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Has there ever been a time in your life when you wished you knew another language? Maybe it was when you traveled abroad or maybe there was something at work. And sure, you took French in high school for the required two to three years, but all you can remember is how to ask where the library is.
If you haven’t noticed, our world is becoming increasingly smaller due to technology and innovation, and because of this, it is only to our benefit to learn another language.The need for cultural sensitivity and awareness has grown and one of the best ways to learn that is through learning a language.
Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to learn and retain a language as adults. For this very reason, it is very important to give our kids every opportunity to learn at a young age while they can easily retain it.
This time period in a child’s life, from age two until about ten, is what some people call the “window of opportunity.” During this time, children can learn at an amazing rate. They are even capable of learning multiple languages.
Knowing what we know about the need for global awareness, giving our kids the opportunity to have a head start on languages makes sense. Aside from the head start in the language, it will also help them with other aspects of school. Learning a language helps develop critical thinking, it increases their cultural awareness and sensitivity, and increased curiosity and creativity.
While generations before us may have discounted the benefits of learning a language, we can now see how necessary it is and how it can give us an edge throughout our lives.