How to raise a bilingual child? Raising a bilingual child can be more complex than teaching just one language. It not only strengthens a child’s communication and cognitive skills but also offers a solid educational foundation within a global context. So, how can you successfully raise a bilingual child?

Join La Petite Ecole, a bilingual international school in Ho Chi Minh City, as we explore the benefits and methods of bilingual education in this article.

Bilingualism is the ability to communicate fluently and effectively in two or more languages, reaching a level comparable to that of native speakers. Bilingual individuals are not only proficient in grammar and vocabulary but also possess the ability to understand and use the language appropriately in various situations, while showing respect and a deep understanding of the cultures associated with those languages.

Exposing children to multiple languages from a young age offers tremendous benefits for their holistic development. Here are some notable advantages:

1. Global Communication Skills

Children who know multiple languages can communicate effectively with people from all around the world. This creates opportunities for them to connect and collaborate with friends and partners from diverse countries and cultures.

2. Deep Understanding of Cultural Diversity

Multilingual children tend to be more aware of racial and cultural differences. Understanding the richness of languages and cultures equips them to thrive in an international learning and working environment in the future.

3. Enhanced Brain Development

Research from University College London suggests that exposing children to bilingual education from an early age helps increase the amount of grey matter in the left hemisphere of the brain. Children who learn a second language early tend to have more grey matter than those who start learning languages later or have not been exposed to foreign languages at all.

4. Flexible Thinking Skills

Bilingual children are generally better at thinking, recognising patterns, and problem-solving. The flexibility in language use helps them quickly and efficiently find solutions in different situations. Exposure to two languages also allows children to discover linguistic rules on their own, which enhances logical, analytical, and reasoning skills.

5. Strong Learning Abilities

Learning multiple languages from a young age makes it easier for children to acquire new languages in the future. The language skills and cultural understanding developed through the first language also help them grasp new knowledge and information more comprehensively.

6. Multidimensional Thinking

Being multilingual allows children to view the world from various perspectives. They can evaluate and understand differences, leading to more nuanced and well-rounded thinking.

7. Broader Career Opportunities

Multilingual children have an advantage in becoming global citizens. Many companies and organisations value candidates who can speak multiple languages and effectively collaborate with international partners and clients.

In summary, encouraging children to learn multiple languages from an early age is a wise decision for parents. Knowing multiple languages not only helps children communicate better but also fosters comprehensive intellectual, emotional, and social development.

The ideal time to teach a child a second language is when they are young, from six months to six years old. This is when children are most capable of quickly and flexibly absorbing languages. During this period, children are developing fundamental language skills and forming neural connections related to language learning.

Teaching a second language from an early age allows children to naturally integrate the language into their development process. They will become familiar with the sounds and contexts of different languages, helping them understand that there are multiple ways to express meaning.

1. One Parent, One Language Approach

An effective method to teach children two languages is for parents to consistently use a specific language when communicating with their child. For instance, the father speaks English while the mother speaks Vietnamese.

This helps the child learn languages naturally through bonding and regular exposure. For this method to be effective, both parents should spend time interacting with the child in their respective languages to help them gradually get used to it. At the same time, they should maintain a balanced use of both languages when spending time with their child.

2. Create a Bilingual Environment at Home

If your family previously only used one language, try to create a bilingual environment to help optimise your child’s language development.

You can use labels, pictures, and toys with text in both languages to expose your child to the language at all times. Additionally, designate a small corner in your child’s room to display books and toys related to the second language.

When at home, try to communicate with your child in both languages to help them gradually become accustomed to switching languages.

3. Enrol Your Child in a Bilingual School

Bilingual schools offer education in two languages, allowing children to become familiar with and proficient in both languages during their studies. Exposure to native-speaking teachers and a professional bilingual learning environment provides a solid foundation for children’s language development from an early age.

4. Sing and Play with Your Child

Young children often learn best through “learning by playing” activities like games and music. Teaching children languages through songs and melodies is one of the most natural approaches. Parents can create an environment filled with music and games, helping children easily memorise vocabulary through songs and poetry. Fun activities like arts, dancing, or cooking also help children develop language skills in a lively way.

5. Encourage Reading Habits in Both Languages

Building a reading habit from an early age is an essential part of raising a bilingual child. Parents should choose storybooks in the language they wish to teach, paired with vivid illustrations, and read with their child daily. During reading, focus on new vocabulary, explain meanings, and repeat them to aid memorisation. Place books in easily accessible spots and encourage your child to explore them independently, helping them develop a love for reading early on.

At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh city, an international bilingual school, we strive to provide the “highest quality French education” for every child through a French-English bilingual curriculum. Our programme is built on the strong foundation of French education, combined with modern and innovative teaching methods.

Our bilingual approach at La Petite Ecole focuses on French and English language learning through practical activities, enabling children to engage actively and effectively in their education. With a team of multicultural teachers and a community of students from various countries, children are exposed to diverse cultures.

We hope this information helps parents better understand how to raise a bilingual child. If you need further information or consultation, please contact La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh city today.