Discover the Transformative Power of a Bilingual Community: 10 Tips for Parents
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, when it comes to bilingual parenting, it can feel like you need two villages or more—one for each language, and maybe another for moral support! Raising a child in a multilingual home has immense benefits, but connecting with a community that shares your bilingual aspirations can significantly enhance your child’s language development and cultural understanding, as well as providing some much needed help and support for parents. A supportive community can help dispel bilingual myths like slow progress or confusion by sharing positive outcomes from their experiences. From potty training tips to managing screen time bilingually, shared wisdom from other parents can provide practical solutions tailored to your unique situation. The journey might have its ups and downs, but knowing there’s a supportive network cheering you on can be incredibly empowering.
Let’s explore how engaging with a bilingual community can be a game-changer for your family.
What Does Your Bilingual Community Look Like? And How Do I Find My People?! Practical Ideas to Connect with Your Bilingual Community
Friends, Extended Family, and Neighbours: If you are lucky enough to live in a supportive and multicultural area, you may be able to find local neighbours and friends who speak your languages. Having that support on your doorstep is incredible, but it may take time to find.
Local Groups: In larger towns and cities there are often cultural centres that host activities, workshops or classes. They might be run by volunteers or be funded by the local authorities. If there is a large community from a particular culture or country where you live, you may find a dedicated community centre. Here you can join activities, talks and meet people who speak your languages and share a common cultural background.
Libraries: Apart from possibly having books and resources in your languages, many libraries offer story time in different languages, or cultural programmes. Have you checked out your local library recently?
Online Forums: No matter where you live, or which languages your family speaks, you are sure to find like minded people on the internet. Facebook and parenting groups are places where parents from around the world share tips and encouragement, creating a virtual village of support. You can find invaluable advice, or radical opinions and fake news, depending on where you look! Often social media can be a way to connect with local families or groups as well.
Educational Settings: In many schools bilingualism and multiculturalism is celebrated, and parents and teachers work together to support each child’s language journey. Waiting at the school gate can also be an opportunity to meet other parents in similar situations.
Playdates and Playgroups: Children need to interact with other children in all their languages to learn and boost confidence. As well as being fun, it can encourage reluctant speakers to play with other children in their same language situation. You can see if there’s a playgroup near you, or set up a playdate with a family that shares your languages.
Classes and Clubs: In larger towns and cities you might find sports clubs or special interest groups like Scouts in different languages. Look out for classes where children can learn languages while taking part in some of their favourite activities, such as music, dance, art and theatre. Ballet in Spanish? A Chinese cooking class in Mandarin?
Festivals, Fairs and Cultural Events: Many towns have vibrant multicultural festivals, where you can hear and speak different languages, enjoy cultural performances and try food from various places. Maybe your town celebrates Chinese New Year, or El Dia de los Muertos?
Language Classes: You and your children can enrol in language classes. Many teachers not only teach the language but also share cultural stories and traditions, enriching the learning experience. It is also a great way to make friends with people in the same situation. You could even find families for language exchanges and spend time talking and learning in each language.
Take a moment to think about your community. Do you have a network of friends and neighbours who support your bilingual goals? Are you a member of any local groups? Have you found any online forums for support? Is there an opportunity to get involved with your child’s school to promote languages? Have you checked for upcoming events close to you?
DIY Community – Create Your Own Bilingual Group!
If you find that there are no existing groups or communities to support your bilingual goals, don’t worry—you can create your own! Starting a group can be a fulfilling way to connect with other families and foster a sense of community. Take inspiration from Joanna, who set up a multilingual centre in Berlin. I recently interviewed her, and she shared how she began by reaching out to other Polish speaking parents. The group started small but quickly grew as word spread. Now, they meet regularly for playdates, cultural celebrations, and language learning activities. Joanna’s initiative has not only helped her children maintain their Polish heritage but has also built a supportive network of friends who share similar language goals.
10 Tips for Parents Looking to Connect with a Bilingual Community
- Attend Local Events: Look for multicultural festivals, story hours, and language specific workshops in your area.
- Join Online Groups: Find Facebook groups or online forums focused on raising bilingual children. These can be invaluable sources of support and advice.
- Network at School: Get involved with your child’s school and connect with other parents who share your bilingual goals.
- Visit Cultural Centres: Participate in activities and events at local cultural centres that celebrate different languages and cultures.
- Organise Playdates: Arrange playdates with other bilingual families to create informal language practice opportunities.
- Explore Libraries: Take advantage of bilingual programmes and resources offered by local libraries.
- Set Up Language Exchanges: Pair up with another family for regular language exchange sessions.
- Engage in Community Activities: Enrol your child in clubs, music, dance, or cooking classes conducted in your target languages.
- Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with other bilingual families and share experiences.
- Create Your Own Group: If you can’t find an existing community, start your own! Organise meetups and activities for like minded families.
Start Today!
Join a local or online bilingual community today to enhance your child’s language learning journey, share your experiences, and gain valuable support from like minded families. Take that step to put an event or meet-up on your calendar, and start building your bilingual network!
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