Why do you want your kids to learn foreign languages?
By Daniela Pérez
I know you will tell me that learning languages has great brain benefits, kids can communicate with more people, they can better understand other cultures, have better opportunities in life, and many more advantages. While all these reasons are correct, I bet the main reason goes a little bit deeper…
Let me explain my “why”, to give you a better understanding
I would like for every child to learn a second language because of the impact that a foreign language has had on my life. I live between three continents and two languages and that has enriched my life beyond my limits. Well, I can also add a third language German but my native speaking niece and nephew don’t approve of my pronunciation, that’s a story for another day.
Languages have allowed me to solo travel to thirty three countries connecting with other cultures while trying delicious foods. Just so you know, Italy is my favorite country, I can communicate with my Spanish. Italians are gracious to understand me due to the similarity of both languages, to be exact both languages share 82% of their lexicality.
So, yes! Speaking two languages has expanded my world and have helped me to navigate life in English and Spanish.
Being bilingual has changed my life for the better and has helped me believe in myself and the things I can accomplish if I work hard and I’m persistent. My love for Spanish and traveling was my inspiration to create Explora magazine for kids.
The power of sharing
When we know the impact of a good practice, a good product or a great restaurant, we want our friends and family to also know about this new thing. That is why I think that learning a language is important. I am a little biased, telling you that Spanish is the right language for your child, especially if it’s your mother tongue, and your roots are from a Spanish speaking country.
So, what is your “why”?
Maybe your “why” is different from mine and that’s totally ok. Every parent I know wants their kids to have more opportunities in life. So whatever your language is, please teach it to your children, pass a little of your roots to your kids so they appreciate your culture better and also be proud of their language heritage.
Understanding your “why” will help you prepare a plan and be consistent helping your kids with the language learning process. Your why will keep you moving specially on those days that continuing with the language gets hard.
“Our WHY is our purpose, cause, or belief – the driving force behind everything we do. Once we find our WHY, we will be able to find our way.” – Simon Sinek & John C. Maxwell
Connect with me on Instagram @exploramg or through email. I would like to hear your “why”.
