Amanda Bertrand IDC-201-201-23SP-FTF February 13, 2023 Media Scoop T have always been a firm believer in young children learning. second language. It is ‘much easier for them to lean and use another language in their early years, similar to how they acquire their native language. I chose this article because it included a significant number of facts that could be reiterated by many other sources. The credibility of this “blog” may be questionable, but its accuracy was confirmed with copious amounts of research and evidence gathered and presented on various websites. Everything read regarding this topic validated my opinion of the importance of learning a second language at a young age. In contrast to previous research in the 20% century, leaming a second language as a child contributes to many advantages. Trautner (2021) from Michigan State University Extension of Early Childhood Development confirms the same when she stated, “leaming a second language does not negatively impact the child’s native language.” The outdated thoughts of the 1900s, centered around the idea that the leaming process in retaining another language would hinder intellectual and cognitive development (Ertheo Educational Agency, 2021). However, various advantages show many young brains flourish as they leam a second language. Bilingual children perform better in most testing. An experiment performed by Bialystok and Martin-Rhee (Ertheo Educational Agency, n.d.) is explained and mentioned in both Trautner’s article and the Ertheo Educational Agency’s article. It was a test that compared colors and shapes: first matching colors, then matching shapes. The task of collecting the shapesof different colors proved to be more challenging for most children in comparison to the collecting of shapes. However, the children with more language experience completed the exercise in a shorter amount of time. Students who've acquired a second language also tested higher on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. More importantly, the students’ scores were greater according to the time they've spent learning the second language. The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) analyzes creativity. This test measures divergent thinking in four areas: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration (Ertheo Educational Agency, n.d.) These types of examinations are neither groundbreaking nor innovative, based on student performance. Although the bilingual brain performs at a higher proficiency level on testing, there are other contributing factors for supporting learning a second language at a young age. While the budding mind is justified as being impressionable and capable, it is evident that leaming a second language includes more than just intellectual elements: As adults, we must consider grammar rules and practice, but young children absorb sounds, structures, intonation pattems and the rules of a second language very easily. Up until the age of 8, young leamers benefit from flexible ear and speech muscles that can detect differences between the sounds of a second language. (Advantages of a bilingual brain, 2019) According to the Ertheo Educational Agency (2021), there are five major benefits to leaning a second language: (1) children leam faster and easier, the ability to speak another language, (2) improves problem solving and creativity, (3) enhances future career opportunities, (4) allows connection with other cultures and builds tolerance, and (5) prevents age-related mental illness. Another article titled Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age(2020) supports these perks along with critical thinking, listening skills, memory improvement, increased concentration, and multi-tasking abilities As technology changes, communication remains a significant part of culture. Human interaction is still needed, as Patricia Kuhl’s mentioned in her TED talk (7:05 mark). The Ertheo Educational Agency (n.d.) also shared that 47% of American jobs are vulnerable to automation. Occupations such as advertising and lawyers that require more creativity can be more stable if the worker is bilingual. Many companies seek to hire applicants who can speak an additional language, and their pay tends to be substantial in comparison to those who are monolingual (Ertheo Educational Agency, 2021). The most surprising thing I leamed according to the reading was that bilingual individuals who speak a second language regularly may be able to delay Alzheimer’s disease by 4.5 years (Ertheo Educational Agency, n.d.) Bilingualism adjusts the brain structure creating a “resilience against Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment” (Ertheo Educational Agency, 2021.). I also found it hopeful and heartwarming that several articles relayed bilingual leamers, especially those more experienced, tend to have more appreciation for other cultures: “longer sequences also provide the opportunity for leamers to grow alongside the additional Janguage and culture, developing a deeper connection as they mature” (Lead with Languages, 2020). Lastly, Rebecca M. Solomon, Ph.D. collectively explains in the article The Benefits of Second Language Acquistion in Early Childhood “Clearly, students will reap the most benefits when they begin bilingual education early in their lives (The Leaming Experience, 2022).References Ertheo Educational Agency. (n.d.). Benefits of learning a second language at an early age: Ertheo education & sport. https:/!www.ertheo.com/blog/en/leaming-a-second-language/ Lead with Languages. (2020, March 30). Why learn languages: Early childhood & elementary. https:/www. lead withlanguages.org/why-leam-languages/early-childhood- lementary/ Solomon, R. (2022, January 13). The benefits of second language acquisition in early childhood. ttps:/itheleamingexperience.com/the-benefits-of-second-language- acquisition-in-varly-childhood/ Trautner, T. (2019, January 28). Advantages of a bilingual brain. Michigan State University Extension Early Childhood Development. h httpsi/www.canr.msu.edwinews/advantages of a bilingual brain