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Yes, you should teach your child your native language before he/she starts school. Language is the bond or glue that keeps families and community together. Your child will be immersed in English (the language of school and society) so he/she will learn it without any issues. If the child has a learning disability then, learning two languages may be a problem.
Young children can learn many languages and will not be confused. It is very helpful for a child to have a well-developed first language because this can help him/her to acquire a second language. Some parent told me that they do not want their children to learn their language because it will be too hard for them to learn English. This is not true for many children. If you do not teach your children your native language there may be very few options for them to learn it later. Teaching your child your language can help with the following:
- Create a sense of pride for their culture and heritage
- Build self-esteem
- Create closeness between family and community
- Be able to communicate with grandparents and other relatives who do not speak English.
- Able to share their culture with others
Parents can have a special time for bonding with their children in their native language. Here are some ways that you can celebrate your child.
- Speak your language during mealtime
- Sing songs in your native language
- Pray with your child
- Share your experience of growing up in a different country with them (or grandparents' experience if you are born in Canada).
- Watch movies and television shows together (you can use subtitles to help the children who can read)
- Read bilingual books to young children (the public library has bilingual books)
- Have play days with other children who speak the same language.
- Invite friends to have a meal with you and speak your language with them.
- Show enthusiasm and pride when you speak in your language or when you tell them stories.
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