Australia is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country. The 2021 census revealed that more than one fifth of Australian households speak a language other than English at home. While the most obvious benefit of raising bilingual or multilingual children is gifting them the ability to communicate with a greater number of people whilst maintaining a connection to the family’s cultural heritage, there are also many other advantages. Children who learn more than one language often show increased cognitive functions such as higher concentration levels, enhanced problem-solving skills, and better memory skills.
What’s the best age for children to learn a second language?
Doctor Maria Montessori observed that children pass through specific stages in their development when they are most capable of learning a certain skill. She termed these stages ‘Sensitive Periods‘, which essentially describe windows of opportunity for learning.
She recognised that the Sensitive Period for language is from birth to age six, so it is never too early to immerse your child in a bilingual or multilingual environment. If your child is older, it may require more effort, but it is still possible for them to become fluent in another language. It is never too late to learn something new!
What are the different methods for raising multilingual children?
- One person, one language
As the name suggests, with this method each guardian will exclusively speak their own language to the child i.e. one parent may speak in English and the other will speak in Mandarin. This method is often used in families where the parents don’t speak the same first language. Children will simultaneously learn both languages.
- Minority language at home
Families using this method speak exclusively in the minority language when at home, and the community language when out in the community i.e. the family may speak in French at home, and English when out in the community. This method is generally used in families where both parents speak the minority language fluently. The children will then learn the majority language at school and when out in the community.
- The context method (or “time and place”)
Families using this method speak two or more languages at different times or in specific situations i.e. one language in the morning and the other in the afternoon; or a different language in each room of the home.
- Mixed languages
There are no set rules when using this method. Rather than having one language used under specific circumstances, family members use two or more languages interchangeably. Each person is free to switch between languages naturally and when they see fit.
- Options for monolingual families
There are other options for monolingual families looking at introducing a second language, or parents who are not fluent or not comfortable speaking in their secondary language to their children. You could expose your child to a second language through preschool language classes, books, music, movies, or by spending time with a bilingual family member, friend, or carer.
A great option is to start learning the language yourself too, so that you can support them and practise together.
The method you will use will ultimately depend on your family situation, so choose the method that works best for your family. Try to be as consistent as possible, but don’t hesitate to change the method if the previous one wasn’t working for you, or if your circumstances change.
Tips for supporting children’s multilingual development
- Try to speak to your child predominantly in the language you are the most comfortable speaking so that you are giving a high-quality language model. However, don’t be scared of speaking to them in another language, even if you don’t speak it fluently or if you have an accent.
- Teach them the new language by reading books, playing games, or listening to music.
- Avoid pressuring them to speak in the second language. Try incorporating the new language in your child’s interests and make it fun!
- Engage in cultural activities where your child can learn more about the country’s culture i.e. festivals, theatre, music and dance shows.
- Connect with friends and family who speak another language.
- Avoid correcting speech mistakes in the conversation as it could knock their confidence. Instead, you can model saying the word correctly later in the conversation, or simply say “Yes” and echo what they said but using the correct word or pronunciation.