Experts analyzed how language can impact children’s lives and the role it plays in everyday life. They also determined which languages tend to lead to the best career opportunities as an adult. “We believe that language learning is hugely beneficial for children’s development and it’s a real investment for the future,” said Antonella Sorace, professor of developmental Inguistics and director of offinguatlsm matters at Edinburgh University. The study involved a survey of 2,001 parents with children under the age of 18, along with another survey of more than 500 business leaders.
So which languages took the top spot? Results indicated that children should be learning French, German, and/or Mandarin if they want to be successful within the next ten years. Proficiency in a second language opens the door to new markets for businesses and allows them to create new relationships with prospective partners.Aside from being able to speak another language, the academic and interpersonal skills that can be gained from learning a new language are important as well. “Children who are exposed different languages become more aware of different cultures,other people,and other points of view. They also tend to be better than monolinguals at multitasking and are often more advanced readers, said Sorace.
A vast majority of parents surveyed in this study (85 percent) believe it, is important for their children to learn a second language, and about one in four believe it will enhance their child’s career opportunities and boost employability.The future employment market are in need of space tour guide, robot coach, frontline e-commerce worker, nurse practitioner etc. No matter what a child chooses to be, multilinguals and cross-culture talents will probably stand a good chance to take the lead. However, 45 percent of parents surveyed admit that their child or children cannot speak a second language.
If you want your child to stand out from the crowd, brush up on the habits of parents of successful people — give children chores, set high but realistic expectations, get yourself educated, make time for bonding, accept and recognize their feelings — and, of course, make sure they learn one of the three success languages!
【小题1】What is Antonella Sorace’s attitude towards different languages learning? ________| A．Critical. | B．Neutral. | C．Positive. | D．Enthusiastic. |
| A．It can improve children’s academic and social skills. |
| B．It makes children multilinguals and advanced readers. |
| C．It makes it possible for them to earn a fortune in future. |
| D．It benefits children in development and cultural exposure. |
| A．Delivery man. | B．News reporter. |
| C．Local experience guide. | D．Self-driving car designer. |
| A．To teach the ways of learning foreign languages. |
| B．To share the secret of becoming successful parents. |
| C．To show the importance of learning foreign languages. |
| D．To introduce the methods of raising successful children. |
