For our latest View from The Top, we've handed over to Jo Wallace, the Principal of Kensington Wade in London. As the first bilingual English-Chinese nursery and prep school in Europe, the importance and relevance of language learning sits centre stage here – and below, Jo, explains the benefits of mastering Chinese from a young age...
At Kensington Wade half of the lessons are taught in English and half in Chinese, providing full immersion in the two languages and giving children complete fluency in both. Being bilingual has a whole host of positive effects on the brain and provides many social and academic advantages. There are also many additional benefits to learning Chinese.
Cognitive benefits
Unlike most other languages, the learning of Chinese stimulates and activates the development of both sides of the brain. This is especially true if children learn how to both read and write it.
Chinese writing develops shape recognition and spatial awareness as children need to make sure that each character is the same size, no matter how many strokes are required.
Children who study Chinese learn to recognise the difference between the sound and substance particles of various characters to establish their meaning and pronunciation. This process stimulates the development of excellent problem solving skills.
Psychologists also suggest that children are open to better and easier learning of Chinese as it is a tonal language and they have the sensitivity to pick up nuances of tone and sound, making it easier for children to grasp Chinese pronunciation. The tonal associations of Chinese can also enhance musical ability.
Looking to the future
At Kensington Wade we believe that knowing Chinese will give our pupils an extra edge in the increasingly global economy. Business leaders and international corporations are looking for people who can speak the language and operate successfully in a Chinese cultural context. Governments also need Chinese specialists to deal with diplomatic affairs related to China.
Broadening cultural horizons
Learning Chinese opens a window into a fascinating history and culture and an immense store of literature and art. China is publishing more books than any other country and is making more and more contributions to scientific, technological and philosophical studies. The writings of Chinese policy makers, administrators, economists and business leaders will also become increasingly mainstream.