bluephin
kittzy07Tongue-Tied
May 15th 2008 05:15
Coming from a country whose first language is not actually English, I had been faced with the dilemma of whether to teach my little ones English first or teach them my native tongue first. Although both my husband and I speak both language fluently, we had to consider my husband’s eldest son as well. He speaks only English.
Personally, and from the very start, I want them to learn Filipino (my native language) first. I want my kids to also learn my heritage especially since they were born and raised overseas and learning my native language is my first way of introducing them to the country of origin of their mother. Another reason why I want them to learn Filipino first is because I want them to be able to relate with my other relatives who don’t speak English too well. They will learn to speak English, anyway, because that will be the form of instruction as soon as they start school.
When my eldest was starting to babble and baby talk, I had been firm on talking to him mostly in Filipino. Unfortunately, instead of learning how to talk (or even saying basic words that will make our communication easier), he seems to be uninterested at all. Moreover, he started speaking his own language. No matter how hard I teach him, he still continues speaking in his own way. Then I wonder what am I doing wrong.
My husband then mused that, perhaps, our son is confused. Imagine, at his age he is hearing different languages being spoken. His mother talks to him in Filipino. His older brother speaks to him in English. When we are watching television in the common entertainment room, we watch TV programs spoken in English. Whenever he is in our room where I am watching Filipino programs through a satellite channel, he hears the medium in Filipino. His Dad speaks to him both in English and Filipino. I then wonder that maybe my husband is right. My son indeed is confused. With so many (well, I guess for toddlers anything more than one is already many) spoken languages he must have decided to speak one of his own.
I’m certain that this kind of situation is common in such a very diversed country as Australia (were we currently live). I’ve read some accounts by moms like me where they also try to teach their kids more than one language. And they all say that it is very much likely. All one needs is patient and give the kids a room to grow and discover their milestones at their own time.
Kids will learn eventually. The main thing is you should show them your support and encouragement. They’ll come around it in time. Repetition might also work. Just continue talking to them in whatever language or languages you want them to learn. Then, who knows, one day you’ll be surprised that they could communicate with you in both ways you hope them to, might not be in equal weight but at least they could understand you however which way go talk to them.
Personally, and from the very start, I want them to learn Filipino (my native language) first. I want my kids to also learn my heritage especially since they were born and raised overseas and learning my native language is my first way of introducing them to the country of origin of their mother. Another reason why I want them to learn Filipino first is because I want them to be able to relate with my other relatives who don’t speak English too well. They will learn to speak English, anyway, because that will be the form of instruction as soon as they start school.
When my eldest was starting to babble and baby talk, I had been firm on talking to him mostly in Filipino. Unfortunately, instead of learning how to talk (or even saying basic words that will make our communication easier), he seems to be uninterested at all. Moreover, he started speaking his own language. No matter how hard I teach him, he still continues speaking in his own way. Then I wonder what am I doing wrong.
My husband then mused that, perhaps, our son is confused. Imagine, at his age he is hearing different languages being spoken. His mother talks to him in Filipino. His older brother speaks to him in English. When we are watching television in the common entertainment room, we watch TV programs spoken in English. Whenever he is in our room where I am watching Filipino programs through a satellite channel, he hears the medium in Filipino. His Dad speaks to him both in English and Filipino. I then wonder that maybe my husband is right. My son indeed is confused. With so many (well, I guess for toddlers anything more than one is already many) spoken languages he must have decided to speak one of his own.
I’m certain that this kind of situation is common in such a very diversed country as Australia (were we currently live). I’ve read some accounts by moms like me where they also try to teach their kids more than one language. And they all say that it is very much likely. All one needs is patient and give the kids a room to grow and discover their milestones at their own time.
Kids will learn eventually. The main thing is you should show them your support and encouragement. They’ll come around it in time. Repetition might also work. Just continue talking to them in whatever language or languages you want them to learn. Then, who knows, one day you’ll be surprised that they could communicate with you in both ways you hope them to, might not be in equal weight but at least they could understand you however which way go talk to them.
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Comment by Risa
Maybe you just need to be more patient in teaching your son Tagalog. It would have been nice if there was a children's show (similar to "Batibot") in that way he would be interested and be more exposed to Filipino.
Or maybe you could also ask you husband that if it is just the three of you, could you both speak to him in Filipino so he would be more exposed to the language.
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