Fix Problems with Multilingual Kids' Weaker Language Skills

Multilingual children often have a stronger language in the early years. It is common to see multilingual children with each language they speak at a different level. The most important fact is that the child be able to function in each language. Of course, the goal is perfect fluency and eventually children will get there. The beginning years with a language are the building block years so focus on getting a child to understand and be understood in a language should be at the forefront of a parent's priorities.

There are some things that can be done to ensure that a child is getting the most out of their multilingual experience. The first is consistency. If you have a language per person, or if there is one person or activity assigned to a specific language (such as speaking only French to Dad, using only Amharic when in public, or speaking Polish as a family while the community language is another language) stick as close to it as possible. There is a difference between allowing a one year old child who only has the word for "water" in his stronger language have some water when he asks and letting a four year old do the same. For the one year old, you can repeat the request in your language and then get the water. For the four year old, it is better for the language if you cajole the preschooler to state the request in your language. No need to be forceful, you don't want to make it a chore. Many parents ignore a request placed in the "wrong" language, children quickly realize that they need to repeat it in the "right" language. Some parents pretend as if they can't understand, in a silly way. The child will end up in giggles and you'll still be driving your point home. Another path is to state gently that the language they are speaking is "Dad's language" or "the language for school" and that when they speak to you it should be in "your language" so as to help you to understand better. Of course, if the language the child is speaking as opposed to your language is the community language (the language used when shopping and on TV) the child will know after a certain age that you do speak the language. Hold firm at that point however, giving in to letting your child speak the language other than the target language will do more harm than good.

Most importantly, making a language fun is the way to get children to stick to it. Children need a reason to speak a language and if they know that they can communicate with the person in a language other than the target language, they may do it if it seems easier. Refusing to communicate in that language is a good step but to take it further and encourage the child to speak the target language, fun is paramount. Get DVDs, CDs, games, and books in your target language. Find other children who speak the language if possible. If you have family members who speak the target language, include them in the process. But don't be discouraged by a stronger language. Eventually the languages will even out and remember the goal is fluency. Even if the child evens up more fluent in one language at the end of it all, you'll have still raised a multilingual child and that will benefit them for life.