Mary Pouline, Author and Founder,
Sapience Publications
Greetings, dear readers!
This is Mary Pouline, here again, to share my monthly insights. In this article, I want to address an interesting subject, one that resonates with me personally: bilingualism. Most Indians of reasonable means and exposure tend to be bilingual by nature. With English being taught in school, bilingualism begins at an early age in our country. Our collective knowledge and fluency in English sets us apart on the global stage of growing economies. Sometimes, we take this edge over our peers for granted. So, let me shed some light on what and how big of a boon bilingualism is.
Frank Smith, a renowned psycholinguist, once remarked, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” Proficiency in a second language is an invaluable asset and mastery over multiple languages is a sought-after skill. The process of language acquisition in general, and a second language in particular, is a curious one. Bilingualism can be divided into two types based on the time of language acquisition: Early Bilingualism and Late Bilingualism.
Early Bilingualism:
A Head Start
Early bilingualism refers to the ability to speak and understand two languages from a young age, typically before the age of 6. This can happen in various forms, like being raised in a bilingual household or living in a bilingual environment. The earlier the exposure, the more likely it is for a child to become fluent in both languages, often with native-like pronunciation and grammar. There are two subtypes of early bilingualism: simultaneous and successive.
Simultaneous bilingualism occurs when a child is exposed to two languages from birth or very early on, typically before the age of 3. Both languages are learned at the same time, often within the same household or environment.
Successive bilingualism happens when a child first learns one language (usually their mother tongue) and then, after a certain period, begins learning a second language, typically after the age of 3. The second language is usually introduced through school, daycare, or immersion programs.
Both types of early bilingualism can lead to fluency in both languages, though the experience and challenges might differ depending on when the second language is introduced.
Late Bilingualism: It’s Never Too Late
Late bilingualism refers to the acquisition of a second language after early childhood, typically after the age of 6 or 7. Late bilinguals usually begin learning a second language during adolescence or adulthood. They typically have established proficiency in their first language before they start learning the second one. The process of acquiring the second language can vary, depending on the individual’s age, exposure, motivation, and the methods used for learning.
Picking up a second language as an adult can pose some challenges. It can be harder to achieve native-like pronunciation and accent. While vocabulary and grammar can still be learned effectively, late bilinguals might not acquire the same depth of intuitive understanding as someone who learned both languages simultaneously or at a younger age. However, with sufficient exposure and practice, late bilingualism can still lead to high levels of proficiency.
Starting Early is Always Better
Early bilingualism often results in strong or additive bilingualism. This refers to a situation where a person learns a second language without losing proficiency in their first language. In this context, the second language is seen as an addition to their existing linguistic skills rather than replacing or diminishing the first language. The individual benefits from becoming bilingual in a way that enriches their overall linguistic and cognitive abilities.It is often seen when children grow up in environments where both languages are valued, such as bilingual communities or educational systems that support and promote learning multiple languages.
…contd in Aalumai Sirpi Magazine.
