The Importance of Cultivating the Minority Language to Ensure Children’s Bilingualism

Abstract

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

We are parents of two children (9 and 6 years old). At home, we do not follow an OPOL approach, but use both family languages flexibly based on communicative moments. The children almost always respond in their stronger language, which is also the dominant language in their environment. On one hand, we understand that this is normal; on the other hand, we feel that their skills in one of the family languages are not sufficiently developed. Should we adopt an OPOL approach? But how can we avoid constraints and frustrating impositions?

If I speak to my child sometimes in Catalan and primarily in english , will I create confusion? I want her to acquire this language but it’s hard for me to stick to it 100%. My partner speaks only english to her

We are an English speaking family living in the United States. My husband is a native French speaker, but has never spoken French to our boys who are now 5 and 8 years old. He would like to start teaching them now but they get easily frustrated and try to avoid engaging with him if he’s speaking in French. What’s his best bet for getting them to learn at this point? What can I do as an English speaker to help?

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This article discusses the importance of cultivating the minority language to ensure children's bilingualism, in response to the questions from parents facing this challenge.
Traditionally, the "one person, one language" (OPOL) approach has been recommended for raising bilingual children. However, recent research shows that this method is not always the most effective, especially when both parents speak the dominant language at home in addition to a minority language.
In fact, for the child to truly develop skills in the minority language, it is necessary to maximize their exposure to and use of this language in daily life. When the dominant language of society is also present at home, the chances that the child will master the minority language decrease significantly.
The author therefore recommends that parents "protect" the time spent using the minority language, even if this may feel less natural. They can use it in specific contexts while continuing to use the dominant language in other situations.
Parents can also involve a relative who speaks only the minority language with the child or enroll them in an educational program that uses this language. Additionally, they should value bilingualism with their child so that they understand its importance.
The author illustrates these strategies based on her personal experience of raising her two trilingual daughters. She and her husband have adopted the OPOL approach since birth, utilizing media and seeking a "community of practice" for their minority languages.
While this may seem challenging, it is essential for parents to assess whether bilingualism is a priority for them and whether they are willing to adjust their family language practices. The goal is to enable a harmonious development of bilingualism that is beneficial for all.