Sunday, June 8, 2008

Advantages To Learning A Second Languages

Adults have bought into the myth that they just cannot learn a second language. They are also afraid of making fools of themselves. Adult learners' inductive and explicative processing abilities are in optimal condition (Steinburg 1982:179). This enables them to do better than children in classrooms. Adults who immigrate to the U.S., especially later in life, may never really become fluent in English. It's not that they don't want to speak English; it's simply much more difficult for them to [earn it well.


Parents tell us that kids growing up with MUZZY develop fine memories, as well as good listening and thinking skills. This could be the most important gift you ever give your child. Parents of multilingual children agree overwhelmingly that the benefits for their children are well worth the effort. Parents are well aware of how crucial reading is to further learning and that fostering a love for reading will open up a world of enjoyment and education. So it stands to reason that incorporating reading as a vital part of learning a second language can also bring considerable benefits down the road for your child.

Studies have shown that there is almost five percent of adult bilinguals master a second language even though they are over the age of puberty. Researchers assume that the only aspect of language that has an effect following the critical period is accent. Studies are still being conducted, but results point out that individuals who speak two languages have a significantly reduced chance of illnesses such as this. As a result, it is certainly worth studying a second language to reduce your chances of developing a disease such as this.

Research has clearly described the best language-learning environment as authentically interactive; the Internet and otherwise-networked computers are powerful ways to assist such approaches to language learning. For example, EFL students could access online instruction by posting their stories, poems, and short paragraphs on a discussion board and eliciting feedback from their peers.

Research of the past decade is actually quite conclusive on this question: second language learning is not at all a hindrance. Furthermore, it is not even recommended to prevent a child to learn a second language even though he/she has a developmental disability such as language disorder, autism or mental retardation, as an additional language increases the potential to socialize and be more independent in his/her environment. Research (Lindholm-Leary, 2001 ; Thomas & Collier, 2002 ) shows that there are fewer high school drop-outs from dual language programs than from other programs. Lindholm-Leary (2003 ) also found that most dual language students expect to attend college.

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