Tips for biligual families
Start early: The easiest way to learn language is right from birth. In the same way as children learn one language without even being conscious of the learning process, they can learn two languages. The human brain is much more capable of learning before the age of 10.

Keep languages separate: Most researchers believe that it is best for children to hear a relatively pure language, rather than a mixture of the two, so they can distinguish the languages from each other. Some families do this quite naturally, with each parent speaking his or her own language to the baby. The child learns easily and naturally which words belong together. She will probably mix the languages initially, but as she grows more proficient, she will tend to separate them more effectively. The most important advice language teaching experts give parents is to be consistent on this point, and to provide sufficient exposure to both language on an on-going basis.

Punt the "second" language: If one language is dominant, for instance, if your family lives in a pre-dominantly English-environment, and you wish to introduce her to a more unusual language, like Japanese, it may be hard to make sure the secondary language gets reasonable exposure. The child will hear English spoken on television, in shops, in playschool and amongst friends, and might tend to forego the "second" language.

In this case, it is particularly important that the parent who speaks the second language communicates with the child in that language as much as possible. Give her books, songs, tapes and videos that will reinforce the language and the culture. See if you can find a crèche or preschool where that language is spoken. If you know other moms trying to bring up children in a bilingual way, get together for play dates so your baby has a chance to communicate in that language with her peers.

Value the "second" language: If English is so dominant as she grows up, your child might not view the second language as particularly valuable or important. She might wonder what the point is of learning anything other than English. She might even go through a stage where anything that marks her as different or unusual – like speaking a "funny" language – is something to hide.

One way to overcome this is to show her positive aspects of the other language and culture. If it is at all possible, expose her to a wider community of extended family members, friends, other children, community or other church groups who speak that language. To have the opportunity to experience and be part of two different cultures is a real advantage – encourage her to enjoy and explore all aspects of her cultural heritage.

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