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For parents, the goal of raising bilingual children is often filled with both rewards and hurdles. This article explores the personal experiences and insights into the benefits and challenges of second language acquisition.
Personal Journey in Language Learning
I have been interested in languages since an early age. I remember vacationing with my parents along the Spanish coast of the Mediterranean Sea, trying to speak every foreigner’s language I encountered. By the time I was nineteen, I was living in London and attending school. Eager to learn English, I achieved fluency within two months. I always tell my students how I spent three hours daily studying the dictionary. Improving my vocabulary by learning all English words with Latin roots helped me increase my vocabulary exponentially.
Encouraging Bilingualism in Children
When my daughter started kindergarten, all her teachers and friends praised the fact that she was growing up with two languages. They would say, «You are so fortunate to speak two languages! Do you know that that makes you smarter?» However, many of my friends did not insist or take the extra effort to teach their children their native language. It is indeed tedious work, filled with both satisfaction and frustrations. But I did not want my daughter to one day ask, «Why didn’t you teach me Spanish?» This is one of the biggest challenges for any parent: to have their children become bilingual. The key to success lies in patience and consistency.
Tips for Parents Raising Bilingual Children
1. Consistency is Key: Regular exposure to both languages is crucial. Incorporate the second language into daily routines through conversation, reading, and media.
2. Use Available Resources: Nowadays, there are countless online resources, like interactive apps and educational videos, that make learning fun. Weather your encouraging your child to learn Korean online or use an app to learn Spanish, technology can help kids excited about learning a second language.
3. Create a Supportive Environment: Surround your child with native speakers and cultural experiences. Join language groups or community events where the second language is spoken.
4. Patience and Encouragement: Celebrate small victories and be patient with the process. Encourage your child and make learning enjoyable.
Challenges in Raising Bilingual Children
Before my daughter was born, someone advised me that I should be the only one at home to speak Spanish to her so that she wouldn’t get confused. Although this advice seemed logical at first, it turned out to be the biggest mistake I ever made. Several factors need to be considered to make the right decision. I live in California with no family except my husband, and no friends who spoke Spanish. Both parents speaking Spanish at home would have ensured my daughter learned English successfully at school. When my daughter was born in 1995, we didn’t have a computer, internet, or Skype. I started working at preschools when my daughter was two, and her Spanish was quickly influenced by constant exposure to English. At one point, when she was five, I felt like giving up. Most parents tend to quit around preschool or kindergarten years. However, persistence pays off—when there is a will, there is a way.
Overcoming Common Challenges
1. Limited Exposure: If you’re the only one speaking the second language, try to maximize exposure through playdates, language classes, and travel.
2. Resistance from Children: Children may resist learning the second language. Make it fun by incorporating games, songs, and stories.
3. Balancing Languages: Ensure that both languages are given adequate attention. Set specific times for each language to avoid confusion.
Raising bilingual children is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. It requires patience, consistency, and a supportive environment. Despite the difficulties, the benefits of bilingualism far outweigh the challenges. Embrace the journey, and remember that every step forward is a step towards a richer linguistic and cultural experience for your child.
Continue reading Benefits And Challenges in Second Language Acquisition: Part 2 HERE.
You can follow Mar Andres Thomas on twitter @marandresthomas and like her Facebook page. Visit her website MarAndresThomasBooks.com to learn more about her new book “Mi Primer Libro de Cocina Bilingüe: La Comida / My First Bilingual Book: Food”.
My name is Mar Andres Thomas, and I am a native of Spain. As a young woman I attended school in England, and later, in 1992 I came to the USA to marry my long time love of my life. Together we have a beautiful daughter going to college this Fall.
I have a degree in Liberal Arts, and an MA in Spanish Linguistics. I love teaching Spanish, because it gives me the opportunity to observe how languages are acquired. My other passion is writing, creating teaching material, and traveling all over the world when time permits.
- Beneficios y Retos en la Adquisicion de Un Segundo Idioma: Parte 2 - julio 12, 2013
- Benefits And Challenges in Second Language Acquisition: Part 1 - junio 30, 2013
