Bilingualism Myth Busters
Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and
sustainably preserve traditional knowledge and cultures.
Globally, about 50% of people are bilingual or multilingual; in some parts of Europe, that figure is closer to 100%. But unfortunately, there are still some myths about bilingualism that have persisted.
Here, Babbu share the most encountered misconceptions about language learning: 6
bilingualism myths busted!
1. If a child is exposed to two languages, he cannot develop a strong identity.
Language is much more than a means of communication. It promotes culture, brings families together, and helps develop a sense of community. For instance, when a child speaks to their grandparents in their home language, they create memorable moments that should be celebrated and encouraged and will last forever!
2. Learning two languages will confuse your child
A second language gives your baby another source for choices while developing language skills. It’s very common for bilingual children to mix languages, but this doesn’t mean they are confused or unable to differentiate them. Mixing is just a sign of the bilingual child using their second communication tool when expressing their needs.
3. Exposing babies and toddlers to more than one language may cause speech or language
development delays.
The milestones of language development are the same in all languages. Like other children, most bilingual children speak their first words by their first birthday. By age two, they begin using two-word phrases (i.e., my car, no water).
These are the same developmental steps for children who learn and speak only one language.
A bilingual toddler might mix parts of a word from one language with another. While this makes it difficult for adults to understand, it does not reflect delayed development.
4. Bilingual children will have academic problems once they start school
There are many educational advantages to being bilingual. Speaking more than one language stimulates brain development, improving thinking skills, problem-solving, memory and multitasking skills, and increasing cognitive flexibility.
5. If a child is not equally fluent in both languages, they are not truly bilingual.
Many bilingual people have a dominant language, which can change over time depending on how often they use it. It is very common for a child's dominant language to switch to English.
Many school-aged children usually prefer to speak the language they speak at school with their friends instead of the one their parents speak. If a child is not equally fluent in both languages, it does not mean they are not bilingual. Regular use and practice will help children (and adults) retain their second language long-term.
6. If a child does not learn a second language very young, they will never become fluent.
The most rapid period of brain development is during the first few years of a child’s life.
Therefore, the ideal time for children to learn a new language is during this time. However, this does not mean older children and adults can still become fluent in a second language. It may take a little bit longer, but the exposure will allow them to catch up!
| Babbu is the UK’s first online nursery™ designed to support, reassure and
empower parents and their children in the first critical few years. They provide
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