Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Learning a language is an asset to the future prospects of a child. It is therefore no surprise that taking up a language in the right time comes under scrutiny. Some individuals believe that children should get to learn a foreign language when they are at primary school sooner than secondary school. It is felt taking up a language at primary school brings with it more advantages than disadvantages to juveniles.
Firstly, it is incontrovertible that young children pick up any language and subject at a tender age more expeditiously comparing to any other period of their lifetime. Thus, mastering a foreign language at an early age instills confidence in them. Secondly, being able to speak a language gives an edge over other people in this competitive world and therefore languages are just as important as mathematics and science which are presumed to be the core subjects at primary school.
Having said that, there are several plausible counters to this argument. For instance, young children need to study other subjects which can be considered as important as a second language. The core subjects in most primary schools are the mother tongue language, mathematics and science and it can be argued that lessons in a new language take valuable study time away from these key disciplines as well as causing confusion in the young learners. By common consent, it is believed that lessons in the new language could delay the development of a child's first language.
In conclusion, the merits of learning a foreign language at primary school far override the demerits of it. It is not of importance when children start learning a second language unless it is compatible with the development of other crucial subjects in the school curriculum.
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Learning a language is an asset to the future prospects of a child. It is therefore no surprise that taking up a language in the right time comes under scrutiny. Some individuals believe that children should get to learn a foreign language when they are at primary school sooner than secondary school. It is felt taking up a language at primary school brings with it more advantages than disadvantages to juveniles.
Firstly, it is incontrovertible that young children pick up any language and subject at a tender age more expeditiously comparing to any other period of their lifetime. Thus, mastering a foreign language at an early age instills confidence in them. Secondly, being able to speak a language gives an edge over other people in this competitive world and therefore languages are just as important as mathematics and science which are presumed to be the core subjects at primary school.
Having said that, there are several plausible counters to this argument. For instance, young children need to study other subjects which can be considered as important as a second language. The core subjects in most primary schools are the mother tongue language, mathematics and science and it can be argued that lessons in a new language take valuable study time away from these key disciplines as well as causing confusion in the young learners. By common consent, it is believed that lessons in the new language could delay the development of a child's first language.
In conclusion, the merits of learning a foreign language at primary school far override the demerits of it. It is not of importance when children start learning a second language unless it is compatible with the development of other crucial subjects in the school curriculum.
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