Eyes on Early Years 5 | Page 11

Brainy, bilingual babies By: Eri Akbar Many children in the UAE grow up speaking two languages, which is such a good skill to have. Being bilingual helps children to gain higher order thinking skills, according to a recent study published by the University of Washington. Researchers studied babies who grew up in two-language households. Through brain scans they discovered that when babies heard two languages being spoken, the part of their brains associated with problem solving and decision making skills were working actively. This also suggests that the earlier children are exposed to two languages, the earlier they develop such cognitive functions. Good news for parents raising their children in a bilingual environment.