Speak to your child daily

When raising a child where your language is not widely spoken, if you do not feel comfortable speaking to your child in the playground, for example, choose a specific place to speak. Try to speak as much as you can at home. Create a nice atmosphere for you both to enjoy talking and have this magical aspect of life in common- communicate, laugh and share things together.

Don't forget ‘practice makes perfect!'

Language is something to share, just having simple conversations about the day and activities that go on in the household will help your child to learn new words everyday.

Develop a routine

If you wake up together, greet your child in your language and ask about what sort of dreams they had during the night. Cooking together is also a great chance to share language, simple moments that bring joy are the most effective time to reinforce language.

Censoring

As children grow it is normal that sometimes we have to tell them not to behave in certain ways, or do certain things. It is very important to be aware what language we use and try not to use your language to discipline. Use the language that is more widely spoken if you can. However, if you need to use your own language always remember children are cleverer than we realise, so the best thing to do is try to explain why they should not behave that way in a friendly tone, and soon they will learn to listen to you.

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Singing with your child

Sing lullabies that you remember singing as a child. Even if you have forgotten you can search online to remind yourself. Sing together at bath time, or while putting your baby to sleep. Remember that every time your child is content and hears your voice they will feel safe and calm. This will bring a sense of familiarity and security to them. You can also listen to songs you love on the radio and sing along. Nearly all types of musical input are helpful, make sure you reinforce with your own voice.

 

Read to your child

It's advisable that mums-to-be develop the habit of reading to their baby even before they are born. At this stage your baba will not mind the genre, just choose what appeals to you and begin.

Babies absolutely love the sound of their mummy’s voice. Even in the few first months of life, your baby will be mostly happy just having this special time to listen to your voice while you read your favourite book.

As she grows you can switch to children’s stories. From the moment your baby can see they will be interested in books.

 

Meet with friends for playdates

As we have seen so far, children need several references for the target language. For example, reading to your child makes them develop pleasure and awareness of different sounds, and the musicality of languages.

Subsequently, when you speak to them, they will be familiar and able to repeat back whichever word you say to them, depending on what stage of language development they are at.

Children will also enjoy realising that other people, beside their parents also share the same language. There is no better input to language acquisition than live conversation with friends and extended family. Interacting face to face, deciphering expressions and voice tones. Little ones exposed to the target language through conversations outside their home will be able to learn many different skills. They are able to cross-reference sounds, expressions, and learn new words.  As a result their language will start to consolidate more and more.

 

Always keep in mind, nothing replaces human interactions in language acquisition.