acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill. Researchers define second language acquisition as the process an individual goes through as he or she learns the elements of a new language, such as vocabulary, phonological components, grammatical structures and writing systems. In order to liberate, one should not only speak well, but also know the written language, as language is the system of human expression by means of words. For people to be in a position to communicate and understand each other this system needs to be fully functional (Ministry of Basic  Education, Sport and Culture (MBESC), 2003). Young children find it easier than adults to learn a language because childhood is a “critical period” for language learning. The possibility that early bilingualism affects children’s language and cognitive development has long been a concern for parents and educators. In the first half  of the 20th century, the prevailing view  was that knowing one language and second language acquisition in life made children confused and interfered with their ability to develop normal cognitive functions and succeed in educational environments. Parents are often concerned that using a non-community language as the language of their home will disadvantage their children. According to the American Community Survey, more than one in a 5 individuals over the age of 5 (21%) speak a language other than English at home. Children who are learning to speak two languages follow patterns of learning. The sounds of the first language can influence how children learn and use a second language. Field of second language acquisition is a sub discipline of applied linguistics, but also receives research attention from a variety of others such as psychology and education. According to Krashen ‘comprehensible input’ is the crucial necessary ingredient for the acquisition of a language. There are several theories on language acquisition of a language during first years of life, the human brain develops rapidly. There are critics of the theory of imitation with language learning. They cite examples of children learning from adults. Often times, they will mispronounce words and use grammar they do not imitate or hear from adults. Chomsky (1965, p. 127) believed that there was something called a separate cognitive module that made language possible strictly a human function. Thorndike (1929, p. 25) stated that trial and error were very important in the learning process. He believed that learning happens in increments and it does not involve insight. The important issues concern the cognitive and educational outcomes for bilingual children. We should first establish whether language acquisition proceeds at the same rate and in the same manner compared to children who are bilingual or multilingual. Secondly are children able to acquire literacy skills at school If they are learning a second language, especially if their home language is not the language, especially if their home language is not the language of instruction? The brain like any muscle functions better with exercise. Learning a language involves memorising rules and vocabulary, which helps strengthen that mental muscle. Learning a second language offer proven benefits for intelligence, memory, concentration and lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s. According to the Oxford dictionary dementia is the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number  of years. Understanding a language is one of the hardest your brain has to deal with. Because language is complex, speaking or learning a language gives your brain a good workout. People who speak two or more languages have overall cognitive abilities than those who speak one. Compared to those that are monolingual those that are bilingual or multilingual are more likely to: Have higher general intelligence. Be better at planning, prioritising and decision making and exhibit mental flexibility. It was believed that children raised in bilingual households performed worse academically. It was thought that hearing two languages would confuse them and result in developmental delays. While some studies suggest learning two or more languages simultaneously can lead to delays in milestones. These catch up by the time they are three years old. Childhood bilingualism is a  significant experience that has the power to influence the course and efficiency of children’s development. Knowing or learning a second language is a positive force that enhances children’s cognitive and linguistic development, Improving access to literacy. Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the targeted language in which speakers are concerned not with their utterances but with messages they are conveying and understanding. The number of bilingual speakers are said to increase in the coming years.

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