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The benefits of being bilingual – and how a nanny could help

It’s never too early to start learning a second language.

Teaching children a new language at the earliest possible opportunity gives them a huge head start in life.

There’s no better way to do this than hiring a nanny who does not speak your native language, as it means learning becomes a seamless part of everyday life, and much easier than sitting down to language lessons.

Immersing your child in a new language in their natural environment takes the pressure off learning – it happens naturally through play and daily interactions – and also reduces the need for private lessons later in your child’s life.

These are just some of the advantages a bilingual child will have:

  • Cognitive advantages: Bilingual brains look different to those of people that only speak one language. Being bilingual activates pathways in the brain which have been proven to increase your attention span, your memory and your ability to multi-task.
  • Educational gains: Bilingual children generally outperform their classmates in all areas by the age of seven. Speaking a second language also expands your opportunity for study abroad and opens up the chance to apply to universities across the world.
  • A career boost: Being bilingual leads to a host of career opportunities that are unavailable to employees with only one language. It helps candidates’ CVs stand out when applying for jobs and allows them to participate more fully in the world of international business, enjoying foreign travel and better relationships with overseas colleagues. This can be particularly important if they are to take on roles within a family business.
  • More fulfilling travel experiences: When you can speak the language of a country you are more than just a tourist. You become a more confident traveller and can fully immerse yourself in the language and culture, allowing you to delve deeper into the places you visit.
  • A better understanding of your own and other languages: Learning a second language gives you a better appreciation of how your own language is constructed and makes it easier to learn further languages in the future.
  • A global perspective: Learning a second language encourages a more inquisitive outlook in children, giving them a global perspective. They learn not only a new language, but also a new culture and an understanding that other countries do things differently.
  • A boost to your health: Being bilingual can have an anti-ageing effect on your brain, keeping it sharper for longer. Studies have shown that it can help to delay the onset of diseases like dementia.

Experts generally agree that the earlier children start learning a new language the easier they find it, so hiring a nanny who does not speak the same language as your child can be the perfect way to set them up for a lifetime of learning.

It also ensures they learn the language from a native speaker. Children who learn from their nannies learn the correct pronunciation and intonation, and develop a clear and authentic accent.

Duke and Duchess International specialises in placing highly-educated English-speaking nannies and bilingual nannies around the world. To find out more about our services or request a phone call with one of our consultants click here.

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