Too many languages for one child? Defeating the language barrier.

Jessica - posted on 03/01/2009

your doing it right we speak both spanish and english to jayden n for a 2 yr old he understands what we say in both and answers back in the right language...ex: i say adios..he says nos vemos....

Griselle - posted on 03/01/2009

I heard a child could learn up to 7 languages at the same time but you have to start early.

Griselle - posted on 03/01/2009

You can both learn each others language along with your baby. The same words you each say in your language to your baby you can share with each other and share the meaning. You can take a week for each word and this way you'll learn a bit more of each others native language.

Monica - posted on 02/16/2009

Do you think that teaching sign language will help reduce frustration since they'll take longer to start talking?

Also, do you understand your spouses language? I don't understand mandarin and my husband doesn't understand spanish. We are a bit worried about that. We are trying to learn each other's language, but it's hard with work and a newborn at home.

Melisa - posted on 02/16/2009

Oh Yes i speak Spanish and English to Jasmin. She knows how to say most things in both languages and can traslate. Like if I say perro whatever she wil say doggy bluh bluh bluh. even corrects me sometimes and says "no mommy its not perro it's doggy" they are so cute. I wouldn't worry about speech delays. She didn't say a word until like 18months or more besides mommy and daddy and now she is 2 and a half and can't stop her ....she talks all day long. enjoy your mommets of quiet while you can :)

Julie - posted on 02/16/2009

Two of my co-workers are encountering the same problem. The mom speaks one language and the father speaks another. I commend you on teaching your child to be multilingual. It is a wonderful thing to know. There are too many people in the world who only know one or two languages. You have giving your child an asset that he can carry with his for the rest of his life.

Ana - posted on 02/15/2009

Don't worry, you're on the right track! kids can learn up to 5 languages as long as they are introduced to the languages in the first 5 months of birth. My kids (6, 4 & 2) speak Spanish, Italian and English. My mother in law used to be really nervous about it but now she is so proud of her multi-lingual grandkids! There might be a small delay in speech but once they start, they do it in all languages. You're doing the right thing. Each of you should speak one language since kids perform better if they identify a language with a person.

Muy bien y adelante!

Lisset - posted on 02/13/2009

Exactly! She will be fine. That is the best thing you could do for her. She will be aware of her heritage and she will be greater advanced than other children. I think it's important that children, especially in today's society, to know where they came from. And language helps them embrace their identity :)

Monica - posted on 02/12/2009

Yes, people often tell me that I'll just confuse my daughter. I only speak to her in spanish and my husband in mandarin. She is only 7 weeks old, so we'll have to wait and see. She is a hybrid and I think it will in time help bridge the gap in cultures.