It’s never too early for a child to learn a second language, but the way you go about teaching it deserves consideration, said linguist Susan Behrens.

Shows such as Nick Jr.’s “Dora the Explorer” and “Go, Diego, Go!” — which seamlessly incorporate a second language into the dialogue — are great examples of the proper way to introduce language to little ones, she said.

Why should we care about learning a second language, anyway?

First, the Internet has brought other countries, full of people who speak other languages, as close as the click of a mouse. Second, by 2010 — that’s two years from now — the U.S. government estimates the country’s hispanic population will reach 42 million (becoming the largest minority), and 89 percent of U.S. Latinos speak Spanish. And last but not least, speaking more than one language actually improves your child’s ability to learn.

Behrens, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at Marymount Manattan College in New York City, said studies show exposing children to a second language helps their brains develop flexibility.

“They are able to ‘play’ with language,” and are shown to develop a heightened ability to understand and create riddles and puns, for example.

But forcing strict language lessons on them in a classroom setting at a young age will do nothing but turn them off the whole idea, she said.

“Drilling and regulated practice might be what we are all used to in a language class, but the language facility works better when language is a part of real life,” she said.

If a child grows up in a bilingual household, both parents should speak their native language.

“People wonder if they will confuse the child. They won’t,” Behrens said.

If both parents speak the same language but want their child to learn a second language, they should consider exposing the child to a “living language community.” Perhaps a couple adopted a child from China and want her to learn Chinese. Take her to a Chinese neighborhood and allow her to talk to the people, Behrens said. That works well in New York City, but how about the Ohio Valley? She suggested going to a Chinese restaurant and insist the Chinese employees speak only their native tongue while serving you.

Another way to incorporate another language is for Mom or Dad to learn it and then teach it to the child using immersion techniques. Behrens knows a mom who is learning French with her 2-year-old.

Don’t know what language to learn? Any one will do. Mandarin (Chinese) is said to be the next international langauge. Arabic is an important language in today’s military. Or maybe Mom just likes the sound of French or Italian. Or Dad wants to learn the language of his Irish or German forebears.

Spanish, of course, is a popular choice and many immersion resources are available, including Spanish language television and radio, Mexican restaurants, and even a trip to Lowe’s. Watching “Dora” every day will have your toddler counting in Spanish and greeting you with “hola” in no time.

After introducing a second language early on, it’s important to follow up with formal instruction later, Behrens said, to establish fluency and literacy.

“Classes are good for solidifying the standard language,” she said. “Just don’t start that way.”

The Joke’s on Us
“What do you call a person who speaks three or more languages? Trilingual.
“What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual.
“What do you call a person who speaks one language? American.”