Growing Up as a Multilingual Child: An Adventure of Linguistic Diversity

This does not mean that a particular person can only speak one language, but rather that it depends on the combination of people and situations.

For example: Grandma A always speaks language X, Dad speaks to me in language Z, Mom in language Y, but when we are together as a family we speak language R. Does that sound complicated? Maybe at first glance, but for children it is easier than you think! The key is to keep the linguistic environment predictable so that children can recognize and develop clear patterns from the start.

Choosing the right language for children

Many multilingual parents are faced with the question: Which language should I pass on to my child? This can lead to uncertainty, especially if both parents are bilingual. My recommendation? Choose the language that feels most natural. 🌱

At the beginning of a child's development, conversations are often very "basic". They are about everyday things like eating, sleeping and playing. But over time, the topics become more complex. During puberty, when emotional and deep conversations have to be held, it is important to feel comfortable in the language in which you communicate with the child. In these moments, you should be able to speak not only with your head, but also with your heart .

Multilingualism: A Gift for Life

Multilingualism is a gift that will accompany your child throughout his or her life. And it's okay if you don't know exactly how to shape language development at the beginning. The most important advice I can give you is: follow your heart . Every family is different, and what works for one family may not necessarily work for another. What matters is that you feel comfortable and make the decision that is right for you and your child.

Remember that you start at a “basic” language level, but as the years go by you will address deeper and more complex topics, so it is important that you choose the language that you feel comfortable and emotionally connected with.

Tips and inspiration for your language journey

If you are still unsure how to best encourage multilingualism in your family, let iLanguage inspire you. Visit our blog for practical tips, testimonials and many useful resources that can support you on your multilingual journey.

Good luck on your adventure of multilingualism! 🌍💬

We'll read each other soon! 😉