Since I have had to learn a 2nd language (or third if I count the 2 years of Spanish), I have been interested in how to learn a language and how it works with the brain. My biggest conclusion (with much backing evidence) is that the earlier you learn, the better! One of my observations, which is based on observing my husband, is that if you are good at music or making sounds, you can pick up a language. I am convinced that if I was a better imitator, I would have better pronounciation. This article backed up what I have been saying...
There is plentiful research
on general language learning
predisposition. Most interesting
among them is the idea that
people with powerful shortterm memory and skill at
repeating sounds fare better
than others. Musical talent is also often a sign of how well
one can learn another language
since repeating sounds is akin
to repeating notes. Indeed,
Ballekens has observed that most
of her friends in translation are
avidly interested in music, and
many play in bands.
So are you going to teach Mateo English and Sim is going to teach him Dutch?
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