Raising bilingual kids: Sharing your family language at home

Charlotte Guest
A parent and their child laying on the floor drawing together on a large peice of paper
Okuma zamanı: 3 minutes

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.

Raising bilingual children at home
Gizlilik ve çerezler

İçeriÄŸi izleyerek, ÃÛÌÒapp'ın bir yıl boyunca pazarlama ve analiz amacıyla izleyici verilerinizi paylaÅŸabileceÄŸini ve bunu çerezlerinizi silerek geri alabileceÄŸinizi onaylamış olursunuz.Ìý

1. Start early, but don’t stress about timing

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.

2. Immersing them in the language

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.

3. Use engaging and interactive methods

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

4. Integrate language into daily routines

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.

5. Encourage mistakes and celebrate progress

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.

6. Connect with fluent speakers

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.

7. Share cultural stories and traditions

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.

8. Set clear and achievable goals

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.

9. Lead by example

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.

10. Foster curiosity and encourage questions

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.

11. Celebrate the benefits of bilingualism

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.

Carrying on the language

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.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A child and grandparent sat on a sofa together reading a book and smiling

    7 great technology books to help improve your English

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Okuma zamanı: 3 minutes

    Technology is one of our favorite topics at the moment. This is because the use of technology can enrich the experiences of both learning and teaching English.Ìý

    Inspired by this, we set about putting together a list of the best technology and futuristic novels for English learners. Reading novels is one of the most fun and effective ways of improving your English language skills. It can expand your vocabulary and expose you to different sentence structures, as well as give you the chance enjoy some wonderful stories.

    E-readers and tablets make learning English even easier because if you don’t know a word, you can simply click on it to read its definition. On a Kindle, you can even add new words you’ve learned to its Vocabulary Builder feature. Others recommend listening to and reading text at the same time as an excellent way of enhancing the learning process. Kindle’s Whispersync for Voice is designed for just this purpose and includes audio with selected books, meaning you can listen and follow the text as you read.

    Here is our selection of seven great technology books to help improve your English:

    1. Spider-Man comic books

    Marvel’s superheroes are no strangers to technology and the comic book experts have recently released a set of comics concentrating on science, technology, engineering, art and maths. The combination of drawings and limited texts make these comic books the perfect place for English learners to start.Ìý

    2. Poptropica English Space Island Adventure

    ÃÛÌÒapp English Kids Readers are stories that have been specially rewritten for English language learners aged 5-12. The great thing about using a book designed for children is that they can enjoy and learn at the appropriate level. Children's books also often have exciting plots and fun dialogue – and that is definitely the case with this story, from the Poptropica English universe, about Peter, Pepper and Captain Cloud meeting aliens on their tour around Space Island.

    Many of you will be familiar with the major movie starring Will Smith, but I, Robot actually started off as a collection of nine short stories by Issac Asimov. Written in the 1940s and 1950s, they tell a tale of humans, robots and morality. Each of the short stories can be read separately and they contain simple, descriptive language, making them perfect for English learners.

    Regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction/technology novels written in the English language, Brave New World anticipates advancements in technology that combine to affect society. Author Aldous Huxley’s unique writing style combines narrative and descriptive language, resulting in a witty and engaging read. You’ll want to keep learning and reading to find out what happens next.

    This clever novel, written by Douglas Coupland, tells its story through the use of letters and diary entries. Originally a short story, it was expanded to a full-length novel that follows the adventures of six code-crunching computer whizzes, seen through the eyes of one of the characters, Daniel. The diary entries are written in a straightforward and entertaining style, making it a fast-paced read.

    This novel explores the wonders of the universe, but the underlying theme contemplates the repercussions of powerful machines for humanity in the past, present and future. The content of the story is rich and it often feels like you are listening to a great aunt or uncle telling stories. Better still is the fact that the technology written about in the book is not described in confusing language – in fact, anyone can understand it, making it perfect for those wishing to expand their English vocabulary.

    When a powerful computer virus called Snow Crash gets loose and somehow starts infecting humans, computer hacker Hiro teams up with a sassy skateboard messenger to save both the real world and cyberspace. The characters are quirky, as is the writing style. But it is well thought out and means you can really get to know the characters. You’ll need to concentrate closely on the plot – but the slower pace will give you time to look up any English words you’re not sure of.

  • Bir adam dışarıda bir bankta oturuyordu ve elinde telefonunu gülümsüyordu

    Sözleri İngilizce çevirmek – bazı komik sonuçlarla

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Okuma zamanı: 3 dakikadır.

    Hepimiz duygularımızı ve hislerimizi ifade etmek için ifadeler kullanırız. Bunlar deyimler olarak bilinir – gerçek anlamından farklı mecazi bir anlamı olan bir ifade. Bazen hiç bir anlam ifade etmiyor gibi görünürler ve bunun nedeni farklı şeyler ifade etmek için evrimleşmiş olmalarıdır.

    Daha önce en tuhaf İngilizce ifadelerden bazılarına baktık - nereden geldikleri ve ne anlama geldikleri. Ancak bu konuşma tuhaflıkları birçok farklı dilde var. Burada, bazı yaygın ifadelere daha yakından bakıyoruz ve en sevdiğiniz sözleri İngilizce çevirmenin bazı eğlenceli sonuçlar doğurabileceğini göreceksiniz.

    Benim sirkim deÄŸil, maymunum deÄŸil

    Bu deyim, "nie mój cyrk, nie moje malpy", Polonyaca konuşanlar tarafından bir şeyin kendi sorumlulukları olmadığını veya "benim sorunum olmadığını" belirtmek için kullanılır.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade ÅŸudur: "Ele söyle". Ìý

    Tüm çörekler bir delikle gelmez

    ݳٲ¹±ô²â²¹²Ô³¦²¹ "non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco" ifadesinin bu İngilizce çevirisi, iÅŸlerin her zaman beklediÄŸimiz gibi gitmediÄŸini hatırlatıyor. "Ciambelle", İtalya'da bir ikram olarak popüler olan yuvarlak bir pastadır.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade şudur: "Bazılarını kazanırsın, bazılarını kaybedersin."

    Sosisli sandviçin sonundaki kuru üzüm

    Bu İzlanda atasözü, "rúsínan í pylsuendanum", bir sosisli sandviçin sonunda kuru üzüm bulmanın alışılmadık bir şey olmadığını kabul eder - bu nedenle bazen bir şeyin sonunda beklenmedik bir sürprizle karşılaşabilirsiniz.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade şudur: "Birdenbire".

    Kulaklarına erişte asmıyorum

    Bu Rus atasözü, &±ç³Ü´Ç³Ù;вешать лапшу на уши&±ç³Ü´Ç³Ù;, birini kandırmaya çalışmadığınız anlamına gelir ve söylediÄŸiniz ÅŸeyin doÄŸru olduÄŸunu vurgular - sürpriz gibi görünse bile.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade ÅŸudur: "Bacağını çekmiyorum." Ìý

    Börek suyu kadar berrak

    Almanya'dan alaycı bir deyiş olan "klar wie Kloßbrühe", bir şeyin hiç de net olmadığı anlamına gelir - çünkü hamur tatlısı çorbası hiç de net veya görmesi kolay değildir.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade ÅŸudur: "Çamur kadar berrak". Ìý

    Ördeği öde

    Bu Portekizce " pagar o pato" ifadesi, birisi yapmadığı bir şey için suçu üstlendiğinde kullanılır.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade şudur: "Düşen adam ol."

    Birine balkabağı ver

    İspanyolca konuşulan ülkelerde birine balkabağı vermenin neden bu kadar kötü bir şey haline geldiğinden emin değiliz, ancak bu deyim, "Dar calabazas a alguien", birini reddettiğiniz anlamına gelir.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade ÅŸudur: "Onlara kapıyı göster." Ìý

    Ağzından bir kurbağa çıkarmak için

    Bu Fin atasözü, "päästäğsammakko suusta", birisi yanlışlıkla söylememesi gereken bir şey söylediğinde söylenir. Benzer şekilde hayvanlarla ilgili bir İngilizce ifadesi var, ancak kedileri içeriyor...

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade: "Kedinin çantadan çıkmasına izin vermek."

    Yumurtadaki sarı değil

    Alman deyimi "nicht das Gelbe vom Ei", kelimenin tam anlamıyla "yumurtadan gelen sarı değil" anlamına gelir ve bir şeyin özellikle iyi olmadığını ifade etmek için kullanılır. Bu ifade genellikle bir şey kabul edilebilir olsa da, mükemmel veya ideal olmaktan uzak kaldığını ima eder.

    Benzer bir anlama sahip İngilizce bir ifade: "Mükemmelden daha az."

  • Bir erkek ve bir kadın gülümseyerek birlikte durdular

    6 garip İngilizce cümle daha açıklandı

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    Önceki bir blogda, sizi bazı sorularla baş başa bırakmış olabilecek bazı garip İngilizce ifadeler paylaştık. İngilizce dili, akıcı konuşmacıların bile kafasını karıştırabilecek tuhaf ifadelerle doludur. Bugünün gönderisinde, repertuarınızı genişletmenize yardımcı olacak bu tür birkaç ifadeye daha göz atacağız.