Your child may be struggling at school to grasp the nuances of their second or third language, especially if he or she is not often exposed to it, but in the long run, learning another language has proven benefits for brain development.
Studies, using fMRI scans and cognitive tests, have shown that the prefrontal cortexes of bilingual children reveal more activity than those of monolingual children. Bilingual children further develop more focused concentration and better decision-making skills. For example, the brain of a Zulu-speaking child in an English school, communicating with teachers or friends, has to “choose” which language to use within a split-second. The decision becomes almost automatic as the child’s brain learns to recognise and respond in the language it is presented with.
Further studies have also shown that bilingual children’s brains have higher executive functioning capabilities. The “holding” memory of these children, where data is retained for a short period of time when performing more than one task at a time, is more capable to remember greater chunks of data than those of monolingual children. (Willis, 2012)
The real benefits of being multilingual are more evident when the child retains his or her home language and speaks it often at home, while engaging with the second or third language only when at school or playing with friends.
Bilingualism enhances both short-term and long-term memory. Children regularly use their memory to recall vocabulary, grammar rules, and context-specific language use, which exercises and strengthens their memory capabilities.
Learning a second language stimulates brain plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt. This can lead to more efficient neural networks and enhanced overall brain function.
Bilingual children often demonstrate superior attention control and the ability to focus amidst distractions. This heightened attentional control can benefit them in various academic and social settings.
The ability to switch between languages and navigate different linguistic structures encourages analytical thinking and enhances problem-solving skills in children.
Exposure to a second language fosters cultural awareness and empathy towards speakers of other languages and cultures. This broader perspective can enrich children's social interactions and understanding of the world.
Bilingualism has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. The cognitive advantages gained from learning and using two languages throughout life may contribute to maintaining brain health as individuals age.
In summary, learning a second language from a young age not only facilitates linguistic proficiency but also enhances various cognitive functions and contributes to overall brain development.
Adapted from: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/neuroscience-bilingual-brain-judy-willis-md