In today's 'global village', raising a child with two or more languages is an increasingly popular choice. Whether this is achieved through parents of different nationalities, living in a foreign country, schooling or other means, many families see the benefits for a young person's development and future prospects.
There are thought to be many advantages to growing up speaking more than one language. Above all, bilingual people have the scope for communication on different linguistic, social and cultural levels through being raised with multiple windows to the world. They may also demonstrate an improved ability for creative and divergent thinking or greater self esteem, and have more opportunities and choices in the world of work.
The degree of bilingualism varies from person to person and very much depends on the environment in which a child is raised. This will differ according to each individual situation, but the keys to success often include establishing a common and consistent approach to childhood acquisition, and making sure that the use of different languages is strictly compartmentalised (e.g. each parent speaks to the child in one language only) in order to avoid mixing and confusion.
Are you bilingual or do you know somebody who was raised speaking more than one language? How was this achieved and what have been the benefits in later life? Why not join the conversation on this topic on the telc English Facebook page? As a provider of examinations in ten different languages, we would love to hear your story!
Don’t miss our introductory offer for the telc English programme:
Register your students via our website for one of the new dual-level examinations – telc English A2-B1 or telc English A2-B1 School – by 31 December 2011, and receive examination preparation materials for all test takers free of charge!