As said for Swimming, the earlier the better. Same
applies to learning French.
An
extensive research and testing has proved that when it comes to grasping new
languages, the younger you start the better it is!
Research
has also shown that children who started studying other languages between the
age of 6 to 12 tend to speak better and also perform better as opposed to peers
who start second languages at a later age.
Even
the verbal achievements of these middle school students showing higher performance as compared to
binge learning or learning at an later age.
Though
these statistics were difficult to establish in the past, with technology
advancements and improved measuring techniques, it has been established that
the ability to learn new languages decreases with increasing age. These
statistics can also be attributed with the amount of undivided time a child can
provide as compared to an adult, a child’s competing demand, higher motivation,
lesser resistance to adapt different pronunciations and learning basics forming
a strong base at a young age.
Grammar
is a point of emphasis here, as correct grammar is required for effective
communication and research has shown that learning second languages grammar
toughens with age. Some “pockets of grammar” might be missed by even advanced
learners of an older age, but a child can master them with ease.
The
critical window to inculcate this skill is before the child hits puberty.
It is also said that foreign languages enhance
a child’s understanding with how the language works, how can it be
communicated, where to use the language, how to manipulate the sentence and
thus problem solving.