The Benefits of Teaching Children Their Native Language When Moving Abroad
When families decide to move to another country, they often face the question of whether to teach their children their native language or to immerse them in the local culture. The advantages of continuing to speak the family's native tongue are numerous and can provide significant benefits for the children and the entire family. In this article, we explore why it is highly recommended to teach children their native language, regardless of the country they are moving to.
The Importance of Family Communication
Teaching children their native language is crucial for maintaining strong familial relationships and preserving cultural heritage. As one experienced multilingual family member notes, 'Oh yes absolutely! I entirely agree with the other answer to this question and I could add other examples from my own experience of multilingual families.' Although the speaker has given similar examples in other answers, it is essential to highlight the importance of family communication in a new environment. Through the native language, children can continue to connect with their roots and understand their family's values and traditions.
Advantages of Bilingualism
Being bilingual offers a range of benefits for children. A well-documented case in point is a college student who spoke Czech with her mother and Hebrew with her father, effortlessly switching between the two languages. ‘She lived in Venezuela so she also spoke Spanish. When I knew her, she was learning English.' This example demonstrates how bilingualism can enrich a child's cognitive and social skills, as well as providing them with a competitive edge. Moreover, many children who miss out on learning their heritage language sometimes express frustration and a sense of loss, as they could have easily benefited from the natural immersion provided by their parents.
The Benefits for Cognitive Development
In addition to fostering family relations and cultural understanding, teaching children their native language also positively impacts their cognitive development. Learning different languages is known to enhance cognitive flexibility, memory, and problem-solving skills. A professional in the field of education explains, 'Learning different languages is a huge booster for brain and mind.' This can be particularly beneficial in a new environment, where children might already be grappling with adapting to a new culture and language.
Encouraging Multilingualism
Parents should strive to create an environment that encourages multilingualism. In many cases, children can become fluent in both their native language and the local language, as seen in the cases of families who have more than two languages. ‘Our children now speak 2 native-level languages and theyrsquo;re learning two more at school and I would be most surprised if they don’t choose to learn by themselves one or two of their own choice…' By supporting their children in this endeavor, parents help them to become multilingual, which can open up numerous opportunities for future endeavors.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, teaching children their native language when moving abroad is not just beneficial but essential for their overall well-being. It helps to maintain cultural roots, enhances cognitive abilities, and fosters strong familial connections. As one passionate advocate notes, 'Itrsquo;s not only important to the children to know and understand their heritages but to be brought up speaking two languages presents the kids with an amazing advantage over others.' By embracing both the native and local languages, families can ensure a richer, more fulfilling experience for their children as they navigate their new homes.