THE IMPACT OF LEARNING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES AT AN EARLY AGES
Keywords:
multilingualism, cultural awareness, early language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, empathy, global competence, inclusivity, intercultural harmony, cognitive development, multicultural education.Abstract
This article examines the correlation between multilingualism and the development of cultural awareness, emphasizing the integral role of language in shaping individuals’ understanding of diverse traditions, values, and worldviews. It underscores how multilingual proficiency facilitates cross-cultural communication, fosters empathy, and enhances adaptability in multicultural settings. Furthermore, the article explores the cognitive and social dimensions of cultural awareness, highlighting the reduction of biases and the promotion of global competence through multilingual education. By advocating for early language acquisition, it underscores the transformative potential of multilingualism in fostering inclusivity and facilitating intercultural harmony in a globalized society.
References
1. Bialystok, E. (2001). Bilingualism in Development: Language, Literacy, and Cognition. Cambridge University Press.
2. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
3. Boboc, A. (2009). Communication and cultural understanding in the global business context.
4. Cummins, J. (2000). Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
5. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press
6. Perry, B. D., & Carter, L. (2007). The Impact of Multilingualism on Cultural Awareness and Empathy in Children. Journal of Language and Culture, 12(3), 45-59.
7. Mechelli, A., Crinion, J. T., Noppeney, U., & Price, C. J. (2004). Neurolinguistics: Structural plasticity in the bilingual brain. Nature, 431(7010), 757-757
8. Cook, V. J., & Bassetti, B. (2005). Second language learning and the bilingual brain. In V. Cook & B. Bassetti (Eds.), Second language acquisition and the bilingual brain (pp. 1-15). Cambridge University Press.
