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... Hello...
Bonjour... Guten tag... ...
ciao... Hello...
Guten tag...
ciao... hi...
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.... Hello... Guten tag... Hola...
Bonjour... ... Hola ... ...ciao... hi... ... ... For further copies of this leaflet contact Michelle Harvey, Communications Officer on 01484 466044
Reference: mh1613 Date of publication: March 2007 Š Kirklees Primary Care Trust www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk
This information can be made available in other formats including large print and other languages.
Growing up with two or more languages
Will growing up with two or more languages confuse my child? Understanding and speaking two or more languages is a skill, but with lots of practice your child will be able to speak in both languages.
• Value and encourage your child’s attempts to speak. • Make language learning interesting and fun – stories, songs and rhymes with actions, in any language.
Benefits: Is my child more likely to have speech and language difficulties? No, children all over the world learn two or more languages without any difficulties.
• Ability to communicate with other children and make more friends. • Ability to communicate with extended family, grandparents, cousins etc. • Raises self-esteem.
How will it affect my child’s ability to learn at school?
• Encourages an appreciation and tolerance of different cultures.
Bilingualism has a positive effect on your child’s ability to learn.
• Could lead to future economic and employment benefits.
Is there a right way to teach my child to be bilingual? There is no right way or wrong way, do whatever works best for you as a family. Remember to let other family members know which of the following you have decided to do. • Both languages are spoken by both parents at any time in any place. • One parent one language: one parent speaks one language to their child and the other speaks the other language. • The minority language is used only at home, whereas English is used outside the home. • You use only your home language until your child is old enough to go to school. Your child will then learn English there.
Further information can be obtained from: A Parents’ and Teachers’ Guide to Bilingualism 2nd ed. by Colin Baker, (2000) Multilingual Matters Growing Up With Two Languages – A Practical Guide by Una Cunningham-Andersson and Staffan Andersson, (1999) Routledge.
Information can also be obtained by contacting: Speech and Language Therapy Services Kirklees Primary Care Trust Telephone: 01924 351546
How can I help my child? • Introduce bilingualism earlier rather than later. • Provide a stress free environment – loving and supportive. • Provide time to talk and listen.
www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk