Learning to speak is a remarkable journey that every human embarks upon from the moment they are born. Children learn to speak through a dynamic process that involves biological predispositions, cognitive development, and social interactions. The combination of these factors allows children to acquire language naturally and effectively, progressing through distinct stages from cooing and babbling to complex sentence formation. However, each child is unique and factors such as personality, motivation, and learning style can affect the rate and manner of language acquisition.

Children learn language through interaction– not only with their parents and other adults, but also with other children. Usually, children raised in environments rich in conversations, tend to acquire language skills sooner.

A child’s first language usually refers to the language children are most exposed to in their immediate surroundings. The native language or the mother tongue is the first language that a child is exposed to from birth.

Language learning is a continuous process that involves the active participation of caregivers, including parents, grandparents, and other household members. These caregivers play a vital role by responding to children’s vocalizations and communication attempts, which motivate further efforts and help expand their vocabulary. They also serve as language models, providing examples of correct usage that children imitate and learn from.

The first-language acquisition process is driven by two key principles. First, speech perception always comes before speech production. Second, language learning evolves gradually, beginning with the recognition of individual phonemes and progressing step by step. Engaging children in activities such as reading books and storytelling exposes them to new vocabulary and sentence structures, thereby fostering their language development.

My own path to learning language is filled with the fascinating interplay of biological predispositions, cognitive growth, and amiable social interactions, particularly with my family which included not only my parents, but also my grandparents. Drawing from personal memories, I remember that my mother played an indispensable role throughout my language learning journey. She constantly engaged me in conversation, read books to me, and sang songs. Her responsive interaction provided the feedback I needed to refine my speech. She shared her fond memories of my childhood stating that if I pointed towards an object and babbled, she would name it for me, reinforcing the connection between words and their meanings.

Hindi being my mother tongue, I began acquiring it as my first language. I cannot recall exactly how I started speaking and understanding Hindi, but I believe that it happened mainly because all the time it must have been spoken by elders– the grandparents, parents, and siblings.

Learning to acquire the second language

Once I started going to school, I quickly picked up a few English words which were often spoken as instructions by teachers. Some of these words included instructions such as come in, go to your place, sit down, stand up, join the line and greetings to the teachers. At preparatory level, phonetic sounds were taught. This helped in learning the correct pronunciation of words and development of vocabulary. Later, in class 1, I started learning small sentences, I also started writing the sentences spoken by the teachers and also copying from the books. Thus, my language learning began from introduction of letters to the knowing of new words and culminated into the formation of sentences.

The second language is acquired with time and a lot of effort with regular practice. Learning a new language involves listening, speaking, reading, writing, sometimes even a new alphabet and writing format. The earlier the children are exposed to a second language, the more likely they are to achieve fluency.

According to the critical period hypothesis, there is an optimal window for language learning, usually before puberty. Younger children tend to learn languages more naturally and with less anxiety compared to older learners.

Schools that offer an immersive environment where the second language is frequently spoken can significantly enhance language acquisition. Engaging activities like games, songs, and storytelling in the second language make learning enjoyable. A well-structured curriculum that incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills is crucial. Additionally, teachers who are fluent in the second language and trained in language acquisition methods, can greatly influence learning outcomes.

Encouraging children to use the second language in real-life situations, such as speaking with classmates, participating in cultural events, or using the language in practical tasks, help reinforce learning. Group activities and peer interactions in the second language foster collaborative learning and increase conversational practice.

Role of parents

Parents can support their children’s language learning by providing additional resources, such as books, educational apps, and opportunities to practice the language at home. Encouraging and praising children for their efforts in learning the second language enhance their confidence and motivation. At the same time, language learning apps and online platforms provide interactive and engaging ways for children to practice the second language. Videos, songs, and interactive games can make language learning more dynamic and enjoyable.

Learning about the culture associated with the second language can deepen understanding and appreciation of the language. This can be achieved through cultural projects, festivals, and interaction with native speakers. By understanding cultural nuances and contexts, children can use the language more effectively and appropriately.

Offering constructive feedback helps children recognize and learn from their mistakes. Fostering a genuine interest in the language and its culture can boost intrinsic motivation. A positive attitude towards learning a second language, supported by teachers and parents, is essential for long- term success. By establishing an immersive, supportive, and engaging learning environment, both schools and parents can aid children in effectively acquiring the second language, resulting in lasting cognitive, academic, and cultural benefits.

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.”- Flora Lewis