Some parents worry that if they expose their children to two or more languages the child will get confused and not be able to pick up any language clearly. Others worry that the child will end up being a late speaker if taught two languages simultaneously. This is definitely not true. Learning an additional language is always an advantage no matter what the language is.  Of course depending on where you live one language may be preferable to learn compared to another. Scientists have established that dealing with two languages makes the number of connections between the brain hemispheres increase.

Better Cognitive Ability is Linked to Bilingualism 

A 1962 study by Peal and Lambert suggests that bilingualism actually has cognitive and practical benefits and positive effects on children. Cognitive processes such as problem solving, mental flexibility, attentional control, inhibitory control, and task switching were seen to be much better in bilingual individuals in the study.The analysis and control of a bilingual child is also seen to be better with respect to their ability to represent and understand abstract information. In fact they are able to put together material much faster to reach the right conclusion than children who have merely been exposed to a single language from birth.

Bilingualism is also Linked to Better Tolerance Levels

Those who pick up the nuances of two languages, also learn the cultural differences between two types of people. Having this ability to discern what may be considered good in one culture, may not be seen the same way in the second, can be invaluable as a life skill. Not to mention the fact that a bilingual person is likely to be far more tolerant of a person from another culture and their apparent short comings. They are less susceptible to egocentric biases, and much more understanding of other people’s beliefs as they are extremely culturally sensitive. That has to be a desirable trait in any human being, right?

So give your child an easy advantage in life by making him or her bilingual. The best part is that even if you don’t know a second language it is easy for your child to learn one on-line or with another teacher.