Growing up with more than one language is a wonderful opportunity for children to develop communication skills while building connections to their family, culture and community.
This is known as dual language learning – when children develop and use two or more languages as part of their everyday lives.
And while every child’s language journey is different, there are lots of simple ways families and Educators can support children as they develop their languages and confidence.
What is dual language learning?
Dual language learning is the development of two languages alongside each other. Children may hear and use their home or family language with parents and grandparents, while developing English through their early learning experiences and interactions with Educators and friends.
Some children are exposed to two languages from birth, while others begin learning another language later. There’s no one right way to become bilingual.
What’s important is that children have opportunities to hear, understand and use their languages in meaningful, everyday experiences.
For young children, language isn’t just about learning words. It’s also a way of connecting with the people around them, expressing their ideas and emotions, understanding their world and developing a sense of identity and belonging.
The benefits of growing up with more than one language
There are many benefits to children developing more than one language.
Strong communication skills
Hearing and using different languages gives children opportunities to build their vocabulary and communication skills across different contexts. As they move between languages, they become familiar with different sounds, words and ways of expressing ideas.
Connection to family and culture
Language can be an important part of family identity and culture. Being able to use a family language can help children communicate with grandparents and extended family, participate in traditions and stay connected to their cultural heritage.
Confidence and belonging
When children see and hear their language and culture reflected in their early learning environment, it can help them feel recognised, valued and included.
Celebrating different languages also gives all children opportunities to learn about and appreciate the cultures and experiences of the people around them.
Social skills
Growing up around different languages and cultures can create opportunities for children to develop empathy, curiosity and an appreciation of different perspectives. Everyday interactions with other children can become opportunities to listen, share and learn from one another.
Your home language matters
If you speak a language other than English at home, you may sometimes wonder whether you should speak English with your child to help them develop their English skills.
Your home language is valuable.
Talking, singing, reading and playing with your child in the language you feel most comfortable using gives them rich opportunities to communicate. It also helps them build strong connections with the people and culture around them.
You don’t need to stop using your home language to support your child’s English development. Your child can continue developing their family language while building their English through their early learning experiences and relationships.
How can you support dual language learning at home?
Supporting your child’s language development doesn’t need to involve formal lessons. Everyday moments are full of opportunities to talk, listen and play with language.
Talk about what you’re doing
Whether you’re cooking dinner, getting dressed or heading to the shops, talk about what you’re doing together.
You might name the ingredients as you cook, describe the colours you can see or talk about what you’re going to do next.
These simple conversations help children hear language being used in meaningful ways.
Read together
Books are a wonderful way to build language and connection.
Read stories in your home language, English or both. Talk about the pictures, ask your child what they think might happen next and encourage them to tell you about their favourite parts.
You can also look for books that reflect your child’s culture, family and languages.
Sing songs and rhymes
Songs, rhymes and music make language fun and memorable.
Sing familiar songs in your home language and introduce your child to songs in other languages too. Add actions and movement to help bring the words to life.
Use your everyday routines
You don’t need to set aside special time for language learning. Mealtimes, bath time, getting ready in the morning and packing away toys can all become opportunities to talk and listen.
Try counting objects, naming colours, describing what you can see or talking about what happened during the day.
Share your language with your child’s Educators
Let your child’s Educators know which languages they hear and use at home. Sharing words, phrases, songs, stories and cultural traditions can help Educators create experiences that are meaningful and familiar for your child.
This partnership between families and Educators can help create a supportive language-rich environment where children feel confident to communicate.
How Educators support children learning multiple languages
At Guardian, we know that every child brings their own experiences, culture, language and family story with them.
Creating an inclusive environment means making space for these differences and helping every child feel that their language and culture are valued.
Educators can support dual language learners by creating language-rich environments, incorporating books and resources that represent different cultures, using visual cues and gestures, and including songs, rhymes, movement and hands-on experiences.
They can also encourage children to interact and learn from one another, creating opportunities for children to share their languages and experiences.
Most importantly, children should feel encouraged to communicate in the ways that feel natural to them. Children learning more than one language may move between languages as they express themselves – and this can be a natural part of their language journey. The source article similarly highlights accepting code-switching and creating opportunities for peer collaboration.
Every language tells a story
Learning more than one language is about so much more than learning new words.
It can help children connect with their family, culture and community while developing their confidence as communicators.
Whether your child is hearing two languages from birth or is beginning to learn another language as they grow, the most important thing is to give them plenty of opportunities to listen, talk, play, sing and connect.
Because when children’s languages, cultures and identities are valued, they can feel a stronger sense of belonging – and that’s a wonderful foundation for learning and growing.
