Family Language Learning: Learn Another Language, Raise Bilingual Children (Parents' and Teachers' Guides, 19) - Softcover

Jernigan, Christine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1783092793 ISBN 13: 9781783092796

Publisher: Multilingual Matters, 2015

Synopsis

Family Language Learning is a practical guide designed to support, advise and encourage any parents who are hoping to raise their children bilingually. It is unique in that it focuses on parents who are not native speakers of a foreign language. It gives parents the tools they need to cultivate and nurture their own language skills while giving their children an opportunity to learn another language. The book combines cutting-edge research on language exposure with honest and often humorous stories from personal interviews with families speaking a foreign language at home. By dispelling long-held myths about how language is learned, it provides hope to parents who want to give their children bilingual childhoods, but feel they don’t know where to start with learning a foreign language.

About this title

About the Author

Christine Jernigan instructs foreign language teachers at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and is a language coach for parents who want to raise bilingual children. She holds a PhD in foreign language education, and her main research interests include motivation, expectation and authenticity in the language classroom. She has contributed to the book Raising Children Bilingually in the US and to The Bilingual Family Newsletter. Her own children speak English and Portuguese. Visit her YouTube channel for videos on several of the chapter topics: www.youtube.com/user/getbilingual..

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Family Language Learning

Learn Another Language, Raise Bilingual Children

By Christine Jernigan

Multilingual Matters

Copyright © 2015 Christine Jernigan
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-78309-279-6

Contents

Acknowledgements, 
Preface, 
Introduction, 
How to Use This Book, 
1 There is a Free Lunch! Bilingual Benefits the Easy Way, 
2 Forget the Unicorn: Why 'Non-Native' is Just Fine, 
3 Start Small, Start Now: Choosing a Language and Moving Forward, 
4 Be Your Favorite Teacher: Learn What You Want, When You Want It, 
5 Many Methods: Flexible Approaches to Fit Your Lifestyle, 
6 Marketing Strategies: Finding New Ways to Increase Motivation, 
7 Talk Talk Talk: Strategies for When to Talk and What to Talk About, 
8 The Play's the Thing: Fun and Simple Resources, 
9 Right to Read: Growing Kids' Independence Through Books, 
10 Delight to Write: Sharing Ways to Create and Tell, 
11 Take Off! Finding Ways to Actually Go There, 
12 Meeting Challenges: Skillfully Riding the Ups and Downs, 
Parting Words, 
References, 
About the Author, 
Index, 

CHAPTER 1

There is a Free Lunch! Bilingual Benefits the Easy Way

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

Charlemagne (quoted in Kaplan, 2010)

You probably already know some of the benefits of bilingualism. In your enthusiasm, you might even be tempted to skip ahead to Chapter 2. This chapter, though, describes research that might surprise you. And it'll keep you motivated.

What Are You Doing?

I'm going to take a guess and say you probably have very good reasons for your choices in life. But when it comes to raising children, it can be difficult to describe those reasons, especially when your mother-in-law asks for details. So we'll list the top five reasons why language exposure is good for children and adults. This will help you explain your language plan to curious strangers, friends and extended family.

Free Lunch

Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist and author of The Language Instinct, says of bilingualism, 'One free lunch in the world is to learn another language in early childhood' (Pinker, 1995: 22). We'll use this idea of a 'free lunch' as an acronym for the benefits of a second language:

L Language advantages. Even in the first language!

U Understanding others. Others who speak the L2, and others who are different in other ways.

N New ways of thinking. A variety of ways to solve problems.

C Connections, codes and character. Higher self-esteem through stronger family connections.

H Healthy brains. Handles multitasking, stays more focused and makes better decisions.

Language advantages

Children exposed to a second language have an edge when it comes to language, even their first language. And that's not just for full fluency. Even a little foreign language helps. Developmental pediatrician Dr Naomi Steiner writes,

One study found that children who knew just a little Italian in addition to their native English had a greater understanding of words and more enhanced reading skills than their peers who spoke only in English. ... Children gain cognitive and academic benefits even from just a little exposure to a second language. (Steiner, 2008: 19)

Enhanced first language vocabulary

Some parents worry their kids will be confused by having vocabulary in more than one language. Colin Baker, in A Parents' and Teachers' Guide to Bilingualism (2007), found that bilinguals were actually better at using new vocabulary, even in their first language. He found that by knowing there were two words for everything, children paid more attention to word meanings and tended to use even their first language words more accurately.

Essentially, an L2 gives children a built-in point of comparison. Li Wei of the International Journal of Bilingualism says that these comparisons help children understand the universals of language. They see how pliable language can be. This helps them pick up on meanings that a monolingual child would miss (Li Wei in Lauchlan et al., 2013). Carey Myles writes,

Bilingual children often demonstrate a greater sensitivity to subtle differences in meaning than monolingual children of the same age, perhaps as a result of their more sophisticated ability to analyze the nuances of word choice and grammar. They are more skilled at interpreting and manipulating grammar to communicate clearly. (Myles, 2003: 62)

Language awareness

Part of the sophistication gained when a child experiences other languages involves an early awareness of language itself. Researchers in second language acquisition call it 'metalinguistic awareness'. It is basically what makes you laugh when you hear the pun: 'Two cannibals were eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"' (Upegui, 2008).

Barbara Zurer Pearson, professor of linguistics and communication disorders, says bilinguals' heightened awareness comes from having to choose between languages many times a day. 'They develop a greater awareness of the language and are better at establishing this abstract connection between letters and sounds' (Pearson, 2008: 16).

This more mature connection between letters and sounds means bilinguals understand that words are collections of symbols – representations of things, but not the things themselves. Baker puts it this way:

A bilingual child is ... more aware of the arbitrary nature of language. [This] free[s] the child from constraints of a single language, enabling the child to see that ideas, concepts, meanings and thoughts are separate from language itself. (Baker, 2000: 67)

This awareness gives them an edge when manipulating these symbols to express ideas. They end up with more diverse vocabulary and tend to be superior writers. A study in Science Daily (2012) found 'a marked difference in the level of detail and richness in description from the bilingual pupils'.

Fascinating research with bilinguals has also shown that since they don't get caught up in the literal meaning of words, they can think 'outside the box'. For example, in one battery of tests given to monolinguals and bilinguals, researchers presented a water bottle and asked about different ways it could be used. 'Instead of stopping at "put water in it", bilingual children had more creative answers like, "filling it with sand and making a paperweight"' (King & Mackey, 2007: 4).

Stronger readers

A wealth of research indicates that bilinguals' heightened awareness of language as symbols makes reading easier and increases the speed of reading. (See p. 125, 'Bilinguals have an advantage'.) Ellen Bialystok (2002), a Canadian psychologist specializing in literacy and bilingualism, found that on reading tests, bilingual children learned twice as quickly to recognize words without the help of pictures. She says they learn more quickly that the written letters on the page carry meaning. From there, bilinguals score higher on word recognition and general reading tests.

More languages

Children who are exposed to one foreign language tend to do well in other foreign languages. Since they are accustomed to hearing unfamiliar sounds, they try harder than monolingual children to decipher languages they hear. Michael Erard, psycholinguist and author of Babel No More, writes 'There is no theoretical limit to the number of languages one could learn' (Erard in Okrent, 2013). The limitations are only those placed on our expectations.

One mother who speaks French to her daughter tells me how easily her daughter picks up languages from those around her.

When Mary Kate was almost three years old, a Spanish-speaking two-year-old girl came to visit us. ... Soon after this girl's arrival, Mary Kate was saying, 'Cuidado!' [Careful!] and 'Ven aquí!' [Come here!]. I think her experience with French helped her to realize that other people speak other languages and that it's not weird, and it somehow predisposed her to picking up foreign phrases quickly, even if they weren't French. (J.F., interview)

Understanding others

Recent research indicates children with more than one language are better at understanding other people. This starts with their listening skills. Since bilinguals can literally listen in two languages, they always have to choose the correct language to listen in. This constant monitoring is thought to help them listen better and pay more attention. Baker writes that bilinguals are 'more aware of what is going on beneath, above and inside the language', making them 'more in harmony with the needs of the listener in conveying meaning sympathetically' (Baker, 2000: 67).

This openness to others extends beyond children's immediate family and friends. Children who learn another language are constantly confronted with different language forms. This makes them less judgmental and more open-minded to other people's differences. The author of Catching Tongues said this perspective can be wide reaching:

As parents, I believe we have a duty to raise our children to be citizens who will ensure that racist, xenophobic ideas are not tolerated in our society, and learning a second language is one way to help our children down this path. (Gibson, 2011: 21)

One father who speaks his second language, English, to his son writes '[One] thing which influenced my decision [to teach my son a second language] was [that] if you are bilingual, you are more of a world citizen and not a nationalist' (K.N., interview).

Raising world citizens means your kids will do better socially They pay attention to the language they use and are more in tune to the needs of others. Kendall King and Alison Mackey, authors of The Bilingual Edge, work with children in school language programs. They say,

These children are more likely to make friends from other language and culture groups, both within their school language programs and beyond. Importantly, they also have fewer negative stereotypes about other groups. (King & Mackey, 2007: 8)

Resources lead to understanding

Children with an L2 are exposed to resources that foster greater understanding of other people and their cultures. The new buzzword in preschool and elementary schools is 'empathy building'. Researchers and educators have realized that children are more empathetic if they read books or watch videos about other cultures. They become familiar with a variety of lifestyles, lessening the judgment and fear that come with the unknown.

Interpretation and receiving correction

Bilingual children tend to make more friends and work better with parents, teammates and strangers. Studies show that's because children who know more than one language understand language subtleties and social indicators more easily than monolinguals. This understanding gives them a social edge when interpreting how someone else feels. For example, is the teacher really mad at me, or just feeling frustrated? Does the boy sitting beside me feel sad, or is he just concentrating on something?

Studies also find that bilingual children respond more positively to correction and guidance from others (Ben-Zeev, 1977). For example, bilingual children on the soccer field can more readily see their coach's point of view and accept pointers on improving their play. Bilingual children more easily modify their behavior in the classroom setting, instead of getting upset at their teacher's comments.

Understood by others

Not only do bilinguals more easily understand others, they can also do well at being understood by others. Studies on bilingual children indicate that they can better organize and formulate their ideas before speaking. This means their friends and teachers more easily understand them. It also means their parents more easily pick up their thoughts and feelings.

Kids raised around two languages show more interdependence than monolingual kids. This ability to depend on others makes it easier for them to connect with other children and with adults.

Attention and connection

You will see at first-hand how an L2 brings you and your child to the attention of others. As a parent, capitalize on this extra attention. When you see other people watching you speak the L2, smile and make eye contact to encourage their questions. You serve as a model for your children to be open to meeting other people. Meeting other parents interested in an L2 can help you feel more supported in reaching your goals. You might also encounter other people who speak your L2, opening up new avenues to practice and learn.

Below are journal entries from when my daughter was one, two and four years old.

New ways of thinking

A different language is a different vision of life.

Federico Fellini, Oscar-winning film director (quoted in Dubey, 2013)

As far back as the 1960s and '70s, research showed that children with an L2 have greater flexibility of thought. Instead of being tied down to one way of sharing ideas, their brains have an openness to alternative routes of expression, called 'mental flexibility':

Mental flexibility ... helps them be more creative and come at problem solving in new ways. This higher level of imaginative ability stems from the constant negotiation of which name to call which object. Bilinguals less often get stuck on ... 'the boundaries of words' and can therefore 'establish a wider variety of connections and meanings. (Baker, 2000: 67)

With fewer boundaries on their thoughts, children are free to be more creative. Pioneer language researcher Wallace Lambert showed that bilinguals reflect a 'richer imagination and an ability to quickly process a multitude of possible solutions' (Lambert, 1977: 16). Researchers since then have agreed that this advantage means children excel academically: 'bilinguals outperform similar monolingual peers on both verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence and tend to achieve higher scores on standardized tests' (Marcos, 1998).

Dr Greg Yelland, coauthor of the article 'The metalinguistic benefits of limited contact with a second language', writes 'Even "marginal bilinguals" show more facility than monolinguals with general "working things out" skills' (Yelland in Steiner, 2008: 22). He argues these honed skills mean children score higher in the verbal parts of standardized tests, and on the math. They also have higher IQs and are better at memorizing.

Field independence

The ability to see general patterns, as well as their component parts, is called 'field independence'. Adults tend to have more of this than children. Have you ever wondered why your child gets bogged down in details instead of seeing the big picture? That is because children take years to develop field independence. Bilingual children, however, tend to be more field independent than non-bilinguals (Te Kete Ipurangi Ministry of Education, 2012). This gives them several advantages. Studies show they have higher science and reasoning skills (Martin, 2011: 234). They more easily retain academic information, work well with less direct instruction and solve problems more effectively.

Connection, codes and character

Sharing an L2 at home means parents and children have a code language. It is a code in that parent and child understand what is being said, but onlookers do not. Sharing a language that others do not enter into makes for a special connection that leads to more open communication, a closer relationship and higher self-esteem for children and parents. Let's examine each of these specifically.

The language connection

Even in your first language, you speak different versions of the language depending on who you're talking to. You speak more formally when talking to an elderly stranger, using 'yes' or even 'yes, ma'am' instead of 'yeah'. If you suddenly started talking to your best friend the way you speak to an elderly stranger, she'd feel confused – maybe even offended – at how stilted you were. That's because language also represents the kind of relationship you have with someone. Now imagine speaking an L2 with your child. The L2 builds an even stronger bond because it is so different from the way others around you speak.

I'll share a striking example from a family I interviewed. The father, Ralf, has spoken German for years to his daughter, Sara, now five years old. Ralf is German, but is married to an American and lives with his family in the United States. Ralf was trying to become an American citizen. After much preparation and waiting, he was finally awarded his US citizenship. The day he came home from the awards ceremony, he started speaking to Sara in English, instead of their usual German. He was just joking around when he said 'Okay, no more speaking German with Daddy, Sara. I'm American now!' (R.D., interview). To his surprise, she burst into tears. He had to console her for some time – in German! – assuring her again and again that he was making a joke and that, of course, they would keep speaking German together. Even at a young age, Sara tied the German language to her relationship with her father. To abruptly stop speaking German would mean cutting a cord they'd had since she was old enough to talk.

The bond of extra time

Parents say the relationship with their children is greatly enriched because of the extra time they spend with them sharing the L2. I've found this to be true in my life, as well. (See p. 27, 'Relationships'.) The L2 has encouraged me to continually communicate with my children. This entry was taken from my journal when they were nearly four and six:

I've found another advantage to raising the kids bilingual is that it pushes me to spend time with them, talking to them, not just doing around-the-house chores in silence and such. I get a reminder that I haven't been vocal with them ... [when] they struggle to find the word in Portuguese. ... Playing Uno and Go Fish has helped a lot. ... I think every mom struggles with ... rarely get[ing] down on the floor to play because there are always bills to pay or phone calls to be returned or beds to make. (journal, 1/26/2007)

Other parents had similar experiences. They reported that being aware of speaking an L2 made them talk to their children more. This mom speaks French with her infant:

On a related subject, I can't remember if I told you that I really feel I do a better job teaching my infant French instead of English. I talk more often if I am speaking French, because I am conscious of teaching a language. (F.T., email interview)

Code language

Imagine having a code language with your child to express all the things you don't want others to hear. For me, it was great to be able to correct my kids without other people understanding. I love this journal entry from when my daughter was four and very stubborn about apologizing.

Think back to times in your childhood when your parents corrected you in public. It may have been because you did something that embarrassed them: you made a rude comment that other people overheard, or you asked a loud, personal question about a stranger. Parents say it's much easier when no one can understand the embarrassing things kids say. One mom states,

And sometimes Mary Kate says things inappropriate about people and you can explain in French. Once she was in a restroom and a lady passed gas and Mary Kate said, 'She farted Mommy!' [but] in French. (J.F., interview)

In this case, the code language helped not only the mother, but also the stranger to not feel embarrassed. I've had many such situations, one when my daughter was just two:

This morning ... we were at the mall and Sydney saw a woman who was overweight with bushy black hair going everywhere. She yelled out and pointed at the woman saying, 'Bruxa!' [Witch!] (journal, 11/4/2004)

Of course, parents still have to explain to children why these comments are rude or hurtful, but since no one actually gets hurt in the moment, the intensity is dialed down.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Family Language Learning by Christine Jernigan. Copyright © 2015 Christine Jernigan. Excerpted by permission of Multilingual Matters.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: Multilingual Matters
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1783092793
• ISBN 13: 9781783092796
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216