Recently, PJ Library invited Alyona Makhova, parenting consultant for Russian-speaking families, to present a session on raising a bilingual child. Parents loved the seminar and so we are delighted to share her tips which we hope are helpful for any parent raising a bilingual child.
- Don’t mix two languages in one sentence. Even if they only know some words in each of the languages, it is confusing. By introducing new words in one language you will help your child to broaden their vocabulary.
- Use the OPOL method: One parent, one language. Each person speaks one language (usually their most dominant language) to your child. For example, your native language is Russian and your husband’s is English. You should talk to your child in Russian, and your husband in English. When the family is together, speak the language that everyone understands, but if you communicate directly with your child stick to OPOL.
- Use the weaker language more and not just to talk about common everyday things but when having longer conversations as well.
- Be genuinely interested in what your child tells you; don’t be stressed if your child talks to you in his or her stronger language.
- If your child makes a mistake in a sentence, don’t correct – just repeat the wrong word in the right way and continue listening to your child.
- Read more together and discuss the books that you read. Ask open questions about the story.
- Make a special time with your child. Take away your phone and spend 5-10 min together with 100% attention: play together games your child likes.
- Take it easy and make the whole process a fun game – not stressful.
About Alyona
Alyona Makhova is a parenting consultant with PhD and consultant on bilingualism. She’s had a professional practice for more than 10 years in Moscow, London and Edinburgh. Her specialty is children who speak two languages. She has developed and successfully applied the programme of speech therapy to interactive lessons online.
December 6, 2018