Raising multilingual and bilingual children: Recommendations and options

The best way to help young children learn broad vocabularies in languages other than the "majority language" is to consistently use the "home language" or "heritage language" with them in the early years. However, some families use two languages at home; either way, you can support your child’s multilingual or bilingual development through play, community activities and everyday activities at home.

About raising multilingual or bilingual children

If you and your partner speak languages other than your country's majority language, you might want your children to grow up learning these languages. Raising multilingual or bilingual children has many benefits. For example, it can improve communication and bonds in your immediate and extended family.

The best way to help your children learn broad vocabularies in languages other than English is to always use those languages with them, especially in the early years.

Raising multilingual or bilingual children: your family’s options

The decisions you and your partner make about helping your children learn to use your languages depend on your family situation.

Heritage language as home language for young children
Most often, you and your partner speak the same "heritage language." If so, for young children it's best to use that at home, especially if you are most comfortable in that language.  This option gives young children a strong foundation that then can easily be transferred to the country's majority language later on.  Most likely others in your family--aunts and uncles, grandparents, etc.--use that language also, making a close language community.

As children enter school, they will more often use the country's majority language (language of instruction).  They may be less willing to speak to you in your heritage language then.   However, it will be good to keep using that language as much as possible.

Raising multilingual or bilingual children: tips

Here are some practical tips for supporting your child’s multilingual or bilingual development.

Play and games

  • Read and tell stories in your language, and encourage your child to join in. Use dress-ups and be creative!
  • Play games in your language, especially games that focus on language, like ‘I spy’ or simple card games.
  • Sing songs, dance and play music in your language. Children love music, and melody is a great way to help them remember words.

Community activities

  • Look for schools, child care centres or multilingual and bilingual programs that support your child’s use of your home language.
  • Organise playtime with other children who speak the same heritage language.
  • Organise visits to or from speakers of your language--extended family members, members of the local community.
  • If possible, go to the library and borrow CDs, DVDs, picture books, in your language.
  • Look out for cultural activities that you and your child can do together to tap into your family’s cultural heritage and identity.

Other activities at home

  • Listen to radio or television programs in your language, including popular music programs.
  • If you have family and friends who live in your country of origin, if possible you could encourage your children to connect with them using a video-messaging app or online.
  • Try incorporating your language into your child's interests. For example, if your child loves different foods you could find your child’s favourite recipe or a typical recipe from your community and cook it together using only your language.