French is not only a beautiful and romantic language but also a valuable asset for young learners. Learning a second or third language at an early age has numerous cognitive, academic, and cultural benefits. So, in this article, I’ll explore the 12 great reasons why your kids should learn French.
Je suis Francais!(I’m French)… Well, kind of… I’m French-Canadian. My schooling was mostly all in French and all my family and friends spoke French. Now, I’m in Korea raising my 7-year-old boy in a multicultural way. We speak 3 languages at home and French is the minority one.
There are few native French speakers living around me, so the learning process has been very sluggish. But, he knows several words and simple sentences that I often use. I’ve also made a conscious decision to keep on teaching him this valuable skill that will forever be with him and give him a distinct advantage in the future.
I’ll give you some details about the advantages of learning this widely spoken language. By immersing themselves in French culture and language, your child can develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
++Wonder why I underlined some words on top? Well, they are derived from French. They are either spelled exactly the same as their English counterparts or slightly different, but they have the same meaning. You’re already reading French! Good for you~~
12 Benefits of French Learning for Kids
1. Blooming Cognitive Skills
Research has shown that learning a new language at a young age can significantly enhance cognitive skills. When children learn French, they are exposed to new vocabulary, grammar structures, and pronunciation, which challenges their brains to think in different ways. This cognitive stimulation can lead to improved problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.
2. Strengthened Language Acquisition
Learning French as a second language can also strengthen the acquisition of other languages. French belongs to the Romance language family, which includes Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. By mastering French, young learners build a solid foundation that makes it easier for them to learn other Romance languages in the future.
Additionally, the similarities between French and English vocabulary can facilitate language acquisition for English speakers. Check below~
3. Expanded Career Opportunities
In today’s globalized world, being bilingual is a valuable asset in the job market. French is not only widely spoken in France but also in many French-speaking countries around the world. By learning French, young learners open themselves up to a world of career opportunities.
French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English and is highly sought after by employers in various industries. Speaking French fluently can give your child an edge in a competitive job market and open doors to international companies and organizations.
4. Cultural Exploration
This is not just any other language; it is a gateway to a rich and diverse culture. France is renowned for its contributions to art, literature, fashion, cuisine, and cinema. By learning French, your child can explore the fascinating world of French culture and gain a deeper understanding of its traditions and heritage. They can immerse themselves in the works of famous French writers like Victor Hugo and experience the pleasure of reading French literature in its original form such as The Little Prince.
My wife and I have French music playing daily at home, from Kid’s songs to Carla Bruni and anybody in between. Playing music, with its melody, can help some children’s brains to remember words better and it’s a great way to learn.
5. Global Connectivity
Le Francais is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 300 million speakers across five continents. It is the official language of international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and UNESCO.
By learning French, young learners can connect with people from different cultures, build friendships, and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. They can become global citizens who appreciate diversity and have a broader perspective of the world.
6. Academic Excellence
French immersion programs are renowned for their rigorous standards and academic excellence. By enrolling your child in French classes, you provide them with an opportunity to experience a high-quality education system. French teachers emphasize strong writing, presentation, and grammar skills, fostering a sense of excellence in their students.
This focus on academic achievement can benefit young learners in all areas of their studies, helping them excel academically in other subjects as well. French immersion preschool might be a great way to get the ball rolling… If this option is available in your area.
7. Travel and Cultural Immersion
France is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year. Knowing French enhances the travel experience, allowing young learners to fully immerse themselves in French culture, interact with locals, and navigate through the country with ease.
Moreover, learning French gives your kids the ability to communicate effectively in other French-speaking countries, opening doors to unique cultural experiences and connections.
8. Diplomacy and Sports
This beautiful language holds a significant position in the realm of international relations. It is the official language of major international organizations and institutions such as the International Olympic Committee, Amnesty International, and NATO.
By learning French, young learners gain access to a language used in diplomacy, providing them with insights into global affairs and widening their understanding of international cooperation and diplomacy.
9. Language of Love and Romance
French is often referred to as the language of love and romance. Learning French allows young learners to appreciate the beauty of the language and its rich cultural expressions. They can explore French poetry, literature, and music, deepening their understanding of the language’s romantic connotations.
10. Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem
Learning a new language requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking on new challenges. By mastering French, young learners develop a sense of accomplishment and gain confidence in their abilities. They become more comfortable with communicating in different settings, which boosts their self-esteem and empowers them to express themselves more effectively.
11. Appreciation of Multiculturalism
The important thing is that it exposes young learners to a multicultural perspective. They learn about the customs, traditions, and values of French-speaking countries, fostering an appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. This understanding helps them develop empathy, respect, and tolerance towards people from different backgrounds, preparing them to be global citizens in an interconnected world.
12. Future-Proofing Skills
By learning French, young learners are future-proofing their skills for an increasingly globalized world. French is projected to be the most spoken language by 2050, with an estimated 750 million French speakers.
The knowledge of French will give your child a competitive advantage in a world where communication and collaboration across borders are paramount. With francophone countries’ populations ever expanding, there will be limitless opportunities to enter French companies all over the globe. Hail to your New World Leader!
Keep It Simple!
Yes, I know it’s a new language, and learning a new language is far from being simple, BUT… Did you know that over 30%(80,000) of English words come from French? Incredible! For example…
- Animal – Animal | 6. Final – Final
- Artificial – Artificial | 7. Global – Global
- Capital – Capital | 8. Hospital – Hospital
- Central – Central | 9. Hotel – Hotel
- Document – Document | 10. Local – Local
- National – National | 16. Tradition – Tradition
- Normal – Normal | 17. Universal – Universal
- Original – Original | 18. Vital – Vital
- Special – Special | 19. Animal – Animal
- Taxi – Taxi | 20. Spiritual – Spiritual
There are so many words with slightly different spelling as well. They are everywhere! Communication, Situation, Telephone, Fracture, Entourage, Collection…These words are all around us.
All the Good Reasons
As you can see there are numerous benefits to learning French at a young age, or at any age. From cognitive benefits, and critical thinking skills to expanded career opportunities and cultural exploration, the advantages are vast.
By giving your child with the opportunity to learn French, you are equipping them with valuable skills, securing their future, and preparing them for a future filled with endless possibilities. So why wait? Start your child’s French language journey today and unlock a world of opportunities.
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