I grew up in India. It is very common for children in India to speak at least two to three languages fluently by the time they are in middle school. I myself can speak, read, and write three languages fluently: English, Hindi, and Marathi. Growing up, we took being multilingual for granted and never saw it as a superpower. However, now that I am raising my child in a country where multilingualism is not the norm, I value that skill even more. Multilingualism is a valuable skill that has several benefits for children. As the world becomes more connected, being able to speak multiple languages is increasingly important.

Here are some of the benefits of multilingualism for children:

Improved Cognitive Development

Research has shown that multilingual children have better cognitive skills than monolingual children. Learning multiple languages helps children develop better problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and improved memory retention. Multilingualism also improves children’s ability to focus, which can be beneficial in academic and social settings. A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that bilingual children outperformed monolingual children on tasks that required problem-solving and creative thinking. Another study found that multilingualism can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by several years.

Better Communication Skills

Multilingual children have better communication skills than monolingual children. They are better able to understand and communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This can help them to form meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and can be useful in social and professional situations.

Increased Career Opportunities

Multilingualism is becoming increasingly valuable in the job market. Many companies are looking for employees who are fluent in multiple languages, particularly those who can speak languages that are in high demand. A report by the European Commission found that employees who speak multiple languages are more likely to be hired and earn higher salaries than those who only speak one language. By raising a bilingual or multilingual child, you are giving them a valuable skill set that can help them to succeed in their future careers.

How to Raise a Bilingual or Multilingual Child

If you are interested in raising a bilingual or multilingual child, there are several strategies that you can use. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start early: The earlier you start teaching your child a second language, the easier it will be for them to learn it. At home, we always try to speak with our child in our native language (Marathi). At age 4, we enrolled him in a special Marathi language class. This has been very helpful for him in developing his speaking and writing skills in Marathi language.
• Use immersion techniques: Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. Try to create opportunities for your child to hear and speak the language on a regular basis. For immigrant families like mine, calls with grandparents are an excellent example of a language immersive technique. Grandparents always talk to kids in the native language, and kids are forced to respond likewise.
• Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to language learning. Make sure that you are using the language consistently and regularly with your child.
• Make it fun: Learning a new language should be fun and enjoyable. Try to incorporate games, songs, and other fun activities into your language learning routine. A fun way of learning a new language is to watch a show or a movie in that language on a regular basis.

Raising a bilingual or multilingual child can be a rewarding experience that provides numerous benefits. By following these tips, you can help your child to develop the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world.