If you speak a second language, you have the unique ability to set your child up for a lifetime of advantages. Not only does a second language benefit your child in adulthood, but learning another language also strengthens multiple parts of their developing brain, according to Michigan State University. You may not want to overload your kids with two lexicons, but this is really not the case. Children quickly adapt to dual languages. The brain is a muscle, and like any other muscle in our body, the more it’s exercised, the stronger it becomes. HOW YOUNG MINDS ABSORB A 2ND LANGUAGE And the Benefits of Learning Early
With all the research floating around about how beneficial it is to teach your child a second language, you might wonder why youngsters pick up languages so easily. According to NBC News, the answer lies in their flexible minds. Children’s brains develop in response to external stimulants. Did you know that babies are born with the ability to distinguish the sounds of all languages? As they get older, even before their first birthday, they lose that ability.
Bryan is our paralegal at Barrios & Virgüez, and his compassion and skills make him a valuable member of our team. After a friend from church suggested that Barrios & Virgüez would be a good fit for him, Bryan began his journey here, and we consider ourselves lucky to have him. While much of his time is devoted to the firm, Bryan also studies at Georgia State University and finds time to learn outside of work and class. “I like to set projects for myself,” Bryan explains. “Whatever I’m interested in, I’ll study that until I’m fluent in it and confident in my expertise. Drawing, composing music — I dive in.” He was interested in computers, so Bryan did his research, saved up, and built his own. “At the moment, I’m trying to get into programming,” he says. “Since it’s not something I know a lot about, it will take some time. I’m not an expert or anything; I’m just interested and like to learn.” If it’s not already obvious, Bryan’s passion and drive make him an excellent fit for our firm. From watching his parents get their residency (his mom is from Mexico and his dad is from Guatemala) to observing the challenges others in our immigrant community experience, Bryan has always had an interest in law and strives to help our clients find resolution to their often scary situations. When asked about his favorite part of the job, Bryan says, “It might sound bad, but my favorite part of a case is the end of it. That’s when we see our client finally get their green card, petition approved, or case settled in their favor. It’s seeing everything they’ve worked for — that we’ve been fighting for on their behalf — resolved, and they don’t have to be terrified anymore. They no longer have to live in fear. Seeing them find that resolution is the best part.” BRYAN’S JOURNEY
Kids are able to take in sounds, intonation, and language structure more easily than adults who have to painstakingly memorize verb structures and grammar. Children under 8 are especially primed to pick up a new language thanks to flexible ear and speech muscles. As they take in new words, it increases their ability to focus on one thing or change their responses, a skill called cognitive flexibility. The more you can expose your little one to different sounds in their first year, the more they’ll pick up those sounds as their brain creates new neural circuits. If you speak a second language and have a child at home, now is a great time to share it with them. Your child is especially ready to pick up new sounds and words, with the added benefit of learning their heritage. If you’re ready to teach your child a second language, here are a few ways to incorporate new words. 1. Take time to talk with your child in a second language during playtime. Research shows babies need personal interaction to learn, so switching on the TV in another language won’t suffice. 2. Increase vocabulary by giving options in a second language. Try questions like “Do you want juice or milk?” or “Do you want to play on the swings or by the tree?” 3. Find a language exchange group or bilingual daycare to increase your child’s exposure to a second language. If you don’t know a second language but want to give your child a head start, you can begin by learning new words together. How fun would it be if you become bilingual as a family?
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