How to retain a newly acquired language after returning from a stay abroad

Abstract

Between September and December 2023, Babylonia collected questions from parents regarding their children's language development. This article aims to answer the following question:

My children (German-speaking, monolingual - city of Bern) attended school in France due to our family's stay abroad for several months. They learned to communicate and they all have a great foundation in French (they are 4, 6 and 8 years old). However, I wonder how I can continue to promote their French skills in a German-speaking environment at home. Extracurricular activities are only available quite far away (Biel, Fribourg) and with bilingual families, German is simply spoken, as this is also the school language. Or is this not necessary at all and can I trust that the basics will emerge when French is needed again? Thank you very much for your answer!

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This article discusses the retention of a newly acquired language by children after a stay abroad. The author addresses the question of a German-speaking family living in Bern (Switzerland) whose children learned French during a few months spent in France.

Although the children have acquired a good foundation in French, returning to a German-speaking environment poses challenges for maintaining their skills. The author explores several theoretical aspects related to this situation:

• Family Language Policy (FLP): The family's choice to immerse the children in a French-speaking environment facilitated the learning of French, but returning to a German-speaking context may lead to language attrition.

• Language Attrition: The productive aspects (speaking, writing) of the language are more vulnerable than the receptive aspects (listening, reading).

To help retain and reactivate French, the author proposes various strategies:

• Continuous exposure to the language (books, songs, films, games in French)
• Active practice of production (encouraging speaking and writing in French)
• Creating positive associations with French (activities, outings)
• Integrating family rituals in French (meals, activities)
• Using technology (setting devices to French, apps, etc.)

The author emphasizes the importance of an empathetic approach, as children may resist learning a language. Although these strategies are useful, nothing replaces total immersion in a French-speaking environment. Nevertheless, sustained efforts can allow for some retention and development of French skills.