Its a great resourse and here is an overview for you
10 Steps to Raising a Multilingual Child
The truth is you raise a bilingual or multilingual baby the same way as a monolingual baby – you talk to them! Infants acquire language; they can’t really be taught. However, you can certainly improve conditions, avoid pitfalls, and help the process along!
Agree on multilingualism
Know what to expect and when
How many languages – what is practical?
Decide which language system works for you
Don’t wait – now is the perfect time!
Declare your intentions
Establish a support network
Get relevant materials
Set your goals, but remain flexible
Have patience and keep going
Agree on multilingualism
Most families that have the opportunity to raise a bilingual or multilingual child can come to a amicable agreement whether to pursue it or not. But, sometimes we are asked, “What do I do if my partner isn’t supportive of me speaking my native language to our child?” This is very sad but also understandable. There can be a fear of being left out, not knowing “the secret language”, or concerns if it’s good for baby. Many of these common misconceptions are answered on this site, as well as the key advantages you can list when arguing your case. Some brave souls keep going despite lack of support. We salute you – wanting to speak to your child in your native language is something your child will benefit from, guaranteed. And in the meantime, your significant other may well come around. Some parents go off on the other extreme and speak a language that is not their mother tongue to baby from birth, just to provide early language exposure. Luckily, most couples find a way that’s acceptable to all parties, as well as beneficial for the baby.
That is just the start. Many fantastic tips. ENJOY!!!
K to you Kimba for sharing it. Really good work.
It becomes a struggle to learn a new language as a teen and adults, but as you said, we should acquire a language, not learn it.
We are a bilingual family. We speak Chinese and Thai. We also teach my first daughter English. She is now fluent in all these three languages. For my 2nd daughter, she is only 7 months+. We are trying to talk to her in all the three languages. But I think I will start from Chinese, which is my natice tounge to show her cards or read her books. Not sure if it is a correct concept. Will try to find out answers from the website. It’s what I really need. Thanks a lot.
Wow, really a great site, responds well to many concerns that I have. Native language is English but I did some spanish and I was always wondering if I would do more harm to the child than good if I tried to teach spanish not being a native speaker. Thanks for sharing
Right on! Thanks for posting! God made babies’ brains to be able toabsorb & process such incredible amounts of information & with such ease, that it’s hard sometimes to believe or comprehend with our little adult one lol lol lol lol
Babies aquire any number of languages with no problem (although be prepared, usually, multilingual tots will start to talk a little later. Also, they might, use some words from another language in one sentence, not because they don’t know thw difference, but because they’re looking for an easier way & chosing a word that’s easier to pronounce. Give your little one a head start in life! You all are super moms!
Thanks for sharing Kimba15. This topic really caught my attention. I am planning to raise my baby as bilingual. So this is a good advice. My olnly challenge is that, its hard for me to speak my native tongue now. I have been here in the USA for two years and I rarely talk my language anymore. But I always try. Whenever I catch myself talking in English, I would try to switch to Filipino again.
