It’s a proven fact, young children pick up new languages more easily than older children. This is why they are never too young to be exposed to other languages. In fact, there are many reasons to teach your young child another language and it is an important part of education & parenting.
Learning Chinese for kids helps them do better academically. For example, when one studies foreign language one is introduced to important things like syntax and grammar. These things can be carried over to the English language and kids become better at communications and learning. It can also make them better adjusted students because there is less frustration tied to miscommunication. Young brains are continually learning and need to be challenged. A foreign language helps the brain to develop. In fact, a child’s ability to grasp other languages diminishes with age, and they will learn faster and have better retention skills when taught young.
After age 7, learning language becomes more difficult as the brain develops. Many kids today have their roots in other countries. For some kids, their parents or grandparents may come from China and when they learn Mandarin they are becoming an intricate part of the family. It will be easier for them to communicate with relatives and they will not feel like they are “outsiders”. You may be surprised just how easy young children pick up language when they are around others speaking it. Heritage is very important for many people and learning the language of your ancestors connects you to this heritage. Not long ago, some people did not wish their kids to learn the native language, so they could become “Americanized”.
However, people are now learning the importance of heritage, and speaking the language is an important step. Even if your child’s heritage is deeply rooted in this country, learning a foreign language is a great way to encourage cultural diversity. One can hear about people in foreign countries or watch documentaries, but until you understand the language you cannot fully immerse yourself in the culture, and get a true understanding of how others live.
As your child ages, he or she will be very happy that you exposed him or her to another language, especially if it is the language of ancestors. They will become fluent in their native language and they can visit their country and become part of the life and culture if they wish. The gift of language is one of the greatest gifts you can receive.