[3/29/17] Hanahan, SC – children can learn about other languages and cultural sensitivity through the “International story Day” at Hanahan Library.

In today’s international community, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to acquire cultural sensitivity and even better – fluency in a second language. The best time to start learning is as a child. On Saturday, April 29^th from 10 am – 12 pm, children can get a dose of stories in different languages and from other cultures through “International Story Day” at the Hanahan Library.

Research shows that children are the best absorbers of languages. According to an article published by International Business Times, children can start learning grammar cues at just seven months. In an article published by Science, Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington said, “When it comes to language, ‘babies are the citizens of the world.’” But why do young children find languages easier?

A story by the Associated Press sheds some light on this topic. The video detailed the efforts of Iris Granstedt, the founder of Mandarin for Babies, and caregivers who brought children in on a weekly basis to learn Mandarin. Grandstedt said, “Actually the best age to learn language is actually between nine and twelve months, so zero to three is really the core time for children to pick up sounds and… different languages.” She explained that once children are past three, they can no longer recognize sounds like they could before.

Although no Mandarin is announced at the present, the Hanahan Library will share stories in many languages. English, French, Spanish, German, Tagalog, and possibly more will be presented by different readers throughout the morning.

So just to recap:

What: International Story Day
When: Saturday, April 29th, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Hanahan Library
How: No registration necessary. Simply show up and be ready to learn!

See you there!