The world has, over the years, become a global village where people from different countries interact easily over the internet. Today, more than ever, people who speak multiple languages have an easier time conducting business and building careers. The Chinese language has the second largest number of speakers, after English, with more than 1.1 billion speakers.
Unfortunately, many people wait until they reach adulthood to attempt to learn a second language, and it’s not usually easy. Children learn multiple languages faster than adults because;
- Their brain undergoes rapid neural formation so that they can learn languages faster.
- They are not self-conscious and aren’t afraid to make mistakes as they learn.
- Children are excited and curious to learn. Adults often learn languages as a means to an end, so the pressure keeps them from learning as quickly as children.
In a bid to combat the growing influence of the English language, the Singapore primary school curriculum ensures that kids learn at least one mother tongue language in school. Additionally, Chinese enrichment classes help ensure children are bilingual.
Better Academic Results
Bilingual children tend to have better focus and are likely to perform better academically. When your child attends Chinese enrichment classes in Singapore, it boosts their creative thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition skills.
They will transfer these skills to other lessons in class. You’ll undoubtedly notice an improvement in how your child approaches academic problems. They will likely transfer the same curiosity in learning Chinese to other subjects, resulting in better academic performance.
Pride In Their Heritage
The Chinese language is a reflection of Chinese culture. When your child is bilingual, they have a chance to find their root and understand their heritage. Some learning centres providing Chinese enrichment classes in Singapore delve deep into Chinese culture. Your child will discover their identity, and even when speaking English, they will know that they are linked to the Chinese language.
Interaction With The Extended Family
According to Statistica, literacy levels in Singaporeans above 15 years of age is 97.3%. Singapore has one of the most educated populations in the world. However, about 283,000 people (aged 15 – 63) do not speak English.
If some extended family members can only speak Chinese, your child can still communicate with them effectively.
Boosts The Family’s Sense Of Belonging
Raising a bilingual child allows them to be part of family conversations, even with extended family members, when most of them are Chinese speakers. It also gives the family a collective sense of belonging. As a unit, the family starts identifying by their shared language. This way, over time, the child appreciates that the English language is secondary and that the Chinese language is what bonds their immediate and extended family.
Expanded Career Opportunities
Besides the immediate benefits of raising a bilingual child, you unknowingly open doors for your child’s career. When your child attends Chinese enrichment classes and can speak Chinese fluently, their communication skills are boosted, and they gain confidence in expressing their mother tongue language.
Since children lack self-awareness, they do not fear making mistakes when learning. This means they pick up pronunciation and correct grammar before being aware and sensitive to their errors.
By the time your child reaches adulthood, they will have perfected the art of speaking Chinese and not shy from using the language to advance their career when the time comes.
Attending Chinese enrichment classes will benefit your child, not just today but in the future. Even if your child shows no enthusiasm for learning Chinese, they might enjoy learning Chinese once they attend Chinese enrichment classes.