Benefits of French Language
French Language Immersion – What is it and why is it a benefit?
Language immersion itself is a method of teaching a second language in which students acquire the second language skills naturally, in both play and learning situations. The benefits of language immersion are well documented – in a nutshell, it gives the brain a workout, strengthening its cognitive muscles.
Students who become bilingual score higher on standardized test in reading, language arts and math. They have improved listening, memory and problem solving skills. The bilingual experience improves the brain’s so-called executive function – a command system that directs the attention processes that we use for planning, solving problems and performing other mentally demanding tasks – including ignoring distractions to stay focused as well as switching attention from one thing to another while holding information in mind.
Students develop a greater world view and a respect of other cultures, while at the same time developing a better understanding of our own language and culture. And interestingly, studies have shown that bilingual adults are more resistant than others to the onset of dementia and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
But in this age of a global economy, children who know a second language will have enhanced career opportunities even if they wind up staying close to home! And French is often that language of opportunity. French is the official language of 33 countries around the globe and is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. It is the official language of the International Olympic Committee, United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and even the North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA), among others. This makes French and English, the only two truly global languages!
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