Advantages of Multilingualism for Children
By OFS
January 2025
As we live in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the ability to communicate across languages is becoming more valuable than ever. Knowing more than one language unlocks a myriad of benefits and opportunities in a cognitive and social aspect.
For children especially, it is known that they are able to learn languages faster because of the high levels of neuroplasticity in their brains, which is their ability to form new neural connections and adapt. Additionally, children are more sensitive to phonetic distinctions, allowing them to better distinguish the sounds between different languages. Through immersion and passive absorption of languages, children can learn a lot from being in a multilingual environment. This is why many say that it’s best to start early when learning a new language!
Here are some advantages of learning a new language and being multilingual for students:
Cognitive and academic benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to learn a new language is the cognitive benefits it offers, which include improved memory retention, problem solving skills, planning, and concentration. Multilinguals are also shown to exhibit better multitasking skills, due to being used to switching between languages. Additionally, it also promotes mental flexibility, maintains the ability to process information quickly, and slows down dementia as you age.
Being multilingual also opens doors to educational opportunities, such as studying abroad in other countries and participating in international programs or applying for scholarships. Learning a new language allows students to immerse themselves in the culture of other languages, such as how certain languages have “polite speech”, honorifics, or other cultural nuances in the language.
Career advantages
The benefits of learning a new language or knowing multiple languages also extends into the professional realm. Multilingual individuals have access to a wider range of opportunities and greater flexibility in job searching abroad. Moreover, language skills facilitate networking and collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds, which enriches opportunities even further.
Personal growth and social benefits
Learning a new language gives a sense of accomplishment and enrichment. It also instills confidence and self-esteem as students get better at understanding the language and are able to use it. Some people learn new languages as a personal hobby simply because they find it fun, and indeed, it is an enriching activity. Furthermore, language learning cultivates a deeper appreciation for other cultures and helps you gain a broader perspective.
Learning new languages at Overseas Family School
At Overseas Family School, we believe that language learning is more than just a skill—it’s a way for students to enrich their experiences, broaden their horizons, and make new friends from other cultures. We foster and encourage a diverse and inclusive learning environment by providing various language classes and programs.
One of the programs that we offer is the Mother Tongue Program. We believe that the retention and development of Mother Tongue is essential for international students learning in English. Retaining their Mother Tongue allows the students to continue being fluent in their skills should they return to their home country. This program consists of four sessions per week from Pre-K2 to Middle School, and is an additional choice for parents instead of foreign language study. It offers 15 different languages at no extra cost. Learn more about the Mother Tongue Program in this dedicated video.
Furthermore, our Enrichment Program also offers Foreign Language study, where students from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 8 are able to learn a new language of their choice. We also offer English and Mandarin courses for non-native speakers of varying proficiency levels. This allows Parents to assimilate into their environment, along with their children. To read more about the Enrichment and Parents Only program, click here.
OFS also has a Study Preparation Program (SPP) for students who do not speak English as their first language. This program provides a specialized learning environment for students to immerse themselves in and gain proficiency in the English language until they are comfortable enough to transition to mainstream classes.
Interested to learn more about our school? Book a school tour with us today and reserve a spot here!
OFS Admissions Director
Joyce Chee
joyce_chee@ofs.edu.sg / admissions@ofs.edu.sg
Overseas Family School, Block A, Level 6