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Importance of Bilingual Therapy in Singapore

Writer's picture: Total CommunicationTotal Communication
May 20, 20242 min read

Singapore always has been a multicultural and vibrant land full of opportunities and so many different paradigms. Our country has 4 official languages, i.e., English, Malay, Tamil, and Singaporean Mandarin which offers a unique environment where bilingualism is more than a good-to-have asset, it’s a necessity. In the blog, we will walk you through the importance of bilingual therapy in cultivating the language as well as the cognitive development of children.


Image of bubbles of various flags, showing Bilingual Therapy in Singapore

What is Bilingualism?

Bilingualism isn't just about speaking two languages; it's about truly understanding and being fluent in both. Being bilingual is incredibly important in Singapore, where English and the mother tongue are key parts of the education system. It helps kids do better in school, interact socially, and stay connected to their culture. Plus, bilingualism boosts cognitive flexibility, enhances problem-solving skills, and can even help keep our minds sharp as we age.



Role of Bilingual Therapy:

3 individuals speaking in different language showing Bilingual therapy need in Singapore

Bilingual Therapy in Singapore addresses the targeted challenges of bilingual children by offering intervention in both languages. This is different from speech therapy, which focuses solely on the development of one language; whereas bilingual therapy works on developing and preserving both languages. Ultimately, bilingual therapists help overcome language-related barriers, improve communication and social skills, and boost confidence in both languages; this is accomplished by using evidence-based techniques and culturally sensitive approaches.


Benefits of Bilingual Therapy

  1. Linguistic Development: Bilingual language therapy benefits 2nd language learning in Singapore's diverse settings. It is especially helpful for children with a Chinese background who are acquiring English at a significantly slower rate, improving their proficiency in their second language.

  2. Cognitive Development: By expressing themselves in 2 languages, bilingual children develop cognitive abilities like attention control, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

  3. Cultural Connection: It helps celebrate the rich cultural heritage of children by incorporating cultural elements and traditions into sessions, fostering a heightened sense of pride and belonging.

  4. Academic Success: Proficiency in multiple languages equips the future of tomorrow with a competitive edge in a globalized country like Singapore, opening doors to academic opportunities and career progression.

  5. Social Integration: Bilingual language therapy facilitates social interaction and cross-cultural understanding, which are crucial aspects of Singapore's diverse culture. This therapy enables children to connect with friends from various backgrounds and navigate a multicultural environment with ease. It is particularly beneficial for native bilinguals struggling with one of their languages, often their mother tongue. For example, Singaporean children may struggle with the Chinese language due to factors like aversion, low confidence, and lack of exposure.

 

As we welcome the diversity of languages in Singapore, let’s recognise the contribution of bilingual therapy in nurturing the next generation of bilingual and bicultural individuals.

If you need bilingual therapists for your child, connect with Total Communication for a consultation with our bilingual therapists.


To connect:

Call: +6591158895


 

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