How Important Is It?
Since 1972, study after study has described and documented the positive effects of language immersion programs on many aspects of development. Most researchers agree that bilingual learners develop more skills in cognitive areas. This might explain why these students usually achieve better scores in verbal intelligence, conceptualization, global thinking and original approaches to problem solving.
Researchers from York University in Canada found that those who were fluent in two languages rather than just one were sharper mentally (BBC News, June 15, 2004).
British researchers found that “people who speak two languages have more grey matter in the language region of the brain. The earlier they learned the language, the larger the grey area (the brain’s information processing center).” (Reuters, October 13, 2004).
According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, learning a second language at an early age:
- Enriches and enhances a child’s mental development
- Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
- Improves a child’s understanding of his native language
- Gives a child the ability to communicate with people she would otherwise not have the chance to know
- Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries
- Gives the child a head start in language requirements for college and life.
- Increases job opportunities in many careers
Click here for links to articles about research on language learning, bilingualism and immersion education.
