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Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Benefits of Being Multilingual

There are many benefits to learning a foreign language. It can boost brain power, improve memory, your first language, academic performance, and increases networking skills. The amount of work your brain has to put in to learn a foreign language helps build a stronger and healthier brain. Studies show that people who are multilingual have better memory, increase in their decision making skills and are better at multi-tasking. Your brain is a muscle and being multilingual helps exercise your brain by using critical thinking skills to help recall information, sentence structure, tenses, etc. that we don't often think about when we are monolingual. The earlier a child is when they begin learning a foreign language, the easier it is for them to learn it. There are many stories, videos etc. of small, children, even babies using American Sign Language (ASL), counting and speaking in different languages. This ability will only increase their likelihood of success in life. With the ability to communicate with multiple people across the world they are better connected with the world and are able to get information and deliver that information to many different people and sources.


How ASL Touched My Family

My youngest sister was put into childcare when she was around 1 or 2 years old. There her teachers knew that vocabulary and language would be a barrier between her and the children. She taught them simple phrases in sign language, like eat, sleep, mommy, daddy, brother, sister, cat, dog, and pet. Then her teacher would send home flash cards with pictures on them and have the kids practice at home with their families. My sister then began using ASL to communicate with all of us at home whenever she needed or wanted something. She is now 9 years old and continues to use sign language in her everyday conversations. Her ability to swap between languages helps her brain stay more alert and helps her focus more when people are talking to her. 

Here is a great website I have found about the benefits of learning a foreign language. 
https://etoninstitute.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language

There is also an ASL app for kids offered by https://asl-kids.com/ The app is free, but be cautious as there are in-app purchases available.  

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