How to raise a bilingual child?

The many cognitive, academic, and social benefits of learning foreign languages have encouraged many parents around the world to seek tips on how to raise a bilingual child. Although this effort is not as simple as reading Happy Ent flashcards or hoping to memorize vocabulary, it is still much easier for young children to learn than for adults. To take advantage of this unique time in life, bilingual parents must make a conscious effort to help their children learn. Since families and life situations are different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so here are five of Garbardi's favorite ways to raise a bilingual child.

 

1. One parent, one language (OPOL)

For families where each parent is fluent in a different language, the one parent, one language (also called "one person, one language" or OPOL) approach is a good choice. As the name suggests, parents who practice OPOL speak to their children only in their mother tongue, both at home and when they are out and about. For example, a French mother speaks French and a Cuban father speaks Spanish. When the family lives in a country where the mother tongue is one of their languages (e.g. Spain) then that language becomes the majority language and the children will naturally use it regularly and become more fluent. In order for the child to become bilingual, our French mother living in Spain has to be very careful that her children practice enough in French, known as the minority language. (Many experts say at least 25 hours a week is necessary.) Getting resources like books and videos and regularly interacting with other minority language speakers (including family members, friends, or babysitters) will also help. Happy Ant website suggest you to study How parents deal with a bilingual Kid article.

 

 

2. Minority language at home 

Another option is the minority language at home. This technique can be used when both parents are fluent in one or more of their mother tongues. For example, an Italian mother raises her children in Sydney with an Australian husband who also speaks Italian. In this case, the whole family uses the Italian language at home, and if one of the parents does not have a complete command of the minority language, the feeling of comfort among the family is lost and language mistakes are made. This family uses English outside the home. It means that they should speak the language of the majority outside the house. Parents who agree to use their non-native language at home (the Australian father in our example) may struggle with the feeling that he does not naturally interact with his children in the same way as his mother tongue, and children who are not yet They don't go to school, they have more contact with the minority language of the society, and when they start school, they will be a little behind their peers due to their weakness in the majority language.


3. Move to another country 

One parent's job migration may be the way to save their children's language. In this case, a family moving to a foreign country speaks the mother tongue (or parents' language) at home, while the children learn and speak the language of their adopted country at school or with friends. A big advantage of this approach is that children progress through a foreign school system, effectively giving them the experience of studying abroad before they reach university age. When these children (sometimes called "third culture kids") grow up, they usually find the idea of moving abroad for work or education less scary.

  

4. The most exposure to the language 

If moving abroad is not possible, parents may look for foreign language schools in their home country where students have a well-rounded experience and all their classes are conducted in a foreign language. Parents may use such schools to reinforce a bilingual child while living abroad or to introduce a second language to their children in their home country. In addition to comprehensive foreign language education, possible study abroad courses open doors to third-year studies and subsequent career options.


5. Language classes abroad

For monolingual parents who cannot afford to move abroad, finding opportunities for their children to interact in another language is an easy way to introduce them to another language. While children often act like sponges (since children are more flexible and learn new things more easily), it's important to remember that while foreign languages are much easier for young minds to learn, they still require hours of active practice. And they need enough variety. Take exposure to a new level by enrolling in language classes, summer camps, and study abroad experiences. Look at this challenge from multiple angles or hire a nanny whose native language is your target language nanny. Round out the experiences by spending time with friends who are fluent and seeking out resources like movies and books in that language.

 

Although there are no universal rules for raising a bilingual child, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to provide support. The approach you ultimately take will depend on the nature of your family, the area you live in, and the resources available to you.