Sculpting the Brain with Languages
In the context of the 1960s French Immersion was fashioned out of a private school initiative by our own Harry Giles who, along with a small group of parents, saw a distinct advantage to being bilingual in the Canada of that day. Eventually, after significant impassioned public debate, in 1985 full funding for public school French Immersion was introduced. The debate was cast in stone at that point and endures even today! Let’s ignore the discussion on French Immersion for the purpose of this blog and focus on what has emerged from recent studies as it relates to cognition.
So what has been discovered? A lot more than anticipated as, like all new art forms, the immersion initiative created recently documented unintended outcomes! The influence on cognitive functioning has become more defined since these early musings.
The research affirms that cognitive benefits of bi/multilingualism appear to start as early as six months – a good sign for those in bilingual daycare settings.
Many parents are concerned that the exposure to a new language not spoken at home will delay their child’s development but the research has demonstrated that is not the case. In fact, bilingual children display better problem solving skills, both verbal and non-verbal. They also appear to be able to better contend with competing stimuli encountered at the same time and demonstrate an increased ability to multi-task. Also emerging is the conclusion that not only does the way the brain processes information change but also a modification in the structure of brain occurs. As well, and not surprisingly, there have been a number of linguistic benefits delineated by the research.
As the researchers attempt to isolate the definitive variables in play with bi/multilingualism and find themselves in great debate at times it seems that the old adage ‘the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts’ holds true for the purposes of this dialogue.
One other interesting outcome of the research relates to fending off cognitive decline in adults! So if you are truly investing in your child’s future – long and short term – consider the French Immersion programme.
As no one tool can be used as in the creation of a fine piece of sculpture the same holds true in moulding your child’s development.
About Kemp Rickett Consulting: My business is founded on enabling clients to ignite the passion for learning in individuals and groups. I provide strategic planning services, curriculum development and professional development and training for school administrators and program co-ordinators.