Brain development while language learning

By Marta Prieto

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June 06, 2020

Contents

Introduction

The Child's Brain and Language Learning

How Language Development Begins Early

The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development

How Parents Can Support Language Learning

Programs and Resources for Parents

The Power of Early Childhood Development in Language Learning

When Does the Brain Stop Developing?

Conclusion

Introduction

Learning a new language brings many benefits, especially in early childhood development. It helps children connect with different cultures, people, and ideas. The benefits shapes your child’s brain, boosts their cognitive abilities, and supports overall child development.

Studies show that when a child learns a second language can have a lasting impact on their brain. The brain goes through major development stages in early childhood, making it easier for children to learn new languages. Children reach different developmental milestones, like motor skills in the first year and language skills in the second year. This is why investing in Spanish language training is a smart move for professional and cognitive growth.

Learning a language isn't just about memorizing words; it's a natural process in the brain. Babies, especially in their first few years, can easily absorb languages, making this the best time to learn.

The Child's Brain and Language Learning

The brain works by processing information through specialized nerve cells called neurons. These neurons send signals to each other through connections called synapses. These neural connections form the basis for learning and memory. The brain’s wiring, or the connections between neurons evovles, especially in early childhood development.

A child’s brain grows quickly from birth to three years old. A baby is born with all the neurons it will ever have. By their first year, the brain doubles in size, and by age three, it’s about 80% of its adult size. During this time, the brain makes synapses faster than ever, even creating more than it needs. Over time, it gets rid of the extra synapses. This is why early childhood development is so important for learning.

Because the brain is creating so many connections during this stage, it is especially sensitive to external stimuli, including language exposure. This makes it easier for infants to learn multiple languages, as their brains are highly adaptable.

How Language Development Begins Early

Language development doesn’t start with the first words spoken. In fact, babies begin learning language even before they say their first word. Babies born in bilingual homes typically become bilingual with little effort. At birth, babies can distinguish between all 800 sounds found in languages worldwide. As babies grow, their brains begin to prioritize the sounds they hear most often, and these sounds shape the language they will learn.

In bilingual homes, babies’ brains adapt to process two sets of sounds instead of just one, creating neural patterns that allow them to retain and understand multiple languages as they grow. The brain tunes itself to the language or languages it is exposed to in these early years, helping children become fluent in more than one language over time.

The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development

Good nutrition plays a crucial role in your child’s brain development. A healthy diet directly affects brain function and cognitive development, especially in the early years when the brain is rapidly forming. Nutrient-rich foods support the growth of neurons and synapses, making the brain more efficient at learning.

During infancy, the brain is still developing its structure, and the right nutrients are vital for brain growth and overall child development. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals help fuel the brain’s cognitive functions, ensuring that your child’s brain stays healthy and ready to learn.

How Parents Can Support Language Learning

Parents play a significant role in fostering their child’s language development. When parents interact with young children, they often use a specific type of speech—called “parentese”—which includes exaggerated intonation, warm emotions, and simpler grammar. This type of speech grabs the child’s attention and helps them learn the sounds and words needed for language development.

Furthermore, parents who actively speak to their children in different languages contribute significantly to bilingual language development. Speaking multiple languages at home allows children to absorb language naturally, promoting language skills that benefit both cognitive and social development.

Programs and Resources for Parents

There are numerous programs and resources available to help parents nurture their child’s language skills. Many families choose to enroll their children in language programs or even hire a bilingual nanny to help raise their child to be bilingual. These efforts ensure that children grow up with strong language skills, providing a head start in both their cognitive development and future academic success.

Parents should remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting language learning. Each child is unique, and the language-learning process can vary. Fortunately, parents can find a wealth of resources and support options available to help their child develop language skills in a fun and engaging way.

The Power of Early Childhood Development in Language Learning

Early childhood development is crucial for setting the foundation for lifelong learning, and language acquisition is one of the most important skills a child can develop. The earlier a child is exposed to multiple languages, the more their brain becomes wired for language, improving cognitive flexibility and memory. Research has shown that bilingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in areas like creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Exposure to different languages at an early age helps develop the child’s brain, allowing them to understand complex concepts and communicate more effectively. The early years are the most crucial time for brain development, and learning a language during this period boosts the brain’s capacity for learning and growth.

Language learning advantages that begin in early childhood and last a lifetime include enhanced cognitive flexibility, improved problem-solving skills, and greater cultural awareness. Research has shown that bilingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in areas like creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

When Does the Brain Stop Developing?

You may wonder, "When does the brain stop developing?" While the brain continues to grow and adapt throughout life, the early childhood years (from birth to around age 7) are especially important for setting the stage for future learning. During these early years, a child’s brain is highly adaptable and capable of absorbing a wide range of information, including language. This period of rapid brain development is when children are best equipped to learn multiple languages and establish strong cognitive abilities.

As children grow older, their brains become less flexible, but this doesn't mean they can’t still learn languages. It simply takes more effort as the brain matures. However, early childhood development provides the foundation for language skills that will serve children for the rest of their lives.

Conclusion

Incorporating multiple languages into your child’s early life can have a lasting positive impact on their brain development and cognitive skills. The earlier a child is exposed to a new language, the more adaptable their brain will be, allowing them to thrive in both academic and social settings. Moreover, developing Spanish skills enhances cognitive functions such as focus, memory, and multitasking, which can greatly improve performance in the workplace. With the right support and resources, parents can give their children a head start in language learning, helping to develop their brains and build strong foundations for the future.

By focusing on the importance of early childhood development, nutrition, and the role of parents, we can set children up for success in language learning and overall brain growth. The brain is at its most malleable in the early years, so there’s no better time to start fostering bilingual or multilingual skills.

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.