Growing up in two languages

According to studies, language development in children is not slowed down at all by learning a second language. Experts have found that the earlier and more intensively languages are introduced to children, the easier it is for them to learn them. However, scientists have argued over whether or not a child's ability in languages is adversely affected by learning two languages simultaneously from a very early age. Some experts feel that a second language should only be introduced after the child has a good grasp of the first, or main, language.

In a recent study by Dartmouth College's Department of Psychological and Brain Science, children were observed who were exposed to different combinations of languages at different ages. Researchers observed 15 bilingual children who had been exposed to two languages at varying ages, and at different stages of brain development. The children studies were split into four groups: those who were exposed to both languages from birth, between ages 2-3, between ages 4-6, and from ages 7-9. The age groupings related to stages of brain development.

In addition to these factors, researchers also looked at the environment and way that they were exposed to the second language. Some of the children studied learned their language at home, from parents or primary care-givers. Others learned the second language in a classroom, and others in the community. Children who had learned different combinations of languages, such as Spanish and French, English and French, sign language and French, and Russian and French were included in the study.

The goal of the study was to discover how children's understanding of languages developed over time, depending on at what age and in what way they were exposed to the second language. The results of this study found that if a child learns two languages from an early age, their brain will basically function as if there are two monolingual beings in the same brain. In other words, the brain will compartmentalize the different languages. The study found that the earlier the exposure to the second language, the easier it will be to master it. Also, when exposure to the second language occurs at an early age, and in an environment where it is heard often, rather than just in a classroom, then the brain will process the two languages without the confusion between the languages that can often occur when learning a language later in life.

Obviously, the more exposure a child has to a second, or more, language, the easier it will be for them to master it. As many adults have found out, simply sitting in a classroom is a very hard and almost painfully slow way to learn a new language. It is important to continuously hear and practice the language in order to properly grasp it.

The theory of a bilingual child's brain operating as if it is housing two monolingual beings makes sense to me just from observing my own son's development. He easily switches from language to language, and dreams in both. He recently interviewed two artists for a school project he is working on. He did the entire interview in English, but as he was talking with the artists, I noticed that he wrote his notes in Turkish. It amazed me that his brain could so seamlessly switch from English to Turkish while engaged in conversation.

The best advice I can offer those who are raising bilingual children is to look at studies that have been done on raising a child in two or more languages, and find the method that is the best fit for them and their particular situation.