During the early years of childhood, language is absorbed and learned more readily than at any other time of life. Children are very receptive to phonetics, and from a very young age they start to pick up sounds and speech patterns. This allows them to learn the basics of a language that will eventually become words and sentences. This is the best time to teach a child multiple languages, as they can learn more easily than when they are older.
How does a child learn a language?
Hearing a language being spoken aloud is the main method by which children learn the vocabulary, phonetics and speech patterns of any language. The same learning patterns are seen when a child learns a first language and when a second language is taught, either later or at the same time. Vocabulary expands rapidly at around two to three years of age. “Kids this age are developing language skills rapidly, and they quickly absorb whatever they hear,” says Erika Levy of Columbia University, a speech and language pathology expert.
Although hearing a native speaker using the language naturally in person is the best way to let your child pick up the basics, this may not always be possible. If you want to teach your child a second language but don’t have someone around who is a native speaker, videos of native speakers are a good second option. Whether in person or on a video, the important part is to remember that a native speaker will be the best choice for your child to emulate because the speech patterns and accent will be correct.
Connecting a sound with what it means.
Of course, there is more to learning a language than simply being able to put sounds together into words. The second half of the puzzle is making the connection with what those sounds actually mean. Educational activities, toys and books can all help children to make these connections. When parents point out objects and name them, they are helping the child to develop language skills. Doing this in a second language works in much the same way it did with the first one. By making the connection between the word and what it describes, whether an item or an action, language skills are expanded and reinforced.child psychologist near me
The right educational activities will allow your child to learn languages quickly and easily, to create a strong framework for learning multiple languages. Your child can learn any language you want if you approach it properly and start young. “There is no genetic code that leads a child to speak English or Spanish or Japanese. Language is learned,” Dr. Bruce D. Perry Child Psychologist and Professor at Baylor School of Medicine explains. The brain of a young child is capable of learning more than one language, even at the same time. The best ways to learn are:
• By hearing the language spoken by a native speaker
• By being encouraged to connect words with the meaning behind them
• Through language building activities that encourage development
It is not difficult for a child to learn multiple languages. They merely need an early start and the right opportunities to learn.