We aim to support parents in creating a language-rich environment at home to enhance their child's language development. 1.1 Nature vs. Nurture: Exploring the Roles of Genetics and Environment. Are we born with our personality characteristics, or do we become who we are because of the world around us? The nature vs. nurture debate in psychology centers on such questions. It asks whether genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of both are responsible for all of our unique behaviors, traits, and quirks.
Nature refers to how genetics influence an individual's personality, whereas nurture refers to how their environment (including relationships and experiences) impacts their development. Whether nature or nurture plays a bigger role in personality and development is one of the oldest philosophical debates within psychology. Nature and nurture both play a role in who we are. While experts might still debate the relative contributions of each, the interaction between the two is often the most influential. Nature and Nurture Defined What exactly do we mean when we talk about nature and nurture? Nature refers largely to our genetics. The Debate of Nature vs. Nature vs. 1.3 Noam Chomsky on Language Aquisition. 1.3 Nature Perspective. 1.3 Language: The First 5 Years of Life of Learning. 1.2 Nurture Perspective. 2.1 An Overview of the Benefits of Knowing Two Languages (Bilingualism)
Researchers in Montreal, Canada have recently discovered that bilingual children befriend others more democratically, resisting some of the “just-like-me” social preferences often evident in children. Recent research from the National University of Singapore shows that bilingual children demonstrate fewer racial biases than monolingual children. Bilingualism therefore opens up a child’s social world and unlocks early potential for building social connections. So what is it about bilingualism that leads to all of these benefits? Bilingualism is thought to feed an important part of the mind – the executive system.
Often thought of as the CEO of the brain, the executive system enables us to rapidly take in information and make sense of it in a short time. One part of the executive system - the part that allows us to attend to things flexibly as the situation calls for - seems to grow more rapidly in bilinguals. Bilingual minds have to be flexible as they commit to two languages. 2.2 Mother tongue is crucial in connecting with loved ones. 2.3 The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain. 2.3 Bilingualism Enhances Executive Functions in the Brain. 2.4 Mother Tongue is critical in fostering a sense of cultural identity. Saima Mir (My children don’t speak my mother tongue – as a second-generation migrant, it fills me with sadness, 21 February) elegantly highlights the predicament of many parents across the UK, particularly in extended families, where grandparents might as well not be living with family, such is the communication divide.
As someone who was lucky enough to learn Urdu in the 1980s, it saddens me also that my children will never be able to understand the language and have no interest in doing so. As a nation, we are not very advanced when it comes to learning other languages. Yet there is a sense of achievement, even of freedom, that comes with knowing, understanding and appreciating the text of another language, especially when as different as English and Urdu are.Shakeel SulemanBirmingham Saima Mir’s article resonated with me as I too am the child of immigrants, born in London.
My children struggle with my mother tongue of Sylheti and have difficulty communicating with their grandparents. 3.1 Ways to Teach Your Child Their Mother Tongue. Did you know that nearly 40 percent of the Singaporean population comprises migrants? As of 2019, the island had about 2.16 million migrants out of its total population of 5.7 million and counting. It’s no surprise then that Singapore has always been a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. In a country with nearly 40 percent migrants, not everyone speaks their mother tongue. So, here are 5 ways your child can learn your language and retain the family roots. Amidst the cosmopolitan nature of the country, it’s only normal to hold on to your heritage. And nothing you hold dearly can come close to your mother tongue. And while the world may be getting smaller every day, your mother tongue is a gentle reminder of your roots and origins. Unlike you, your children will learn and grow in a completely new world in Singapore with different languages, people and atmosphere.
So, it’s only natural that you want to share this with your next generation. 1. Image Source: Pexels 2. 3. 4. 5. 3.2 More ways to Teach Your Child Their Mother Tongue. How do I teach my child a second language? If you’re wondering how kids can learn a foreign language, you’re not alone! This is the most common question I hear from parents who want to raise bilingual children. To help you teach your child a second language, I’m sharing this 5-step action plan to jump start your family’s learning journey at home. How to teach your child a foreign target language When giving advice on teaching a second language to kids, I prefer to use the term “target language” rather than “foreign language”.
Target suggests that goals are in place to teach a child a second language. In our family, the target languages are Chinese and Korean due to our family’s heritage. However, the teaching steps can apply to any second, third, or fourth language. This article was first published in March 2017 and has since been updated with new information. Related: How to Raise a Bilingual Baby This post may have some affiliate links. 1. If you don’t speak a second language (yet!) 2. 3. 3.3 Mother Tongue Language Services by National Library Board. 3.4 Teach Mother Tongue in a fun and effective way with Duolingo! 3.5 Teach Mother Tongue with Native-Language Movies and Shows on MEWATCH.