How to Raise a Child Who Speaks Two Languages

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By marqueza
User-Submitted Video

Tips on how to give a child the tools to be bilingual.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Make sure the child gets several hours a day in each language. If the father speaks one language and the mother speaks another, have each parent speak to the child in his or her native tongue even if one language is mostly spoken in the home.
Step 2

If neither parent is versed in two languages, expose the child to a native speaker such as a tutor, family member or play group.
Step 3

Buy story books and electronic toys in both languages, if available. Leap Frog has toys that are bilingual in Spanish/English and French/English. The parent can also create a customize “homemade” story book featuring the child if a store bought version is not an option.
Step 4

Movies or cartoons in each language are helpful. For Spanish/English speakers, Dora the Explorer, Diego or Handy Manny are good choices. Many DVDs offer dual language options.

Tips & Warnings

The earlier the age started the better.
In truly bilingual families, there may be what is called code switching where the child mixes the languages. A spanish/english example: car no va or the car doesn't go. This is normal part of language acquisition.
Try to give the child equal exposure. Also, try not to emphasize that one language is better than another.
Each child responds differently to acquiring two languages simultaneously. It most often delays speech somewhat, but this is normal. Some children wait to speak as if simply listening, others dive right in learning one word in one language and one in another. If you have concerns that there is a language delay or another development issue, ask a pediatrician for advice.
For a child to truly be bilingual, the language speaker must be fluent in the language. Teaching the child words will not make the child bilingual.