How does it influence that from a young age we learn a language other than the mother tongue?

It has been proven that when we are children, we are like a sponge since we absorb all knowledge
through what we see and hear because a child's brain has plasticity and it is be easier for him to
learn a second language or even a third language.

According to some scientists, up to four months of age, the brain of children is able to record all
imaginable sounds. And they say that this is the stage in which babies are potentially more
receptive to being bilingual.

Since after five months, this innate ability begins to decline and children recognize only the sounds
they hear most around them and specialize in what they hear most often.

Other scientists say that there is no specific age to learn but that certainly, the early age is the
most appropriate to learn a language other than the maternal because knowledge is retained
more easily through fun ways such as: songs in English or other languages, videos with vocabulary
and words that they can see constantly and can be learned, toys that have words in English or
another language and flashcards with drawings which they can then recognize.

In the case of children growing up in a home where two languages are spoken, they can be
"specialized" in both languages. For example: If the parents speak different native languages and
address their child in their languages, they can recognize the sounds of each language, which will
then serve to pronounce them naturally, as if they were native to both.

The Benefits of learning foreign languages at an early age are the following:

1. We can have better linguistics

Because from an early age, our brains are developed to accept and learn any language and if we
did, that would help us to have a better fluency in the language and with the passage of time our
linguistics would be great.

2. We would have Cognitive benefits

Among the cognitive benefits to learn a foreign language we have:

• Better problem solving skills

• Better critical thinking skills

• More creativity

• Better flexibility in the mind

• Better memory capacity

• Better multitasking skills

3. Better academic performance

Following the previous point and thanks to the cognitive benefits, learning a foreign language can
also provide academic benefits. It has been shown that bilingual children have better skills in
critical thinking and greater mental flexibility and this will help them to have a better academic
performance.

4. Higher cultural level

Because learning other languages makes us have an adequate level of culture, love of learning and
also, that we be tolerant and appreciate other cultures.

5. Learning a foreign language also opens new doors for us

Because bilingual or trilingual people have access to more resources, more people and more
places. In addition the languages can provide competitive advantages at work and also deepens a
better understanding of humanity, culture and enriches our life.