FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the benefits of learning another language at a young age?

There are numerous benefits. First, the earlier you begin learning the language the more likely you will be able to develop more native-like speaking abilities. The brain in young children is "wired" in such a way as to program a second language in the same way as the first. This means your child will speak, read and write the second language naturally rather than with the extra step of translating it from English.

Research also shows that learning a second language early leads to greater cognitive development, preparing your child to be a better learner throughout their life. Some studies have linked foreign language education with increased scores on standardized tests.

Knowing other languages also opens the door to other cultures - increasing one's world view and exposing them to greater opportunities - professional, travel, social - throughout their lives. Learning at a young age also increases the ease with which a person can learn additional languages.

Can children this young really learn another language?

Absolutely. Many research studies point to the development of the brain at a young age and how young children even as early as newborns gain from being exposed to the second language.

Will learning second language at an early age delay my child speaking?

There is no scientific evidence that attributes delays in speech to learning multiple languages.  This view is supported by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  All kids are different and when they start speaking will vary.  Most kids who learn a second language begin talking at the same stages as kids who learn only one language.  Far from confusing them, research shows that the skills gained from learning multiple languages actually aid children in building their overall lifetime vocabulary and contribute to them being better learners for the rest of their lives.

What is full immersion, and why is this method used at Jabberü?

Full immersion is a style of teaching a second language whereby the instructor only interacts with the students in the target language. Students may use some English, however the target language is encouraged by students in class and the instructor will use proven techniques so students will speak in the target language. This is opposed to teaching by translation where a person learns a foreign language vocabulary word and then memorizes its English equivalent. In immersion, one only learns the second language. This is a much more natural way to learn the language - after all, it is how we all learn our native tongue.

Instructors use exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, as well as fun images and props to help convey meaning. While the children may not understand all the words an instructor is using, as the classes develop through the immersion process they will begin to learn the key words, phrases and speaking structures.

Is there any English spoken in the classes?

Most of the class will be in the target language. However, in any kind of emergency situation or in the case of certain behavioral issues, English will be used. Also all of our lessons include a lesson about the culture of the target language. These cultural parts of the lessons may use language that is more advanced than the class is ready for at the time. Some English may be used in this portion of the class to ensure proper understanding and therefore an appreciation of the culture.

What is the length of the class?

Classes for kids 12 to 36 months (Mommy/Daddy & Me Classes) are 60 minutes long. Classes for 3 to 5 year olds, 5 to 8 and 8 to 10 year olds are 80 minutes long.

What can my child expect to be doing in class?

On any given day, your child will participate in role-play activities, competitive games with other children in the class, listening and singing to music, interactive story time, making art projects and other activities - all in the target language. Each class is built so that your child will progress in the chosen language and also have a good time, so they will want to keep coming back.

Will my child become fluent? How long will it take?

Predicting one's ability to become fluent in a second language is difficult in that there are many variables, mainly the frequency and duration of exposure to the second language. Your child will, over time, develop certain levels of proficiency in the language. The speed of this proficiency will vary from child to child. In the first year we can expect most kids to develop a foundation with the language to include colors, numbers, body parts, etc. Over years 2 and 3, they will develop more sentence structures with the use of verbs. Following that they will begin to express ideas in different tenses and develop more natural patterns of conversation.

We have a nanny/relative/friend who speaks a second language. Isn't that enough to teach our child?

It will be a very good start and you might find that this works very well for your child. Many of the children who come to Jabberü have the benefit of a relative or caregiver who speaks the target language. In these instances they come to Jabberü for the structure of the class and focused time on language learning as well as for the socialization with other kids. They then make an effort to practice what they learn at home.

My child understands a lot of the target language but s/he isn't speaking it?

This is a perfectly normal part of the process for kids who are learning a second language, especially in immersion environments. They are processing all of the new information they are receiving. The fact that they understand the language is extremely positive. In time, they will move from the "silent phase" into one where they experiment with the new sounds they have been hearing.

It is important during this time not to place too much pressure on the young student to speak otherwise it might actually inhibit the normal process. The best way to advance a child's development is to increase the exposure to the target language - through a variety of sources. There are many strategies for this, such as interactive story telling, listening together to music in the target language and allowing your child to meet others from the target culture.

Nobody in our family speaks a second language. Will our child be able to learn a second language?

Your child will still be able to learn, however, it will take some extra steps on your part in order to re-enforce at home what your child is learning at Jabberü. Our most successful families incorporate some kind of exposure to the second language in their days outside of Jabberü. For example, you might buy CDs for your child and listen to the music together. There are numerous websites that you can go to that repeat proper pronunciation. We provide you with audio clips of vocabulary from our instructors which will ensure your child is hearing proper pronunciation. You could also watch children's shows in another language (for example on Telemundo), visit various ethnic restaurants in the area or take advantage of cultural opportunities where your children will be exposed to the target language. There are many ways to continue the learning outside of Jabberü. We feature excellent books, CDs, DVDs and games in our store and are happy to help you make good selections for your child.

Which languages are most popular?

Spanish is the most popular language we teach. Enrollments for French and Chinese are at about the same level. Our Arabic and Italian classes are new.

Which language should we choose?

There are valid reasons for choosing any language. Many choose a language that is somehow a part of their family's heritage. Others choose a language based on future trends, for example Spanish and the increasing Spanish-speaking population in the U.S., or the sheer size of the Chinese-speaking population in the world. Still others choose a language based on what they think might be fun for the child culturally. They are all good reasons and there is no bad choice.

My child is in immersion school (or plans to be in an immersion school). How is Jabberü different and is there a need for both?

Immersion schools in the area are generally excellent programs and teach regular subjects such as math, social studies and science in the target language. Space in most programs is limited and so not every child who wants to attend an immersion school can. Some families have found that Jabberü is a great way to introduce children to the language before going on to immersion schools. Families with a child in an immersion school have also found Jabberü helpful for kids to practice their language outside of the school environment and for increased socialization with other kids who share their interest in learning about the target culture.


My child already has a good knowledge of the language; can s/he be in an advanced class?

Since our classes are conducted in immersion and are in small groups of no more than 8 children, our instructors are able to assess the students and challenge those who are more advanced, while bringing the other students along in their development. For example, while beginning students may be learning their colors, more advanced students in the same class who already know their colors will be challenged to talk about their likes and dislikes of various colors.

Are there plans to offer additional languages?

We will add languages as demand warrants, so if you are interested in a language and we don't currently teach it, please let us know.

How can I get Jabberü to come to my child's school?

We conduct enrichment programs in our languages at various schools in the metro-DC area. If you are interested in Jabberü coming to your child's school, please contact the school official in charge of enrichment programs to let them know about Jabberü and contact us to make the introduction.

What is the difference between a program at Jabberü and a program Jabberü conducts at a local school?

An enrichment program held at an area school differs from programs at Jabberü in that they are usually shorter than the programs we hold at one of our learning centers. School-based programs may also be geared more towards general exposure to the language and culture, and depending on the school, may not be taught in full immersion. Our Jabberü center-based programs are built with very clear language proficiency goals so kids progress in learning the target language.

Where did the name Jabberü come from?

Jabberü gives a nod to the famous Lewis Carroll poem, "Jabberwocky." Like many of the words in the poem Jabberü is a made up word. The use of the umlaut (the 2 dots) over the "u" adds to the fun and whimsy of the word. While it would be hard to truly know the meaning of many of the words in "Jabberwocky," kids who come to Jabberü learn the meaning of words and phrases in foreign languages everyday.