everyone to at some point learn that’s not true.

The world needs less self-involved citizens, not more. Unfortunately, the U.S. has a reputation for being full of narcissistic people. Raising caring, understanding kids who know there’s a big world out there and that they aren’t the center of it, can help change the reputation we have here in the U.S.

It’s a game changer for them and can alter the course of their lives and how they view and relate to people.

There’s so much intolerance in the world already. Sharing languages can erase some of that, little by little, citizen by citizen.

6. Stronger Family Bonds
Families need to develop a strong bond — it’s the glue that holds them together. Adding a second language can do that.

If you have an elderly relative who only speaks one language, that’s not English, teaching your child that language will create stronger ties between them. They’ll be able to communicate without the help of anyone else, and they’ll get to know each other better. Once your child becomes more fluent with the language, they can spend more intimate together, conversing only in the new language.

Bringing together generations is just one of the great things learning a second language can do.

Are you an immigrant? Or did your ancestors come to this country, but you want to pay homage to that heritage? Teaching your kids the language of their ancestors can be a great way to do that.

Whether it’s learning French, Spanish, German, or even Gaelic, they may like knowing that they’re speaking the same words as their ancestors they’ve never met. It can give them a sense of belonging, which can be a grounding force in their life.

You can reinforce their feelings about this by showing them pictures of your ancestors who came from the country they’re learning the language from. Tell them what their name was and any other information you know about them. They’ll get a kick out of “meeting” some of their relatives.

7. Self-Confidence
Everyone loves to feel accomplished, and kids are no exception to that rule. Knowing a second language can give them that feeling. When you know you’ve tackled a daunting goal and accomplished what you set out to do, you can feel almost like a superhero. You feel as if there’s nothing you can’t do.

Learning another language can feel a bit like crossing the line when you’ve run your first marathon. You look back at how difficult it was in the beginning and you take pride in the fact that you never gave up, even when you had moments of self-doubt along the way. That creates confidence that can encourage your child to do anything.

Final Tip: Manage Your Expectations and Have Fun
Teaching your child another language can open up a whole new world to both of you. Just remember, it will take patience and plenty of understanding to learn this new skill. Try to avoid turning it into a pressure-cooker situation where you are disappointed because you don’t feel they’re learning fast enough.

You want to make this a fun experience for your child because they’ll be more likely to want to learn. Being bilingual should be a positive thing, and you have the power to make it so by offering encouragement instead of criticism. If it’s something your child sticks with, they will thank you for years to come for making this possible for them.

Are you raising or planning to raise your children bilingual? Let us know which language they are learning, how it’s going, and if you have any tips and tricks that are working for you!