One area that I would further like to study in the early childhood field is the benefits of learning a second language for young children.
Many aspects of language advance during early childhood. Many children by age 6 have mastered a basic language and grammar of their first language. During this period they also grasp the concept of a second language and are able to speak it fluently.
In moving to Japan and with working with children starting from age 6 months to 6 years, I can understand that language develops rapidly during Early childhood. Vocabulary increases and thousands of words are added between this age.
One aspect I would like to research is the retention of a second language, for example, I work at a English speaking Kindergarten in Japan, those children are Japanese but only speak English at school, however after Kindergarten most move on to a Japanese only school. How long are they able to retain being bi-lingual, as they are no longer required to use a second language at home or at school. Is the fact that they are not using the language mean that they will in a sense, 'loose the language'?
I can understand that from this research it would identify with children and their families, the children who learn to speak more than one language gain cognitive and social advantages.
I also would like to research something similar in terms of children who are dual language leathers. I think it's amazing how quickly young children are able to pick up the new language while still learning the basics of their native language. I'm also curious about the question you posed in regards to how long the children will remember the language if they do not use it on a normal basis.
ReplyDeleteHi Kalisa, That sounds like a very interesting topic to look into. Do you think you can possibly follow up with children that you have had in your school? Perhaps the school that they next enter can be of assistance to you. It seems like there would be no risk involved to the children and of no risk to the school they will attend to interfere with your pursuing this line of research. It would be interesting to hear more from you on this subject. Cindy Ferguson
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