Fun Languages Blog

… it comes with physical and psychological health benefits as well

Thanks to multiple studies on the benefits of learning another language, we’re all now much more familiar with the many cognitive gains that come from learning, and being able to communicate in, a second language. And it follows on that this has enabled us to better appreciate why beginning the language learning journey in your child’s early years - when new cognitive connections are most readily formed - can make the difference between knowing another language, and owning it.

But did you know that the benefits extend beyond cognitive brain function and into the realm of physiological and overall wellbeing too?

(Read on for full infographic)

Read more: Not only is learning a second language good for your brain …

The ever increasing role that Asia is playing in the future of both Australia and New Zealand, and in particular the economic and social importance of China as a regional neighbour and trading partner for both countries, is not “new” news. And, specifically as it pertains to second language learning, much has been written on the potential benefits to this relationship by developing Chinese language education in Australian and New Zealand schools. A good and mutually beneficial relationship will require a pool of Ausies and Kiwis who have a good understanding of the country and its culture and who’ve learnt to speak the Mandarin Chinese language well.

However, a recent report on ABC news brings a new perspective to this discussion from the Australian point of view, with experts saying that not only will the inclusion of Asian languages in the national curriculum go a long way to enhancing this relationship; it could also help curb racial discrimination.

Read more: The importance of Mandarin Chinese in Australasia

Although the practice of honouring motherhood is rooted in antiquity, the ancient rites only really involved strongly spiritual celebrations of the goddesses and other symbols of motherhood of the times, rather than celebrating 'human' mothers as it does today. The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their 'Great Mother of Gods', Cybele. Christians also celebrated this festival in honor of Mary, mother of Christ.

In the 17th Century, a clerical decree in England broadened the celebration from one focused on the church and the Virgin Mary, to include real mothers, referring to the occasion as Mothering Day. Mothering Day became an especially compassionate holiday toward the working classes of England to allow servants and trade workers to travel back to their towns of origin to visit their families during Lenten Sunday.

When the first English settlers came to America, they discontinued the tradition of Mothering Day and while the British holiday would live on, the American Mother’s Day would only be invented — with an entirely new history — centuries later.

Download and print out these great craft ideas from our French for Kids clubs to celebrate Mum!  
La Marguerite (Daisy)
Une boite à bonbons pour Maman (Box for lollies)

Read more: Origins of Mother's Day

… and what is the difference between an integrative and an influential motivator?

The saying that language is “best learned between the sheets” is a perfect example of an integrative motivating factor.

Integrative motivation is when an individual learns a foreign language, say for instance Spanish, with the aim of integrating into Spanish society. The language is being used as a tool for communicating and building relationships within the culture of the Spanish language.

People who learn a second or foreign language in order to achieve a separate goal are instrumentally motivated. In this instance, learning the language is not an end in itself but rather a means by which to achieve that accomplishment, whether professional or personal.

Read more: What are the motivators for learning another language …

"Learning a language is a wonderful opportunity for kids to broaden their view of the world as well as their place in it, and the many communities living in their home country.

It means understanding and learning to speak, read, write, listen and think in another way, and to explore and appreciate the wealth of knowledge that is a part of each language and its culture.

Among the many advantages of learning another language are:

Image courtesy of chawalitpix www.freedigitalphotos.net

Read more: 5 Reasons why you should learn ...

In January this year, LCF Fun Languages director, Nickie Race-Jones was one of only 3 Kiwi cyclists and the only woman from NZ to cycle 800kms in 8 days along the Mekong River in the North of Thailand in aid of Hands Across The Water.  Started by ex-policeman, Peter Baines, after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, this Australian charity was originally set up to support the children who were orphaned in the worst natural disaster of our time.

Read more: The End of an Incredible Journey

There are some fantastic language learning apps out there for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Here are some of our favourites

Sal Symes, club manager for LCF Fun Languages Goldfields (Bendigo and Ballarat) found a pile of beautiful, A3 sized Chinese calendars being thrown out last weekend!  Large, red and with ornate cut paper designs of dragons and flowers, they were easily spotted next to the recyle bin at the venue we were visiting.

Quick to see their beauty and value for our Bendigo Mandarin for Kids club members, Sal asked the owner of the calendars if they could be re-purposed and gifted to the children in our preschooler clubs for craft and cultural discussions. They were happily given to us and Bendigo's Fun Mandarin Club parents and our Mandarin teacher, are very excited about the fun sessions we've got planned to use them this term.

Don't forget to check for pics of what we do with them!