This paper deals with the prejudices and fears that are still associated with multilingual education of children. It is often assumed that more than two languages (e.g. trilingual education) exceed children's abilities and that children could suffer linguistic damage as a result. This paper therefore deals with studies on multilingualism in infancy, childhood, adulthood and advanced age. It is shown that multilingualism is not harmful, but has the opposite effect: cognitive stimulation. At the same time, reference is made to the normative language development of children compared to the development of multilingual children.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Reasons for multilingual upbringing of children
2.1. Child-centered motives
2.2. Parent-centered motives
3. General dis-/advantages of multilingualism
3.1. Advantages shown by research
3.1.1. For infants
3.1.2. For adults
3.1.3. For the elderly
3.2. Disadvantages shown by research
4. Discussion
5. Conclusion
6. List of References
Research Objectives and Themes
The paper aims to analyze whether the multilingual upbringing of children is a scientifically justifiable parenting decision by examining both the personal motivations of parents and the documented developmental impacts of multilingualism on children and adults.
- Parental motivations for multilingual child-rearing (child-centered vs. parent-centered).
- Cognitive and developmental benefits for infants and children.
- Impact of multilingualism on foreign language anxiety (FLA) in adulthood.
- Long-term cognitive advantages, including the delay of dementia symptoms in the elderly.
- Critical discussion of potential disadvantages and misconceptions.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 For infants
Effects of multilingualism can already be found at the very early stages of life in multiple domains such as the phonological faculty, metalinguistic knowledge (including cognitive flexibility and control), use of word learning heuristics (Kroll, 2014). Also affected is the development of social skills and the formation of identity. In all of these domains, the emerging effects have been shown to be advantageous.
The influence multilingualism has on the phonological development of children, even in their first months of life, shows positive developmental consequences. The ability to discriminate between various phonetic contrasts (which do not belong to their native language) ceases between the age of 4 and 8 months in monolingual speakers. In bilingual children however, this decline is delayed, occurring only at the end of the first year of age, between the 8 and 12 month. It is reasoned that “this initial delay ultimately has positive consequences for infant brains” (Kroll, 2014, p. 57). Moreover, being exposed to several languages enhances the sensitivity to their phonological character which facilitates the acquisition of the languages and contributes to a native-like pronunciation (Bailey & Osipova 2016; Bialystock, Majumder & Martin, 2003; De Houwer, 2014; Puig, 2010).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the topic of multilingual upbringing, addresses common criticisms, and outlines the paper's goal to justify the decision through research analysis.
2. Reasons for multilingual upbringing of children: Categorizes parental motives into child-centered benefits and parent-centered feelings or practical reasons.
3. General dis-/advantages of multilingualism: Examines empirical research regarding the positive impact across different life stages and addresses potential drawbacks.
4. Discussion: Compares parental motivations with research findings to evaluate the validity of multilingual child-rearing as a justified practice.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes that the benefits of multilingualism significantly outweigh potential disadvantages and affirms the practice as scientifically grounded.
6. List of References: Provides the bibliographic documentation of the cited sources.
Keywords
Multilingualism, Child-rearing, Parenting, Cognitive development, Metalinguistic awareness, Foreign language anxiety, Sociolinguistic development, Dementia, Cognitive reserve, Bilingualism, Trilingualism, Language acquisition, Executive function, Cultural heritage, Identity formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines whether raising children in a multilingual environment is a justified decision by analyzing parental motivations and scientific research on cognitive and sociolinguistic development.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
The study covers motives such as cultural heritage, social and economic advantages, the cognitive impact on infants, foreign language anxiety in adults, and the long-term benefit of delaying dementia in the elderly.
What is the main objective of the author?
The primary goal is to provide a balanced, evidence-based argument that supports multilingual upbringing, helping parents respond to skepticism with scientific justification.
Which scientific methodologies are primarily used?
The paper utilizes a comprehensive review of existing research literature, categorizing parental motives via the framework of Bailey and Osipova (2016) and evaluating cognitive outcomes from various longitudinal and comparative studies.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body investigates the root causes of parental decisions, the documented advantages for infants, adults, and the elderly, and provides a critical discussion of perceived disadvantages.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include multilingualism, child-rearing, cognitive development, metalinguistic awareness, foreign language anxiety, and executive function.
Does the author consider the possibility of cognitive overload in children?
Yes, the author addresses this concern, noting that research suggests multilingualism does not cause cognitive overload but rather enhances executive functions and cognitive control.
How does multilingualism affect the elderly according to the research cited?
The cited research indicates that consistent linguistic juggling, such as lifelong bilingualism, contributes to maintaining cognitive reserve and can significantly delay the onset of symptoms of dementia.
What is the role of the "language broker" mentioned in the text?
A language broker is a child who acts as a translator for their parents in situations where the parents lack proficiency in the local language, which the text notes can foster independence and confidence.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2020, Multilingual upbringing of children. A justified parenting decision, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1187558
