Nowadays it is essential for anyone to master foreign languages.

There is still some debate about the introduction of foreign languages ​​(whatever they may be) in the first years of a child's life. Although there is already some agreement regarding this topic, it is still a somewhat controversial matter.

In the opinion of Mariana Torres, National Franchisor Helen Doron Portugal , there are several benefits that are important to highlight regarding the importance of learning a second language , including:

• The first advantage highlighted by National Franchisor “(...) is naturally related to brain development . Several studies prove that early exposure to a second language creates greater malleability in the human brain . Connections are made more quickly, and children develop greater ease in acquiring knowledge related to logic, mathematics and reasoning.
• Another physical advantage is related to motor coordination skills . It is also proven that early exposure to a second language allows for greater motor coordination, as the brain is trained in two hemispheres simultaneously .
• Another positive aspect is related to each individual’s cultural tolerance and acceptance of others .”
  
  

Learning foreign languages ​​is extremely beneficial for children's development and is an investment in their future .

Children who are exposed to different languages ​​become more aware of different cultures, other people and other points of view.

Now, this cultural enrichment will be very useful for their cognitive development and as citizens of the world.

Taking this context into account, Mariana Torres confirms that “ Learning a second language involves much more than just phonetics or grammar . To know a language well , you must study its origin, idiomatic expressions, customs and history . Knowing the universe beyond our country of origin allows us to accept differences from an early age, embrace different values ​​and experiences, which contributes on a large scale to our personal development.”

In addition to this point, we cannot deny the fact that the job market is increasingly demanding and one of the differentiating factors between applications can often be language skills. Where Mariana Torres still explains with “Still within the scope of experiences, being bilingual allows us to travel and get to know the world. Naturally, we cannot consider the advantages of bilingualism without mentioning the career and future opportunities .”

Studies indicated by the reference prove this reality and the situation in which we live, since “professional mobility is enormous , and even student mobility ” where “ more than 20% of young people apply for universities outside their own country of residence. ”. Therefore, he reinforces: parents who want to provide better professional opportunities for their children should not hesitate in investing in teaching a second or even third language from a young age.

For these reasons , learning a second language should start from an early age . It is scientifically proven that children's brains are especially capable of learning more than one language, and that for the brain this ends up being just one stimulus among many others.

Mariana Torres supports this statement by declaring that “ In a highly competitive and fast-paced world, it is important to select the stimuli we want to expose our children to. ”, where he also adds that “ half of the world's population is bilingual, trilingual or multilingual. In other words, being monolingual these days should be the exception. ”.

Have you had the opportunity to reflect on this subject? Have you ever thought that this could be the best investment you can make in your children?

Text: Mariana Torres - National Franchisor Helen Doron Portugal