BILINGÜISMO

Parents who speak more than one language are generally eager to share their languages with their children. As they begin this important undertaking, parents frequently have questions about how second language learning affects reading ability, social skills, and scholastic achievement. Whether or not they speak more than one language themselves, many wonder how best to help their children learn more than one language.

Research suggests that children who learn a second language are more creative and better at solving complex problems than those who do not. Studies have shown that bilinguals outperform similar monolingual peers on both verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence and tend to achieve higher scores on standardized tests. Individuals who speak more than one language have the ability to communicate with more people, read more literature, and benefit more fully from travel abroad. Knowing a second language also gives people a competitive advantage in the workforce. These are some of the compelling reasons for parents to encourage the development of a second (or third) language with their children.

Anyone can learn a new language. Some people find it easier than others, but all of us can do it. People who can use two languages are bilingual. Children especially can learn to be bilingual. They can learn two languages at home, at school, or in the community. Some children learn both languages very well. But most know one language better than the other. The language a child knows better is called the dominant language. Over time the dominant language may change, especially if a child does not use it regularly.

Using two languages is like any other skill. To do it well, children need a lot of practice, which parents can help to provide. Without practice, it may be difficult for children to understand or communicate with people in both languages.

How do I teach my child to be bilingual?

One way is t use two languages from the start. For example, one parent or caregiver uses one language while the other parent or caregiver uses another language.

Another is to use only one language at home. Your child can learn the second language when they start school.
Give your child many opportunities to practice using both languages in everyday situations.
It helps if you don't switch back and forth between languages in the same sentence. If you do, it is harder for your child to keep the two languages separate.

What should I expect when my child learns more than one language?

Every bilingual child is unique. They develop language in their own special way. But in general, learning two languages takes a little longer than learning just one.

Like other children, most bilingual children use their first words by the time they are one year old; for example, "mama" or "dada." By age 2, most bilingual children can use two-word phrases; for example, "my ball" or "no juice."

Children may get confused from time to time. They may mix grammar rules, or they might use words from both languages in the same sentence. This is normal and should slowly disappear as their language skills develop.

When a second language is introduced, some children may not talk much for a while. This "silent period" can last for a few months or for as long as a year. Again, this is normal and will go away.

Will learning two languages cause speech or language problems?
No. Children all over the world learn more than one language without developing speech or language problems.

What resources can I use to help my child be bilingual?

Books
You can read to your child in both languages.

Audiotapes and CDs

Singing is a great way to introduce a second language to your child, and it can be a lot of fun.

Videotapes and DVDs

Children' programs are available in many languages. These programs often teach children about numbers, letters, colors, and basic vocabulary

Language programs

Children can also learn to be bilingual at language camps or in bilingual educational programs. These give children the chance to use two languages with other children.

If my child is having trouble communicating, should we use only one language?

In this case, it is best to communicate with your child in the language you are most comfortable with. This is true even if he or she uses a different language at school. But try not to make a sudden change in your child's routine. This can be stressful. Children who are having problems in both languages may need professional help.

DEFINING BILINGUALISM

Bilingualism
There are many definitions of bilingualism, some of them incorrect and based on myth. A person does not, for example, have to speak both languages with equal fluency to be a bilingual. It is very common for bilinguals, even those who have been bilingual since birth, to be somewhat "dominant" in one language. I define bilingualism simply as using two languages on a regular basis.

Bilingual family
Quite simply, a family in which most of the members are bilingual.

Consecutive bilingualism
Learning one language after already knowing another. This is the situation for all those who become bilingual as adults, as well as for many who became bilingual earlier in life. Sometimes also called successive bilingualism.

Simultaneous bilingualism
Learning two languages as "first languages". That is, a person who is a simultaneous bilingual goes from speaking no languages at all directly to speaking two languages. Infants who are exposed to two languages from birth will become simultaneous bilinguals.

Receptive bilingualism
Being able to understand two languages but express oneself in only one. This is generally not considered "true" bilingualism but is fairly common.

"Myths about Bilingualism"

"Learning two languages confuses a child and lowers his intelligence."
Old, poorly designed studies done primarily in the United States claimed to show that bilinguals had lower intelligence than monolinguals. Newer research has revealed several flaws in the studies. The most obvious flaw is that the bilingual children were recent immigrants, with poorer knowledge of English and more stressful life situations than their monolingual counterparts. Newer studies with more careful controls have shown that bilinguals are better at some specific tasks, such as language games, but that otherwise the differences between bilinguals and monolinguals are negligible.

"A child should learn one language properly first; then you can start teaching the other."
This is an old belief based on flawed research. Children who learn two languages in a loving, supportive environment learn them both well. Children who learn two languages in a stressful environment may have language development problems, but so will children learning only one langauge in that same sort of environment.

"A child who learns two languages won't feel at home in either of them. She'll always feel caught between two cultures."
Relatives, friends and strangers will often caution about the "identity problems" children may develop if their parents insist on maintaining a bilingual home. The children, they believe, will grow up without strongly identifying with either of the languages and, therefore, the groups that speak them. Adults who have themselves grown up bilingual, however, generally report when asked that they never had problems knowing what groups they were a part of. Some even find this concern to be awkward.
Children who feel accepted by both their cultures will identify with both. Unfortunately it happens that two cultures have such unfriendly relations that a child who should belong to both is instead shunned by both. This is not however a specifically bilingual issue.

Special Problems of Bilingual Families

Monolingual Relatives:
Monolingual relatives can be a great joy to bilingual families, especially if they speak the minority (non-community) language. They then give the child(ren) an extra reason to learn that language. But long visits by monolingual relatives may temporarily disrupt the language pattern a family uses at home. The visit will proceed more easily if everyone knows this and is prepared for it.Learning to Read and Write:
Bilingual parents often want their children to be able to read and write, not just speak, both languages. Since the children will generally only learn one language in school, the parents have to find ways to teach the other. If the languages use the same alphabet, the child may actually transfer reading and writing skills from one language to the other - though they may need help with phonics (relating sounds to written letters) and spelling. If the languages use different writing systems, parents might consider alternative resources.

Family Resistance:
Well-meaning relatives may be uncomfortable with the whole idea of bilingualism, and believe it will do the child more harm than good. This is especially true if they can't see any "practical" benefits from knowing those two languages. For example, it won't help the child get a job, for instance. The best answer to this concern is probably gentle education. Point out the benefits you see for the child (being able to speak to certain relatives, for instance), introduce them to bilingual families you know, or encourage them to read books you have found useful.

"Authorities":
Much the same is true of "authorities" in the child's life, for instance the doctor, as it is for relatives. They honestly want to be helpful, but the advice they are giving is unsupportive. Again, the best answer is probably gentle education, but the simplest answer may simply be to ignore them. Remember that no matter how much the pediatrician, for instance, may know about your child's sniffles and scratches, he or she is not an expert on language.
Just listen politely (or give the impression you are doing that), nod seriously, and say "Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to think about that." Then take the advice you think is sensible and useful, and forget the rest.