The Social Advantages of Exposure to Other Languages
Did you know that hearing more than one language can do more than help your child speak in different ways? Research suggests that multilingual environments help children become better at understanding others. This includes not just cognitive skills like memory and focus, but also social abilities such as empathy and perspective-taking.
Multilingual Environments and Social Development
Studies in developmental psychology have shown that even babies as young as 14 to 16 months can benefit from hearing more than one language. Children exposed to multilingual environments often develop stronger communication skills because they learn to pay attention to different people and different ways of speaking. This helps them understand how others think and feel.
In one family’s case, Karolina from Poland and Oscar from El Salvador are raising their daughter Natalia with Polish, English, and Spanish in the United States. Natalia is also learning American Sign Language. By the age of two, she already knows there are many ways to say the same thing. Her parents believe this helps her become more tolerant and open-minded.
You Don’t Have to Be Bilingual to Give Your Child the Benefits
According to Professor Katherine Kinsler, it’s not just speaking more than one language that helps—it’s being around different languages that makes a difference. Even if parents aren’t bilingual themselves, they can still support their children by providing access to multiple languages through books, songs, and conversation.
This is encouraging news for families who want their children to grow up confident, curious, and empathetic. Surrounding them with different languages is one way to help them understand people and cultures from around the world.
How Dinolingo Can Help
For parents who want to give their children the benefits of multilingualism, Dinolingo offers a fun and easy way to start. With more than 50 languages available, Dinolingo provides online lessons that include songs, games, stories, and printable materials for children ages 2 to 14. The program can be accessed on the web, iOS, or Android, and includes features like a parent dashboard, offline access, and a reward system to keep learning exciting.
Conclusion
Exposing children to different languages helps them become more thoughtful, understanding, and open to the world around them. And the good news is, you don’t need to be a fluent speaker to make it happen. With the right tools and environment, every child can enjoy the benefits of multilingual exposure—and grow into someone who sees the world through many lenses.
