Attention Parents: Why kids should learn Farsi? Language confusion or infusion?
I always thought learning a second language was a noble goal. Who knew that listening to my Farsi-speaking Iranian-American husband has given me an unsuspecting brain workout, much like doing crossword puzzles without the pencil. I didn't realize I was possibly warding off dementia by listening and learning another language. This gives me much pause, especially as we look to teach our children Farsi too!
According to PNAS, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A, language like musical training provides a brain vitamin. Their studies indicate that being bilingual increases a person's flexibility in processing sounds. The brain actually undergoes a change for the better! Parents always suspected that their children were selective listeners. This research provides facts to support this theory. Bilinguals, by listening to the speech, are better skilled in encoding the information than their one-language peers. They are more adept at filtering out unwanted background noise and focus on the important information they wish to hear.
A study by a research team appointed by the European Commission also finds that multililngualism may benefit brains in a variety of ways: Learning in general, Complex thinking and creativity, Mental flexibility, Interpersonal and communication skills, Delay of age-related mental diminishment
Not only does brain power increase in bilinguals, but those who learn a second language at a younger age are more likely to have more advanced grey matter than those who learn later. Childhood is most suited to acquiring language, because there is an open system for learning in the brain," says Professor Hickie of Sydney University's Brain & Mind Research Institute.
So keep on using two languages in the home. And if your kids aren't listening to you in your native language, try another, and the message might get through!
Blog sent by The Persian Irish
