Raising bilingual children

An interesting comment was posted regarding the value of raising children with two languages. I absolutely agree that the earlier a child starts to learn a second language the better, and even more so if it is possible to raise the child with both languages as "first" langauges.

Some people worry that the child will get confused. But in reality, as the commenter mentioned, it helps with cognitive development, and world view alike, as the cultural perspectives reflected in the different languages will broaden the child's understanding of people and situations around him or her.

Sometimes children raised with multiple languages from infancy start talking a bit later than monolingually raised children. This is not a problem and should not be cause for concern. It could be due to many things, including trying to sort things out in their little brains. But once they start talking, look out! They'll be babbling away in both languages before you know it.

There are many systems parents use for raising bilingual children, such as "one parent, one language" in which one parent speaks one language with the children and the ohter parent speaks a different language with them, so they learn to associate a language with each parent. This is easier, of course, if each parent has a different native language. Alternatively, they may have "language zones" of sorts, in which they speak one language in the home and another when out in public.

Regardless of the system used, it is valuable to have story books, video programs and music for children in both languages, so they become literate in both languages and learn to appreciate both for the cultural and artistic beauty they offer as well. Even the television program Sesame Street is available in dozens upon dozens of languages around the world!

For parents interested in raising bilingual children, here's a good resource, written by Georgetown U. professor Alison Mackey and U. of Minnesota professor Kendall King: "The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language." It's very accessible and a smart handbook for parents with just enough research support mentioned to be convincing without being "academic."

So don't hold back, parents! It's not easy to foster bilingualism in many environments, but that doesn't mean it's not a worthwhile endeavor. Your children will thank you for it in the long run, and you'll be proud that your children accept and embody more of your cultural heritage.

Good luck!