Early learning Concepts: Foreign Languages and the Infant Mind
by Pamela Hicken
Babies can learn multiple foreign languages with ease. Early exposure to languages sets the stage for fluency later in life and, as an added benefit, actually stimulates overall brain development. Take the infants in classes taught by Francois Thibaut, founder of Language Workshop for Children, who attend weekly French classes with their parents. They learn words, phrases and songs without effort. Feedback from graduates of his classes indicates that they continue their love for learning, too, and not only in French or language-oriented fields. So, how do babies learn multiple languages? In the 5/31/99 issue of People Magazine ("Small Talk"), Thibaut says, "Studies show [babies] recognize language as early as 4 months. At 6 to 9 months, they begin comprehending. By the 12th month, they start repeating words they've heard. " He continues, "Even if the child doesn't continue in the language, learning so young clearly stimulates brain activity... Research now shows that learning a second language at a young age not only doesn't hinder children; it helps them do better in their native language and in other academic subjects. The first three years are critical to developing the intellectual potential a youngster carries for life."
It's Fun!
When a language is presented before the age of seven, the sounds, intonation and accents are automatically entered into the computer of the infant mind. Linguists sometimes describe the various world languages as having ranges similar to that of scales on the piano. When a child hears the frequencies of a specific language early in life, it can be accessed later with great ease and without accent.
Teaching multiple languages is easy and can be a lot of fun! When teaching an infant, toddler or preschool-age child, the key is to present the material in these two ways:
1) as gentle background music/song/language tapes while they are busy with other activities
2) as a lively, fun presentation--puppets! music videos! flashcards! song and dance!
It is important to expose your child to many languages without any expectation of the child mirroring back what was presented. When they are ready, children will wholeheartedly jump in and repeat words, phrases and songs. The goal is to have fun and make the lessons stress-free!
Learning Tapes and Videos
If you do not know a foreign language, start a home library containing a variety of language tapes, videos or CDs. They are just as effective for providing the basic sounds. Some children's movies, such as those produced by Walt Disney, are available in many different languages. If you have a friend from another country, ask them to purchase a children's video in their native language and send it along. (Videos from European countries are available in another format which can be transferred onto VHS cassette at most audio/visual duplication shops.) |
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