In our increasingly interconnected world, teaching children the value of languages and cultural understanding has become more important than ever. As a new mom to a biracial baby, I was eager to connect him with his rich cultural heritage through multiple languages, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. I wondered about the true benefits and how best to achieve this goal.
As parents, we recognize that children's brains are like sponges, absorbing new information rapidly. Introducing them to multiple languages can enhance brain function, improving problem-solving skills, memory, and critical thinking abilities. Multilingual children often develop superior multitasking skills, as their brains juggle between languages seamlessly. Studies also show that children who learn multiple languages tend to perform better academically across various subjects, including math and reading. This linguistic journey deepens their understanding of grammar and vocabulary in both their native and acquired languages.
As Idaho becomes more diverse, it's vital to teach our children to appreciate this growing cultural tapestry. Learning a new language not only boosts academic performance but also unveils the beauty of the cultures behind the words. This fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and promotes inclusivity. Exposing our children to different cultural practices encourages empathy and open-mindedness, paving the way for future career opportunities. Proficiency in multiple languages is a valuable skill in the global job market, and starting this journey early is a gift we can give our children.
Inspired by these benefits, I began translating children's books into Korean and Mandarin to read to my baby. However, I wanted to teach him something more meaningful—manners and etiquette, which were integral to my upbringing and have served me well throughout life. Drawing from my art degree background, I decided to create my own book, "Benny and Friends...Says Manners Matter!" This book is written in English, Korean, and Chinese-Mandarin, with phonetic translations to help parents who don't speak these languages read to their
children.
Learning different languages enriches children's lives, broadens their horizons, and equips them with essential skills for personal and professional success in our multicultural world. But equally important are good manners. By teaching basic mannerisms and their variations across cultures, we instill social skills, improved interactions, and respectful communication. They teach children to consider others' feelings, promote empathy and emotional intelligence, and help develop self-discipline and control.
"Benny and Friends...Says Manners Matter!" promotes the importance of inclusivity and the lifelong benefits of learning languages early. The book invites young readers to explore new cultures, enhance their capabilities, and foster inclusivity, shaping them into the compassionate global citizens of tomorrow.