Living in Singapore as either a local or an expat, will only make you aware of how much of a cultural melting pot this city is, with the Red Dot�s population of 5.54million made up of 1.63million non-residents. With Singapore speaking five official languages, along with those additional languages spoken by non-residents, we must consider how learning in an English environment brings both advantages and disadvantages to our non-native children and their education.
A study recently published in The Straits Times showed that �English has become the language spoken most often at home in Singapore� (Pearl Lee, 2016), which is incredible considering the diversity within this city. However, having worked as an English teacher in the city for over two years, this article got me thinking about the students I have taught, and the impact the move to Singapore had on them at the beginning, when the younger learners had little or no understanding of the language, making me question whether learning in an English environment has more pros or cons.
Firstly, if a child is learning in an international school environment, surrounded by classmates and teachers they cannot communicate with easily, some could say that this promotes a lack of confidence in children, which could further be supported by a lack of in class interaction. If a student doesn�t know how to answer questions in class, or even ask for things we would consider simple as native learners, they may become withdrawn, and instead of wanting to learn, switch off, failing to engage with either the learning or their classmates and teachers.
We must remember that in a school environment, children are often expected to be taught for the whole day in a foreign language whilst possibly understanding very little. If a teacher is explaining a new concept to the class, or giving instructions for homework, students who have little understanding of English may fail to understand what has been taught, and therefore struggle to keep up with other members of the class who may be stronger in their English understanding.
However, we must remember the benefits of learning in an English environment as a young learner and as a non-native speaker. Certainly it appears, that in language acquisition, the earlier a child learns a new language, the better, as �our brains may be more receptive to language earlier in life� (Bilingualism in the Early Years: What the Science says). This means that as a child learns a language earlier, they are more receptive to vocabulary, and have a great foundation of a foreign language which they can continue to build on throughout their life. With English being one of the most spoken languages in the world, this is not only a great base to have for children, but also provides them with a strong background in the English language for later life, which has the ability to enhance education, social life and career prospects.
In conclusion, yes there may be some disadvantages to learning in an English speaking environment as a non-native, but once a child has that basis of another language under their belt, the advantages that come with it far outweigh the disadvantages. If you or your children are learning English, keep going, because although it may seem like a struggle right now, the benefits that foundation will bring in later life will be worth it!