How to Teach Your Baby Arabic
Language acquisition in babies is explained by a variety of theories. Some believe language abilities are innate, and others believe that language is acquired through input from the environment at critical stages of development. Acquiring a first language is different from acquiring a second language because babies do not have a language to compare new learning with. If you decide to teach your child Arabic in addition to your native language, you are giving your child the opportunity to acquire a second language during a period in his life when he will find it easiest to acquire a second language.
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Instructions
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Introduce your baby to Arabic as early as possible. Babies develop knowledge about language through what they hear. Becoming familiar with the phonemes of a language early on will make it easier for your child to speak the language when she gets older.
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Speak to your babyin Arabic often, naming toys, animal and household objects as you point them out. You may consider naming the item in both Arabic and your native language.
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To avoid language confusion, you may choose to have one person speak your native language with your child and another person (the other parent or the nanny) speak Arabic with the child.
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Keep your expectations reasonable. Your child will mix up the languages at times. This is normal. Don't worry if you feel your child isn't picking up words as quickly as you'd like. Children often know more than you think they do.
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Create a language-rich environment for your child. Read, sing, play games and have casual conversations in Arabic with your child.
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Tips & Warnings
Speak to your child in Arabic everyday.
Watch TV or movies in Arabic.
References
Resources
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