5 of 27

Write now Article Tools

The simplest, and best, time for a child to learn a second language is at the same time as they learn their first one. Children's minds are like sponges in the early years, absorbing what they need to know at a phenomenal rate and without apparent effort, almost by osmosis. A few simple guidelines will allow a second language to be learned without any negative effect on the learning of the native tongue.

My wife is French and I am English and our four-year-old son can speak both these languages fluently for his age. This has been achieved through the simple expediency of his mother only ever speaking French in his presence and my only speaking English. Because he only ever hears one language from his mother, he instinctively knows which words to use with her. The same applies with me. Because the rule has never faltered, he has never been confused and he now switches between the two languages without even thinking about it. He has no need to translate between the two, he simply speaks whichever is appropriate.

He has also been able to transfer this principle to other people. When he hears what language other people are speaking he simply switches into that mode. He only ever uses the wrong language when he has a word in one that he has not heard in the other.

This is a principle that my wife's parents used with her and she now speaks five languages fluently and finds it relatively easy to pick up bits and pieces of others. I would strongly urge anybody in a multilingual relationship to use this principle with their children.

It works.

Learn more about this author, Darren Humphries.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about When children should learn a second language?
We want to hear your view. Write now!