The French school system has long been criticised for its lack of foreign language learning.
However, for several years now, state schools have included the learning of a 1st foreign language at primary level, mainly English. However, by the end of secondary school, few pupils are sufficiently fluent in one or more other languages to be able to tackle higher education with confidence.
Bilingualism and fluency in different foreign languages is essential in many professional sectors and has many advantages from a personal point of view.
The advantages of bilingualism: communication, relationships with others
The aim of bilingual nursery schools and primary schools is to gradually learn a foreign language from an early age. The New School bilingual school is one of them.
New School offers children the opportunity to immerse themselves in English every half day from the age of 2 (in the very early nursery section) with native or English-speaking teachers; nursery children thus begin to learn another language and another culture while having fun.
Bilingualism makes it easier for children to communicate with others and helps them to accept differences. It also encourages them to learn other foreign languages. It has been shown that bilingual children are more likely to learn a third or fourth language.
Knowledge of another language is an asset when it comes to communicating on trips abroad. New School in particular organises two language trips for primary school children. The first trip to England is a first language stay and a first experience without their parents before the trip to the United States. The stay in the United States is a total immersion in an American host family and school.
Language travel
Thanks to these trips, children get used to communicating and exchanging with others in another language.
Being bicultural and bilingual helps children to develop their self-confidence because they are more open to the world around them.
Bilingualism is a victim of prejudice. Such as the belief that by learning several languages, children mix them up or have less vocabulary.
On the contrary, bilingualism develops a child's ability to learn, assimilate and memorise a wide range of vocabulary. This is a real intellectual advantage in terms of knowledge for later in life.
It's important to remember that young children don't mix languages.They are able to distinguish between them in the same way that we recognise different musical styles by ear.
Getting into the best higher education establishments by mastering languages
Bilingualism gives children the opportunity to study and have an international career. Teaching children English will enable them to communicate abroad, as English is the universal language of communication. It is a factor in their success at school and in their careers.
Neuroscience has also shown that learning a foreign language from an early age helps children to develop their cognitive skills, making it easier for them to solve problems and develop their creativity.
With advanced language skills, they have an additional asset that enables them to enter higher education with confidence. Bilinguals have the chance to stand out from the crowd, especially when competing for jobs. Employers are looking for people who can communicate in English and adapt quickly in a variety of environments.
