Education Matters

Five benefits of learning a second language

Posted by Trinity Grammar School on Feb 22, 2017 6:00:00 AM

220217_Learning-a-second-language-improves-more-than-just-communication_300x200px.jpgToday is International Mother Language Day, so we thought it was important to acknowledge Trinity’s diverse student body which comes from a wide spread of cultures, many from a non-English speaking background. Communicating in our mother language can sometimes be a challenge, let alone attempting to communicate in a second language, which extends us beyond our usual understanding and articulation. Learning a second language gives your son an appreciation of peers that do not have English as their first language. A second language will broaden your son’s mind and teach him about different cultures. 

Our experience at Trinity Grammar School shows us that the top five benefits of learning a second language are:

1. Discipline
Learning another language is habitual rather than intellectual and will teach your son discipline and self-awareness. He will learn to speak, read, write and think critically. This is a challenging task and requires dedication and investment of time. 

2. Listening
Learning a second language means considerable time spent listening to the new language been spoken, whether it be on television, in conversations or listening music to absorb accent, structure and patterns. Listening is a skill that many execute passively. Boys can tap into conversations more deeply as learning a language requires them to listen actively. 

3. Curiosity
Not only will your son learn how to speak a foreign language, he will discover a whole new culture. This is particularly beneficial in broadening his frame of reference, developing an appreciation for other communities, and igniting curiosity about the world. 

4. Determination
Learning a language can be difficult, however with a positive attitude and unwavering determination, your son has every chance of mastering a foreign conversation. 

5. Self-development
If your son can overcome the obstacles of learning a second language and can manage a conversation in another language, his confidence and self-esteem will be boosted. He will be more likely to open up his friendship groups to people from different cultures and will be more mindful of the multi-cultural society we live in. 

Learning another language will benefit your son in many ways. Beyond being able to converse in a different language, he will develop perseverance, tolerance, and a broader world view.  

At Trinity Grammar School, boys learn a second language from Pre-Kindergarten. To find out more about the excellent curriculum we offer, and how the Trinity difference helps our boys to realise their potential, passions and purpose in life, download our prospectus.

Trinity prospectus download

Topics: Boys' education, Trinity difference, Boys learning, Languages, Diversity