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1. When do you think is the best time to introduce the second language to kids?
   

   Other than the first three years... when is the second best time to have kids learning the second language?

   Tags: education, bilingual

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   Asked by JeniLin from Los Altos, CA
   Answered 16 years ago.

8 Answers

1. 
   Some specialists in language acquisition claim that the sooner a child starts to learn a second language the better. It certainly seems to make sense that the earlier you start, the longer you will have to learn, and the more progress you will make compared with someone who started later.
   
   However, there is evidence that this is not the case, particularly if the second language comes to take the place of the first language, which has never been allowed to develop properly. One researcher* talks of the dangers of double semi-lingualism for early learners of a second language; i.e. the child does not develop full proficiency in either of the two languages. It has been found that older learners of a language are more efficient learners, so they may need less time to reach the same level of proficiency as younger learners. Also, of course, if more time is spent learning a second language during the school day, then some other subject must be cut or reduced to make way for it. This may not be desirable.
   
   So what is the best age for a person to start learning a foreign language in situations where there is a choice, and where it is not critical that a native-speaker-like pronunciation is acquired? The answer, according to current research, is early adolescence, so about 11-13. And the more motivated the child is to learn the new language, the more successful he will be!
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   Answered by The Goddard School of Ashburn 45091 Research Place, Ashburn, VA, 20147, 703-724-0601 (Novice with 8 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

2. 
   As soon as possible! Before they turn 7, according to some researchers, it is the best time to learn a second language. Kids will get the right pronunciation and they don't need to bother about grammar. They will learn through repetition. Remember: it is never too late to start on a new language! The process might be slower and the effort higher when you get older, but it is still rewarding. Our motto is: "Learn a language today, open the door to tomorrow!"
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   Answered by Language Door 17200 Ventura Blvd Ste 305, Encino, CA, 91316, 818-995-3667 (Novice with 1 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

3. 
   Soon after they learn the first is my answer. Sooner the better. By the time they get to the upper grades IT IS TOO LATE.
   
   I was taught two languages from the start of kindergarten, so was my husband, and our two children. So were many of our friends.
   
   Kids can differentiate between languages. I speak American English with no discernable accent (except the regional one near Chicago), can go from one language to the other easily. Also had no trouble learning a third and have a good language skill in two other languages .
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   Answered by Home Companions 335 West Lake View Dr, Lake Dalecarlia, IN, 46356, 219-794-4663 (Novice with 3 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

4. 
   Anytime they are young, but especially a second time might be, when they start to memorize the stories you read to them. Probably between 4 to 8. Anytime they are young, and wanting to memorize and recite the stories back to you. Any age where they start reciting stories by memory. Whether it is 3 or 6. Ease into it.
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   Answered by deniseparks (Novice with 63 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

5. 
   Thank you for asking. We can help you with this. Please go to our website for more information.
   Links: www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com
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   Answered by Y3K Tutor In Your Home 40 Ware Rd, Needham, MA, 02492, 781-492-8700 (Guru with 1562 pts.)

   Answered 15 years ago.

6. 
   Early as possible. The younger the child, the easier it is to learn languages. I started in middle school and made straight A's through to high school, but still never became fluent. I would suggest starting in elementary.
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   Answered by Custom Business Marketing & Sales Consulting Inc 113 S Laguna Pointe Dr, League City, TX, 77573, 832-921-7534 (Novice with 9 pts.)

   Answered 15 years ago.

7. 
   We do not teach foreign languages and are not qualified to answer your question.
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   Answered by Topeka Literacy Council Incorporated 1119 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS, 66604, 785-234-2806 (Novice with 3 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.

8. 
   Before conception
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   Answered by Ben's West Coast BBQ Scotts Valley Hills, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, 831-438-2863 (Novice with 156 pts.)

   Answered 16 years ago.