Ensuring your child speaks your native language can feel stressful. What is the best way to teach it? There is no one correct answer. The best method is dependent on the family. While reading through the following techniques, think about the following questions: How often is the target language spoken? Who speaks the target language? Is there a contextual preference for one language? Which language am I most comfortable speaking?
When considering all of these methods, it is most important that the parent is speaking the language they speak fluently. Fluency is necessary to provide a rich language model for the child. Also, keep in mind that the child may show a preference for one language, which may change over time. Language is a continuum - preference, vocabulary, and settings change over time.
In addition to the following methods, please check out my post “Fostering Bilingualism in the Home” for more techniques and strategies to increase language opportunities in the target language.
1) One Parent, One Language
Using this method, one parent will speak only one language, and the other will speak the second language. The parent who speaks the minority language may encounter that the child will understand what is said but respond in the majority language. In this case, the parent should continue speaking the minority language and gently encourage the child to use the minority language when communicating with that parent. Speaking in the minority language, even if the child responds in the majority language, still provides an excellent model and receptive language opportunity. This method works best when the primary caregiver is the minority language speaker.
2) Minority Language
Using this method, only the minority language is spoken in the home, and the child learns the majority language outside of the family unit. Exposure to the majority language occurs at school, in the community, and through media. This method works best for families who all speak the minority language fluently.
3) Context Method
Using this method, the language used is dependent on time and place. This method is often used to accommodate family members and friends who speak the minority language and give more exposure to the minority language. Applying this method in a natural context is best, such as speaking the minority language with family members at grandma’s house or during bedtime stories. More artificially created contexts, such as speaking the minority languages on Fridays, are less effective than more natural ones. This method works best for parents who may not feel confident speaking the minority language across all situations.
4) Mixed Languages
Using this method, the family will use both languages interchangeably. The language used may change depending on the topic and even within the same conversation (code-switching). The language use may be balanced, or the child may favor one language. This method works best if parents are fluent in both languages.
These methods are only starting points. It is important to remember to be flexible - language is a continuum. Perhaps you change the method over time or use aspects of different techniques. Choose what works best for your family!
