*Collaborative Post*
Knowing more than one language has always been a pretty valuable skill, and plenty of parents want their children to grow up bilingual or even multilingual. But what happens if you’re monolingual and don’t speak the language you want your child to learn? Can you still help them? The short answer is yes it’s possible – after all you might not know absolutely everything they learn through their schooling regime – but like all things parenting, it comes with its own set of challenges and strategies.
Thankfully, you do have a starting advantage in that children tend to learn languages much more easily than adults do. But knowing how you can effectively support your child in learning a new language, even if you’re not fluent yourself, is not that easy. Common sense might not be enough here. So let’s help you, below:
Consider Language Learning Tools & Apps
Of course, technology helps with learning, and language learning is no exception. There are a good amount of apps, games, and online resources that can help expose your child to the new language in a structured way. Apps like Duolingo are designed to build language skills gradually and are user-friendly enough for children and adults alike, especially if you learn together. You can also use audiobook torrents to listen to in the car, for example.
If you learn alongside them, you can share that journey. Not only does this show your child that it’s okay to be a beginner, but it can also create a connecting experience between you both.
Find A Language Tutor Or Classes
Of course, learning from someone who actually speaks the language can be pretty darn beneficial, and so finding a tutor or language class might be the best way to ensure your child is exposed to proper guidance. You even have the choice between in-person or online, as it’s never been easier to connect with a native or fluent speaker who can give your child real-time feedback.
You don’t need to be fluent yourself to invest in this, same as you don’t need to play guitar to find music lessons for your child. Just being involved in setting up those appointments and vetting teachers, encouraging practice, and sitting in on sessions (even if you don’t understand everything) shows your child that you’re supportive and invested.
Immerse Them In Media
We mentioned audiobooks above, because one of the best ways to learn any language is through immersion. Even if you’re a one-language kind of person right now, you can surround your child with the new language by exposing them to cartoons,, music, YouTube videos, or even movies.
Let your child watch their favorite show dubbed in the language they’re learning (with subtitles) or play music in the background while doing other activities. Kids pick up sounds, phrases, and how languages can intone quite well. It’s how they may have learned English for instance. While you can’t exactly invite a second family who speak your targeted language into your home, you can certainly show the media they would know.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily help your little one learn language going forward.