Ref: KidSource
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大多數的專家同意愈早推行第二語言給孩子， 愈大的機會孩子會真的對那語言精通。 在1996年二月Newsweek文章主張『一個孩子在十歲或之後才被教授第二語言， 不大有希望可以說得像本地人。』 這個論點被許多的語言學家所證實， 也被證明在既有的調查研究裡。 另外， 發展一生和更多人溝通的能力， 孩子也許從早期語言指導獲得其它的好處， 像是： 改善整體學校的表現和優秀的問題解決技巧。 認識第二語言最終靠著額外開放的工作機會， 而提供一個在工作環境裡競爭上的優勢。
*認識第二語言會有哪些好處呢？
讀外國語言的學生成績據統計在標準的英文考試上表現較好。 在1992年的報告裡， 大學評議員提到：『在1992年的SAT及成績測試的人數據顯示， 大學入學考試委員會記述， 平均學了四年或更多年外國語言的學生在學術能力測試(SAT)上的口頭部分， 較那些在其他學科領域讀了四年或較多時間的孩子表現更好。 另外， 讀了四年或更多年的外國語言學分的人的平均數學分數和那些花相同時間念數學的孩子一樣。 這些發現和大學委員會前幾年的數據相符合。
讀外國語言的學生在職場生涯的可能性和發展更進一步了解自己和其他的文化較有機會成功。 有些證據也建議孩子受到第二語言指導得較有創意和在解決複雜的問題上表現較好。 這些對社會上的好處有很多。 對其他語言流利的美國人加強了我們在國外經濟上的競爭力， 改善全球性溝通及維持我們在政治上和安全上的影響。
*為什麼我的孩子在國小學語言比較好？
研究顯示(經驗也證實)， 孩子在青少年之前學語言較有機會向本地人一樣的發音。 一群專家歸咎這樣的精通性在生理上， 會在孩子進入青春期成長的大腦裡發生改變。 當然， 在任何的學科上， 孩子能致力於學習語言較多年， 他或她會更有能力。 無論如何， 介紹孩子選擇性的表達他們自己和不同文化的方式通常拓他們的視野， 也給予他們機會去和更多人溝通。
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Most experts agree that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the greater the chances are that the child will become truly proficient in the language. A February 1996 Newsweek article made the claim that "A child taught a second language after the age of 10 or so is unlikely ever to speak it like a native." This statement is supported by linguists and has been proven in extensive research studies.
In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. Knowing a second language ultimately provides a competitive advantage in the work force by opening up additional job opportunities.
What Are the Benefits of Knowing a Second Language?
Students of foreign languages score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. In its 1992 report, College Bound Seniors: The 1992 Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who averaged 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who had studied 4 or more years in any other subject area. In addition, the average mathematics score for individuals who had taken 4 or more years of foreign language study was identical to the score of those who had studied the same number of years of mathematics. These findings are consistent with College Board profiles for previous years.
Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Some evidence also suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems. The benefits to society are many. Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain our political and security interests.
Why Is It Better for My Child To Learn a Language in Elementary School?
Studies have shown -- and experience has supported -- that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like pronunciation. A number of experts attribute this proficiency to physiological changes that occur in the maturing brain as a child enters puberty. Of course, as with any subject, the more years a child can devote to learning a language, the more competent he or she will become. Regardless, introducing children to alternative ways of expressing themselves and to different cultures generally broadens their outlook and gives them the opportunity to communicate with many more people.