A shared language is central to many families, and this can carry extra meaning when your children are growing up in a country that speaks a different language. It's not just about words; it's about culture, identity and connection. If you'd like to teach your kids the language that holds a special place in your heart, here are some tips to get you started.
Reproducir
Begin introducing the language as soon as possible, but remember that it’s never too late to start. The key is to consistently integrate the language into your child’s life. If they’re older, engage them with age-appropriate materials and activities to spark their interest.
Create an environment where the language is a natural part of daily life. Use it during specific times of the day – like breakfast or bedtime – and incorporate it into everyday activities. This constant exposure helps your child become comfortable with the language.
Incorporate games, songs and storytelling to make learning enjoyable. Use apps and online resources that offer interactive language exercises. The goal is to make learning dynamic and engaging so your child looks forward to it. Additionally, having TV shows or radio programs in the language can also be beneficial for them; you can find a lot of these on YouTube and other media hosting sites.Ìý
Make the language a part of your daily routines. Use it during meals, while shopping, or during playtime. Consistency is crucial, so choose specific times or activities where you always use the language.
Create a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to build your child’s confidence and motivation. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in language learning.
Arrange regular interactions with fluent speakers. This could be through family, friends or community events. Real-life conversations provide practical experience and help your child understand different accents and dialects.
Introduce your child to cultural stories, traditions and customs associated with the language. Many countries have their own folk tales, which can be a great way to expose children to the language. This not only enriches their vocabulary but also deepens their cultural understanding and appreciation.
Establish specific, realistic goals for language learning. Whether it’s mastering a set number of words each month or being able to hold a simple conversation, having clear objectives keeps your child motivated and focused.
Demonstrate your commitment to the language by using it yourself. Share your own learning experiences and challenges. Your enthusiasm and dedication will inspire your child to embrace the language with the same passion.
Encourage your child to ask questions and explore the language. Answer their queries and engage in discussions about words, phrases, and cultural nuances. This curiosity-driven approach deepens their understanding and keeps them engaged.
Highlight the advantages of being bilingual, such as enhanced cognitive skills and cultural awareness. Remind your child of the unique opportunities and perspectives that come with knowing multiple languages – it will also be helpful when they’re adults in the working world too.
By incorporating these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to successfully teaching your kids the family language, ensuring they carry forward a rich cultural legacy.
Teaching your kids your family language is a journey filled with dedication and countless rewarding moments. It’s about more than just words; it’s about connecting them to their roots and equipping them to navigate a diverse world.
Read our blog posts 'English: the best second language for your child to learn' and 'What are the most spoken languages in the world?'
Have you considered studying abroad? Moving to Canada to study? With more than 100 world-class universities across the country, there’s good reason to. From coast to coast to coast, it offers many international students a safe and supportive learning environment and the opportunity to work after graduation.
Want to learn more? In this guide, we cover ten things you should know about studying in Canada:
Ìý
Language skills have become increasingly important in the workplace as the world becomes more globalized and connected. Having the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is very valuable, and with English being a leading lingua franca for businesses across the world, language skills sit at the heart of business success.
Here we highlight four top reasons why language skills are so valuable in the workplace.
Effective communication is the number one soft skill that employers look for, . Having strong language skills enables better communication with clients and colleagues, and also helps to work effectively with people from different cultures. It builds solid relationships and reduces frustration where customers or colleagues may otherwise feel that they are not understood or listened to.
Having different languages on your CV can really help to stand out among other candidates. For some industries it is essential, such as tourism, where it is necessary to serve clients from different countries, and this is also true where companies serve clients in international markets.
Where businesses are increasingly moving to hybrid working practices that can include teams spread across different countries and timezones, it is also becoming more of an expectation and advantage to be able to connect through a central language, such as English.
Furthermore, having English language skills can provide employees with better networking opportunities, in particular through conferences, trade shows and social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
Learning a language opens you up to understanding more about other countries and cultures and being able to sensitively apply this in your interactions with others. This is critical in today’s diverse workplaces and is also a central part of the DE&I agenda of many companies.
Learning a new language can be a very enriching experience that enhances personal growth and skills development. Language learning doesn't just impact communication skills; it's also been noted that learning a language helps the brain process and remember information more efficiently[1], as well as developing new cognitive and problem-solving skills.
Learning a new language requires discipline, dedication, and patience, which are qualities that can be applied to other areas of work and life.
To summarise, language skills are highly valuable in the workplace and can open up new career opportunities for employees, as well as adding tangible benefits to businesses. Investing in language skills can increase an employee's value, and this can help them succeed in today's ever-evolving work landscape.
Students who are actively involved in deciding what and how they learn are typically more engaged and motivated.
That’s not surprising, because independent learners are extremely focused on their personal learning objectives.
, independent learning is “a process, a method and a philosophy of education whereby a learner acquires knowledge by his or her own efforts and develops the ability for inquiry and critical evaluation."
Ìý
