Today let’s take a look at 3 Foreign Languages Children Should Learn

Learning a foreign language is becoming a necessity for kids around the world. Proficiency in other languages can open doors for them and maximise their employability. Aside from being a future investment, kids gain interpersonal skills and learn to appreciate different cultures. Research also shows that children who learn other languages from an early age tend to understand English better.

With the numerous benefits associated with being bilingual, parents are helping their kids learn new languages. Nowadays, there are also many resources you can use to expose children to a foreign language and encourage to learn. From apps and videos to songs and games… There is something for everyone!

However, with many languages to choose from, which one should your child learn? Well, Spanish, Mandarin, and French take the top spot. They are widely spoken and lead to the best career opportunities.

 

Foreign Languages Children Should Learn

Read on to find out why you should encourage your kids to learn these three languages.

 

 

Spanish

Spanish is a widely spoken language globally with deep Latin roots. It is popular in the business world and international markets. Teaching your child Spanish can be instrumental in helping them stand out as job hunters. Since many organisations recognise it, it is applicable in many professions and can be a useful language for those working in foreign countries.

Besides, Spanish is a phonetic language, making it straightforward to learn since the pronunciation is similar to the spelling. Introducing Spanish to your kids at an early age can be the foundation for learning other languages. Spanish has numerous similarities with French, Italian, and Portuguese. Therefore, once your child is proficient in Spanish, the rest of the Latin languages will be a walk in the park. A great way kids can start to learn Spanish for free is by following the lessons in the Babbel app for example that are very interactive and make learning seem almost like a game.

 

 

Mandarin

With over 1 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese, it is a popular language with numerous opportunities for your kids. Chinese interactions with various cultures, the expansion of markets and the growth of multinational companies have created many opportunities for Mandarin speakers. With the rising influence of China in the global economy, experts recommend teaching your children Mandarin.

Mandarin is quite challenging to pick up, but if your child starts learning at an early age, they can grasp it. The Chinese language is tonal, and different pitches distinguish the grammatical meanings. Since the language tones make it sound like a song, many children enjoy the learning experience. Besides, they can utilise the learning techniques in other subjects. Often writing the Mandarin language is interesting for children since they are visual learners. The characters are distinct and look like pictures, which appeal to kids. While it is a hard nut to crack, practising helps them notice the tonal difference and use it correctly.

 

 

French

Many learning institutions teach French due to the ease of learning and its undeniable fame. Being an official language in the UN, French has over 200 million speakers, and the number is growing fast. Since many parents have interacted with the language, it is usually the first foreign language they introduce to their kids. French is a charming Latin language with close similarities to English. Therefore, English speakers can pick it up with little effort. Besides, once the kids understand the distinct verbal terminations, they are good to go. French is famous in the world of arts, fashion, tourism, and culinary arts. It could be beneficial to your children if they plan to pursue a career in literature, fashion, and culinary arts.

Apart from learning the above languages, it is also crucial to introduce your kids to sign language. It can help them build good relationships with people with special needs, and they can understand the culture. Besides, visual languages are more natural for children to understand.

 

 

Apart from learning the above languages, it is also crucial to introduce your kids to sign language. It can help them build good relationships with people with special needs, and they can understand the culture. Besides, visual languages are more natural for children to understand.