Supporting Children In Their Home Language

Children from Culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

The children in your care will be
mono-lingual (speak one language)or
bi-lingual ( speak 2 languages) or
multi-lingual (speak 2 or more languages)
Sign language is considered another language

Types and degrees of bilingualism/multilinguilism:
Balanced : Bilinguals who are fully competent in both languages and can function well in all activities without any interference from the other language
Additive : Bilingual whose languages are viable and useful. This happens when society views it as positive and enriching
Subtractive : Bilingual minorities who at the expense of learning a second language, gradually and eventually lose the first language
Receptive : Bilinguals who have a receptive knowledge of another language but cannot speak or write it. Many children in Australia from NESB grow up as receptive bilinguals

How do children become bilingual?
Simultaneous bilingualism : Child acquires 2 languages from birth (usually before aged 3)
Successive bilingualism : Child has acquired the first language before learning the second language

What are the advantages of learning a second (or third) language?
Learning a second language provides a number of advantages, not only for the individual, but society itself.

Communication advantages
Wider communication (extended family, community, international links, employment)
Literacy in two languages

Cultural advantages
Broader cultural understanding and multicultural sensitivity, “two language worlds of experience” (Baker, 2000) Greater tolerance and social harmony
Strengthens the cultural link between child and home language community
Strengthens family cohesion through the use of home language as a vehicle for passing on traditions, values, family/cultural stories.
Maintains the child’s ability to communicate with extended family/community

Cognitive advantages
Thinking benefits (creativity, sensitivity to communication)
Cognitive flexibility – flexibility in thinking and learning and formation of concepts.
Greater problem-solving and analytical skills

Personal advantages
Raised self-esteem
Greater self identity
Flexibility and adaptability
Confidence in social interactions
Greater interpersonal skills

The child must be encouraged to speak in their own language
It assists their learning of concepts. Children can learn new concepts more easily if they are explained in their own language first.
It reinforces the first language and culture, so that children are able to master reading and writing in their own language first, thus being better prepared to learn the formal grammar and spelling of a second language.
It is important also for their self esteem.
Young children have the capacity to learn a language very easily if they are exposed to a language in everyday situations

Supporting Children In Their Home Language

by jenny1tafe

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