Got a passive bilingual at home who understands almost everything but often responds in the “wrong” language? If you are like many international families, you might be travelling to your home country and visiting with extended family and old friends this summer to reconnect. And if you have a child who understands everything you say in your home language but rarely responds in it (a.k.a. the “correct” language), this summer may just be the perfect time to start changing that with some small but effective tweaks. That’s why, today I’d like to share three easy ways to motivate your child to speak some or more of the home language while you are in the country. But first, let’s talk about the power of motivation and why it’s so important.
For passive bilinguals, staying motivated can be tough, especially when they don’t consciously or unconsciously see the point in putting time and effort into speaking the target language. It often makes the difference between just understanding a language and actually speaking it. So, for these bilingual children, who understand but don’t speak the language, motivation can make all the difference. While factors, such as aptitude and personality matter, creating meaningfully motivating and rewarding moments for passive bilingual learners, so that they see a point in speaking (more), is crucial. Especially as they get older.
Why bother?!
Children are naturally focused on their own experiences and needs and less so on the world around them. Yes, it’s a nice way of saying they are self-centred. But that’s the truth – every experience they go through is seen through the lens of their own reality and needs. That’s why their language experiences need to matter to them personally and, for passive bilinguals, this principle is even more important. They need to feel a genuine need to cross the threshold and start venturing to the other side – using the language. Positive, rewarding experiences tailored to their interests and needs are key. They need to feel that the effort they put into speaking is worth their while, that it brings something valuable for them.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Family attitudes and support are crucial. If each parent speaks a different home language but doesn’t show support for the other parent’s language, for example, the child might not feel it’s important enough to speak it. I’ve seen it time and time again: one parent speaks the majority language and the child ends up becoming a passive bilingual in the minority language. If the parent who doesn’t speak the minority language doesn’t show any support for it, the odds of the child never developing their skills in this language and starting to actively speak it are fairly high. But here is the good news – motivation is very dynamic and can change over time. Consistent support and interest from the family can make a big difference.
So, what’s your goal here? You need to provide joy, interest and a need for using the language for your child. Why? Because when they find the language interesting and enjoyable, they’re more likely to start using and developing it. They are likely to find personal satisfaction and maybe even a sense of accomplishment (Hello, intrinsic motivation!). They might develop an interest in speaking the home language because, for example, it allows them to connect with family members who don’t speak any other language more or because it gives them a sense of pride when they can ask for what they want and hold a simple conversation.
Here are three easy ways to motivate your passive bilingual child this summer while making it enjoyable and interesting for them:
1.Be consistent.
Daily exposure to the home language is crucial. Plan regular outings where your child interacts with family members, locals and participates in activities like visiting markets or other events. Do your research in advance and make some fun plans. These experiences will make the interaction in the home language relevant and engaging. If your child thrives on routines, set a routine and stick to it – even while on holiday. Consistency is key!
2. Take advantage of playdates and / or meet-ups with local children.
If your child is younger, arrange playdates with local children who speak the home language. Look for fun classes, activities or day camps they might enjoy and sign them up. This immersion will give them the opportunity to use the language naturally while connecting and communicating with other kids. For older children, peer interaction is still a powerful motivator, though it can be more challenging to facilitate. Organise meet-ups with other people who have kids of similar age. Encourage them to join clubs or groups where they can interact with local older children / teens in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Avoid pressuring your child; instead, explain your reasoning to them. Create opportunities for monolingual situations where they have to use the home language.
3. Utilise your resources on-site.
Being in your home country offers a treasure trove of resources you usually don’t have access to. When I think about this aspect, I always think of Narnia and the magical wardrobe. The moment you open the door and step in it, a whole new world awaits. Yep, a world of resources. Take this opportunity to explore anything that might pique your child’s interest – books, magazines, favourite cartoons or films, games and more, all in your home language. Watching a beloved show or reading a cool story in the home language makes learning both fun and relevant. Local libraries and bookshops are wonderful places to explore and find inspiration. Tailor the content specifically to your child’s interests to keep them fully engaged and excited about using the language, to create a need for them to want to use it.
Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities at your fingertips while you’re in your home country this summer. Don’t get discouraged if your child keeps refusing to engage in the language. Instead, plough through and stay the course. Keep encouraging your child and create opportunities for them to engage more with the language. Developing an appreciation for it is a fantastic side effect – one you cannot force upon them, but you can certainly create an environment that nurtures it. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to let your child have a say in the process. For some children, having a sense of control might be a powerful motivator too.
Now it’s your turn – share your wisdom with us! How do you encourage your passive bilinguals while visiting your home country? What has your experience been? We’d love to hear your stories and tips!
References:
- Dörnyei, Z. (2019). From Integrative Motivation to Directed Motivational Currents: The Evolution of the Understanding of L2 Motivation over Three Decades. In: Lamb, M., Csizér, K., Henry, A., Ryan, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Motivation for Language Learning. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
- Cummins, J. (2000). Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology.
Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash
