10 Languages To Teach Your Children
Young kids have so much to learn about the world around them. The first place they start is by becoming fluent in their native language. Although it’s great to know one language on an expert level, kids stand to gain positive neurological benefits like memory retention from learning a second language. Give your family the gift of improved communication by considering these languages to teach your children before they graduate from elementary school.
1. Spanish
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, with 580 million Spanish-speaking people worldwide. Your child will benefit from learning it early and taking more advanced classes in high school and college. Employers will appreciate their multilingual skills and they’ll connect more deeply with a broader group of future friends.
2. Arabic
Employers also love candidates who can speak Arabic, which are more challenging to find than Spanish-speaking candidates. Your child has a bright future if they start learning this language early. Just ensure that they’re learning from an expert source. Any Arabic course worth your children’s time will teach three vital curriculum aspects that make the language easier to understand — the psychological, social and cultural components.
3. Mandarin
China is one of the world’s leading economic powerhouses and holds a significant portion fo the human population. Your child will meet many people who speak Mandarin fluently, giving them a better chance to connect by teaching them the same language. They’ll pick up the symbols and pronunciations quickly, leading to a better grasp of the language by the time they reach adulthood.
4. American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL interpreters connect the world with individuals who are hearing impaired. They can work in communities that ned ASL representatives or government officials who need interpreters at press events. There are endless opportunities for people fluent in ASL because people rarely think of it as a language kids and adults should learn.
5. German
A recent study found that German is the second most influential language because the scientific community often uses it. If your child is interested in science and math, sign them up for German tutoring. They’ll get into the industry much more quickly and access more research opportunities if they speak it fluently. Even if they don’t want a career in research or science, they can still use German to study abroad and experience new cultures firsthand.
6. French
French is another excellent option for young kids who want to learn a second language. Since it’s the official language of 29 countries, they can use it in many places besides France. They can use it to study abroad in college and travel the world if they want to explore new cultures. It’s also readily available at most schools. Your kids will never be far away from the next opportunity to advance their understanding of their second language.
7. Korean
There are many reasons kids often learn Korean as their second language. It’s easy for English speakers to learn because the words sound exactly as they look. The language also uses an alphabet with 14 consonants and 10 vowels, so kids can learn everything they need with a few flashcards. Start their education early and they’ll speak Korean fluently before their high school graduation.
8. Hindi
The future relies on people who can use technology without blinking twice. If your child becomes interested in coding, they could have a great career and prosperous financial life if they start learning Hindi early. Hindi is one of the seven Indian languages that support websites exclusively. Your child will be the best employment candidate and college applicant if they can code two of the most popular coding languages — English and Hindi.
9. Russian
Russia is one of the world’s leading countries, so your child will have an enriched life if they learn Russian. They’ll be able to keep up with the news and study the country’s history to contribute more to their career’s geopolitical and economic landscape. They could also become a well-traveled interpreter, given that many Russians don’t understand English and need translators for legal and professional circumstances.
10. Italian
Kids and teens can access Italian classes at almost any grade level. It’s known as a romantic language, but it’s also practical. The language introduces kids to a new culture and helps them stand out in a crowd of other students who have studied humanities. They’ll build their vocabulary and start preparing for a great academic future.
Teach Your Children New Languages
Think about these languages to teach your children while considering their academic, social and professional futures. You could match them with a language program based on their interests, like if they want to learn coding or travel to new countries. Give them time to try different courses. They’ll find which language they love and benefit from whatever they decide to learn.