So What? Why Does This Matter?
By knowing the effects of multilingualism on young minds we can determine whether or not it is beneficial to learn a second language as a child. If it is truly beneficial then programs should be established in preliminary schools to begin second language acquisition. This would promote numerous cognitive advantages among the younger generation. Conversely, early second language acquisition could be discouraged in order to prevent the negative influences of incomplete mastery of two languages. There is evidence to support both perspectives, however, the key is that we further our knowledge of our brains development in order to better understand ourselves and use it as a catalyst for advancement.
Do You Think Early Multilingual Minds are Important?
Want to Know How You Can Get Involved?
Check out the National Association for Bilingual Education.
"NABE's mission is to advocate for our nation's Bilingual and English Language Learners and families and to cultivate a multilingual multicultural society by supporting and promoting policy, programs, pedagogy, research, and professional development that yield academic success, value native language, lead to English proficiency, and respect cultural and linguistic diversity."