Très Bien! Big Benefits Of Learning Two Languages In The Early Years
Updated: May 10
Thinking of going to a language class with your baby or toddler? Anne-Claire Marsaud, founder of Bonjour French, is here to explain the huge benefits of children learning two languages in the early years. Join her as she shares her experience of running French classes for babies, alongside the latest research in early language development.
Why Does (Very) Early Foreign Language Learning Matter?
Babies are born with an innate ability to perceive the sounds of all the world’s languages. However, between 6 and 12 months of age, their brains begin to specialise. Neural connections linked to sounds they hear regularly are strengthened, while those that are not used gradually fade: a process known as perceptual narrowing.
In simple terms, if babies do not hear certain sounds, they become harder to detect and reproduce later on. This is why early exposure matters so much. If you would like your child to learn a language you don’t speak yourself, or one they don’t hear regularly in their environment, Early Years language classes provide a valuable and effective solution.
Learning Two Languages: Why Playful Exposure From Birth Supports Children And Parents Too.
You might be tempted to book a foreign or additional language class for your child, but wonder whether your baby or toddler is too young to benefit. The good news? Research in early brain and language development shows that the opposite is true: the earlier the exposure, the better.
Bonjour French was born from a passion for early language development and a desire to make foreign language learning accessible from the very start of life. Bonjour French offers playful French classes for babies and young children aged 0–5, where language is discovered together through songs, stories, and shared moments.
The approach is rooted in the idea that language learning in the early years should feel joyful, natural, and inclusive for children and for their parents and carers. Classes are designed to support families who may not speak French themselves, showing that curiosity and connection matter far more than getting everything ‘right’.
Why Attend An Early Years Language Class Rather Than Relying On Recorded Songs Or Audiobooks?
1. Children Learn How Sounds Are Physically Made
Research shows that as early as four months old, babies look closely at a speaker’s face to understand how sounds are produced, observing lip movements and tongue placement, well before perceptual narrowing begins around their first birthday. This visual information is crucial and cannot be replicated by audio-only content or cartoons.
2. Children Learn How To Communicate With Others
Language acquisition is not simply about sounds, grammar, or vocabulary. It is a complete communication system. Children learn how to communicate long before they can speak.
In a class setting, children experience real-life interactions with a teacher, other children and supporting adults. This allows them to connect sounds, intonation, gestures, and words with meaning. They learn to take turns, respond, and engage: all essential building blocks of language.
Young children communicate in many non-verbal ways, through movement, sounds, facial expressions, and eye contact. Adults can recognise these cues and respond verbally, helping to expand the child’s understanding and vocabulary. Research shows it is not just the number of words children hear that matters, but the quality of these interactions.
3. Language Teachers Are Experts At Your Service
The teacher is also there to support parents and carers. Teachers ensure children hear accurate, natural language, including correct pronunciation and authentic accents (especially helpful if your last experience with the language was revising for a GCSE!).
Parents often find themselves learning or refreshing their own language skills alongside their child. Teachers carefully select age-appropriate materials such as songs, books and games that families can confidently reuse at home.
Tip: don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for recommendations. At Bonjour French, for example, we provide families with a list of books used in class, additional book suggestions, and a songbook with all the lyrics to the songs we sing together. We also share ‘Word of the Day’, songs and story time on our Instagram and Facebook.
What Does Progress Look Like In The Early Years?
In the early years, progress in language learning does not always look like speaking. Success is not measured by the number of words a child can say, especially at the beginning.
Instead, progress often appears in subtle but meaningful ways: recognising familiar songs, responding to repeated phrases, understanding simple instructions, copying actions, joining in with routines, or showing excitement and confidence during class.
These listening and comprehension skills form the foundation for later speech. With continued exposure, words and phrases naturally emerge when the child is ready. Most importantly, children develop a positive relationship with the language rooted in enjoyment, curiosity, and confidence!
What Makes a Good Early Language Class?
Here are my top things to look out for to help you find the right class to share with your child:
A Warm, Playful Atmosphere
You should feel comfortable in the class environment. With such young children, sessions should feel relaxed and joyful rather than academic.
Repetition Without Pressure
No prior knowledge should be required. Key words should be repeated naturally over time, without pressure or expectation.
Songs, Stories, Movement and Props
Look for a variety of sensory experiences: books, live singing, musical instruments, and props children can touch and explore.
Parent Involvement (Especially For Under Threes)
This is precious shared time. A good teacher will show you how to reuse what you learn in class at home and offer practical guidance.
Focus On Joy, Not Performance
You should never feel you need to be perfect. Being present, enjoying the moment, and discovering together is what truly matters.
Four Common Myths About Early Bilingualism
Despite growing research, many parents still worry about introducing two languages early. Let’s address some common myths.
Myth 1: Learning Two Languages Will Confuse My Child
Research consistently shows that young children are capable of learning more than one language from an early age without confusion. Hearing two languages helps children build flexible language systems, even if this looks different from monolingual development at first.
Myth 2: Bilingual Children Speak Later Than Monolingual Children
Studies show that bilingual children reach early language milestones (such as babbling and first words) at similar ages to monolingual peers. Vocabulary may be spread across two languages, but overall language development remains on track.
Myth 3: Mixing Languages Means Something Is Wrong
It is completely normal for young bilingual children to mix words from different languages. This is a natural stage of development and shows that children are actively using all their language resources.
Myth 4: Children Should Master One Language Before Being Exposed To Another
There is no need to wait. Early exposure takes advantage of the brain’s natural plasticity and allows children to absorb multiple languages intuitively.
Finally, The (Often-Overlooked) Benefits Of Language Classes for Parents
Attending classes with your child helps reinforce your bond and establish a meaningful weekly routine. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet other families and connect with like-minded people.
Non-native speakers also learn alongside their child and don’t need to worry about “getting it right”. The teacher guides the session, and no prior knowledge of the language is needed to enjoy and embark on this shared journey of discovery.
In the context of a language class, staying on after the session for a coffee or playdate can give adults the chance to keep practising the language. Many of my attendees value this moment, as it allows them to use their French while making new friends for themselves and their children.
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