Raising a child is already quite a task, but doing it with multiple languages is a completely different animal. It can be a sizable challenge. Especially if you are the only speaker of the minority language on a regular day, you need all the help you can get. A family can provide a tremendous support network to help expose children to the minority language. Also, different family members can help provide exposure to a broader variety of language.
Different speakers of a language = more diverse language input
For example, when my cousin was visiting last year, I overheard her talking to Ella. She used a word in the conversation that I would never actively use. Being from a different part of Germany, she used the word “Obacht!” whereas I would always say “Achtung!” (both mean ‘attention’). The point here is: different speakers do not only expose a child to the language but they also bring along exposure to a broader variety of the language. They may use different words, expressions, sentence structures or even speak a different dialect.
Keeping up traditions and cultural heritage
Family members can also be a great help in keeping up cultural traditions. For example, in Germany we celebrate St. Nikolaus Day on December 6. In the United States hardly anybody knows that tradition. So on December 5th, children in Germany place a boot or plate outside their door. According to the legend, St. Nikolaus comes in the middle of the night on a donkey or a horse and fills the boot or plate with treats (chocolate, oranges, nuts, or toys) for good children. Kids who were naughty will supposedly get in trouble with Nikolaus’ alter ego, ‘Knecht Ruprecht.’ We have been following this tradition and Ella places her Nikolausteller (plate) outside on December 5.
Having my sister and mom follow up with Ella on December 6 if Nikolaus had left her treats has been very helpful. It simply provides value and credibility to a tradition that may not be common to children in the majority culture.
But what if your family lives abroad?
If your family lives abroad, it helps a lot to Skype or FaceTime on a regular basis. We have been using Skype and Facetime to keep in touch with family in Germany. We talk to my parents and sister at least twice a week. Sometimes, we even put the laptop on the dining room table so Oma in Germany can join us for breakfast or lunch. I feel that the frequent video calls have not only exposed Ella to the minority language but they have also helped to keep her connected with her aunt and grandparents. Last year, for instance, Ella had not seen her Oma in person for nearly six months. But due to regular FaceTime calls, she knew exactly who that woman was that came down the long walkway at the airport two weeks before Christmas.
Do you use other means to involve family? If so, please share and leave a comment! Many thanks!
