How to Raise a Multilingual Child

How did we raise a multilingual child?  From the moment our daughter was born, she heard exclusively Hungarian from her father and English from her mother – each speaking in their own birth tongue. This is called the “one person, one language” approach, though we didn’t know this method had an official terminology at the time.  The practice just came instinctually to us.

Seven years later, we can testify to its effectiveness! Our daughter is completely fluent in both Hungarian and English and is learning a third language (Romanian) so that we can better fit into the country  we currently call home. Living in Europe also means that we have access to hear and experience multiple languages and better integrate into the cultures they belong to. We have friends of many nationalities, which makes it easy to pick up words in French, Italian, Spanish, and if we really perk up our ears, then a bit of German, too.

For children, speaking comes with a certain ease. They care less about making mistakes and more about getting their point across. There are no grammar situations that cause them to feel uneasy or unsure of themselves. If they happen to mispronounce something, it often comes off as “cute.” One could say that they take it in stride, and even if they cannot read, they will find a way to communicate.

How often do we encounter other multilingual children as we travel and live abroad?

The short answer is not as often as we would like or expect. We often encounter children who are learning another language in school, yet they cannot speak more than a few words or string together a simple sentence. However, by the time they are adults, those children who have studied a second or third language will most certainly be able to communicate on a higher level. By their 20s, these multilingual young adults will be traveling across borders with ease.

The ability to be multilingual in such a digital age is easier than ever before. We have access to videos for online learning, but the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Find someone who speaks the language you want to learn and practice with them.  Better yet, travel to the country that houses that language and enjoy the experience.

Do the same with your children, and the world is theirs to hear and understand.

Are you raising a multilingual child? What languages are they learning?  Why do you wish for your children (or even yourself) to learn multiple languages?  Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, agape, be kind, and happy parenting.

Cheryl is a Mom, Freelance Writer, Audio & Content Developer. Cheryl runs https://forestcreekmeadows.com/ and she is passionate about earthing, organic living, and helping people learn to declutter and simplify their lives. She lives her beliefs daily and encourages others to do the same. Cheryl is also an advocate for social responsibility and freedom of education.