Unlocking the power of multilingualism: boosting cognitive skills and academic performance in children
- Fostering multilingualism at home can bring an array of developmental benefits for children. Experts tell Good Schools Guide what parents can do to help
Many parents aspire to raise multilingual children, whether for cultural reasons or for the potential benefits in their later studies or career. There is no shortage of research to support the benefits of learning multiple languages as a child.
The Raising Children Network, a parenting website supported by the Australian government, highlights the wide-ranging benefits of multilingualism in childhood. These include giving children a leg up with literacy skills and other academic subjects, and paving the way for more enriching work and travel opportunities when they are older.
From a civic perspective, encouraging multilingualism in young children means that more people in the community will be appreciative and knowledgeable about different cultures. If a child is from a multilingual family, the benefits for their personal development include strengthening their sense of self-worth and identity – given that they have a better understanding of their heritage, and can communicate more easily with all of their family members.
“There is a lot of research around the benefits of multilingualism, but for me, at the end of the day, it’s about nurturing kids to be the best and happiest they can be,” says Nick Staffa, lower school vice principal at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong.
“I don’t think any parent would be against something for their child that is scientifically proven to enhance academic performance, cognitive skills, focus, task management, executive functioning, memory and decision making.
“Multilingual students also gain more awareness of other cultures and perspectives; health benefits, such as a reduced chance of dementia later in life; and potentially higher earnings as adults, leveraging their language skills,” he continues.
