PARK JIN-KYUNG / Foreign language instruction should begin in the kindergarten

200904082 PARK JIN-KYUNG Intermediate English Writing 1 (Tue78) The Earlier, the Better The world is getting smaller and smaller, and now learning foreign languages is a necessary "must do" in this global world. Especially, it is crazy not to learn English and I don't even have to mention its importance and advantages as everybody knows very well about that. Then, I want to ask a question which has been a controversy since long time ago. Well, as far as I am concerned, yes!! There are three main reasons why I think so.   First of all, the earlier you start to learn a foreign language, the faster and more easily you get familiar with it. It is said that the part of the brain which controls the language system is much more flexible when young. In other words, once you get completely used to your mother tongue, it is quite difficult to naturally acquire another language, because there are so many differences between two languages such as structures, word orders and pronunciation etc.   Secondly, if you begin learning a foreign language early, you can have no fear when speaking the language. For instance, when you look at kids learning English from their kindergarten, they speak with foreign teachers so naturally without any hesitation or feeling ashame even if their English is very poor or doesn't make sense at all. This kind of process is really good practice and it affects a lot when they are grown up. I have many friends who are really good at English reading and writing but cannot say a word in English and this is because we started to learn English when we were thirteen.   In addition, early exposure to a foreign language usually make kids keep interested in that language. As not only the eye-catching pictures and various visual materials used but also many exciting activities and games are done for teaching foreign languages to young children, they think it enjoyable and amusing instead of thinking it as a boring subject. This pleasant image about learning another language helps them not to lose interest later on.   Therefore, if learning foreign language is necessary, it is good idea to make your children start early. They will learn fast and easily, and have no fear for meeting foreigners as well as they will find another language really amusing and interesting.