Young children who are learning to speak a new language (or indeed their native language) are often referred to as ‘sponges’ because their ability to learn through play and the world around them seems to be easy.
We assume children are resilient and will fit in with anything, often because it suits us. As parents we should remember that not all children will find it as easy as we think to learn a new language.
How can we help?
Immersion is a powerful thing, and can make or break the child’s enjoyment of the new experience.
If your child is learning a language because you are moving to a new country try and get them some tutoring before you leave. Knowing the simplest words and phrases will give them confidence.
If you are lucky enough to know any children who are natives of your new country, give your child the opportunity to mix with them by inviting them to play, or out for a trip.
Children soon learn to communicate with each other, even if they are from opposite sides of the world. But they cannot be forced, they need to be allowed to discover the new language and customs for themselves.
Once you arrive in your new country don’t assume that the children will be fine and school will take care of the language learning. You need to support them and give them the chance to practice. Some form of additional tutoring will benefit them immensely. Even better if you can do this as a whole family, so the children can see their parents are also making the effort to learn.
If you’re not moving, but your children are learning their second or third language as part of the school curriculum, they should still be given as much help as possible. If they are struggling to learn, again extra tutoring will help. It may be that they are shy about speaking the language in front of others, for fear of making mistakes, and one-to-one tutoring would help them overcome this.
Tasks for learning
If you speak the language yourself, and are helping to teach your children, use the same method as you did when their learnt their native language as babies. Speak to them in the new language and use standard phrases so they become second nature (bed time, wash your hands, get your coat etc).
Devote specific times to learning, and make it fun. Visit the shops or the park and speak in the new language. When they get it right, praise them.
It won’t be long before the children have a rich variety of vocabulary.
Use the power of television and DVDs to your advantage. Allow the children a set time each day to watch in the new language. You’ll be amazed at how much they absorb. After all, Mickey Mouse is the same the world over. Common interests like this will also give your child the confidence to talk to others in the playground about what they’ve seen.
Blocks
A common block young bi-lingual children may come across is when their parents use their native language more than the new language.
Schools and nurseries tend to immerse children in the new language. It is the responsibility of parents to continue this exposure to the new language at home, to ensure all members of the family join in.
Is language learning harder for an older child?
How do older children cope, when they are immersed in a totally new culture and surrounded by other children that they can’t understand? The advice books on moving families abroad suggest that total immersion is the best way for your child to learn. It probably is. But what do you do if your child is resistant to this method?
Adolescents studying a second language as part of the school curriculum may find learning difficult, as with no perceived reason for learning blocks can exist. If a student is not language orientated, but more interested in science or mathematics for example, the mental effort involved in acquiring the new language may be overwhelming.
If they’ve moved to a new country, and had to leave behind friends and family they may be resistant to learning the language.
As a parent it’s your role to encourage them to learn, and help them see the benefits of being able to communicate with new friends.
Surround them with books and CDs to try and hook their interest. Make sure these aids are of a suitable level and about something they’re interested in. My children love the AA Guide to Spanish as it teaches them the phrases they’re not taught at school!
Allow your child to express themselves
When you go on holiday, or travel, and your children are learning the language, let them speak for themselves as often as possible.
Parents tend to speak for their child, to hurry things along. Sit back and allow them to do the talking in whatever situation you find yourself in, from ordering an ice-cream to making friends on the beach.
International or local school?
A sensitive subject, but worthy of mention.
Yes, they will be totally immersed in the new language if they attend a local school. But will this be to the detriment of their education if they find the new language difficult to learn?
If you are considering an international school, perhaps because your move isn’t long term, make sure you find out exactly how much time is devoted to the local language, and what extra help there will be for your child.
Another consideration is dialect. Make sure you are aware of whether your child is learning the primary language or local dialect. If you are intending to stay in a country long term, and they only speak the local dialect this could present problems later on.
Cost may also be an issue, as international schools aren’t cheap.
Only you can decide what’s best for your children. You know them, and how they will adapt to a change in circumstances.
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