Multilingual parenting: supports for multicultural families in Ireland
Parenting is undoubtedly demanding and finding appropriate supports when multilingual parents need them can be difficult.
Arts-Based Approaches in Heritage Language Education in Ireland
This month, we will learn more about Heritage Language Schools in Ireland through a presentation by two of our members, the Gymnasium and the Hungarian Irish Theatre Project, to best…
The Experience of Community Heritage Language Education in Ireland
This month, we will learn more about Heritage Language Schools in Ireland through a presentation by one of our members, Evan Furlong from Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese, to best…
Living with multiple languages: choosing a strategy for your family
You have met families who swear by the One Parent One Language (OPOL) strategy, and others who only speak the minority language at home, others who speak a specific language only some of the time, and you are now wondering who is doing it right.
Non native speakers can raise bilingual children
Did you know that many of the world’s English language users are not native speakers of English? For so many years language learners have strived to become “like a native speaker”, with flawless grammar and pronunciation.
Why do you want to raise a bilingual child?
For many parents the first stumbling block is at the very start… is bilingualism a good idea? Is it common? Will my child grow up to feel different from everyone else?
A language plan for families with a new baby – Step 2
Think about the main carers in your child’s life. What language does each one speak? How often? For what purpose? Is each carer going to address the child in one language, or in more than one? Which language(s) will be used when the main carers are together?
A language plan for families with a new baby – Step 1
Many articles you find around the internet will tell you that there are two or three successful techniques for achieving success when raising children through multiple languages or trying to keep up skills in a minority language.
Reading and writing in two languages
Bilingual children can become biliterate if they have access to literacy instruction in both languages. Biliteracy or dual literacy refers to the ability to read and write in two languages.
Role play boosts language skills and confidence
Taking roles is a fun activity that uses children’s incredible imagination and creativity, while supporting their development of language and communication as well as problem-solving skills.