Two worlds and their cultures are unlocked and this ability to communicate across families and communities leads to a better understanding of our world. The ability to communicate with ease raises self esteem and contributes to achievement at school and work. Good grades will hopefully lead to economic and employment benefits and it doesn't have to stop at 2 languages as very often a bilingual finds it easier to acquire a third language. In simpler terms the world is their oyster.
There are many different strategies for raising bilingual children; the 2 main approaches are One-parent - One language or Minority language at Home and the Primary Language outside the home. So in many households here you might find that the Minority language at home is English with the Primary language out and about being French. Parents are advised to speak to their child in the language they feel most at ease with, normally this is their mother tongue, as this reduces the risk of passing on grammatical and pronunciation errors.
Whichever approach parents use, they need to nurture and support development in both the Primary and Minority languages, using their judgement to balance acquisition across the two.
Ideas for developing both languages
Balance the exposure of each language when using media; alternate the language on DVDs, join a local library and import books from back home.
Find bilingual activities online for writing drawing and reading exercises.
Use CDs and Cassette story books in both languages to get the ear in tune to both languages. Electronic toys like LeapPads and Computer games can also be sourced in many different languages.
Whatever activity you are doing, use praise and show your delight continually to encourage development.
It is rare to be equally fluent across the two languages and according to the circumstance and situation one language may be preferred over the other. If your child is one of the few multi-language speakers in the school you may need to work with the school to mutually understand the path of the bilingual. A bilingual is not two monolinguals rolled into one and so should never be measured against a monolingual's ability in that language.
If your child goes to a French school, use the International networks and Parent groups outside of school to connect with other Parents who use your Minority language. Make sure your child mixes with theirs outside of school to build up their language and also their cultural awareness of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, cartoons and country specific things like Pantomimes etc.
Where your child goes to an International school you may need to focus more on the Primary Language and so sign up for French after school and holiday clubs to increase their exposure to French and network of French friends.
Use mother tongue speakers and media to help develop the other language if need be for example when you need childcare choose someone whose Mother Tongue you want to "Play and Promote".
As with any area of raising children people around you will have an opinion and bilingualism is no different. Read up, join networks, get informed and you will then be in a position to offer your child the best of both worlds. |
