Speak, Read and Write: Can we achieve proficiency in Multiple Languages?

 

In the multilingual countries like India, speaking multiple languages is very common. School system also encourages learning of at least two languages from the very beginning. Many times, children find it difficult to learn many languages simultaneously. Child becomes proficient in one of the languages, while other languages take a back seat. Is this really necessary? Can children achieve proficiency in two or more languages?

Well, if the introduction of various languages is spaced correctly, then it is possible to achieve proficiency in multiple languages. What do I mean by ‘spaced correctly’? Let’s consider an example to understand the problem. Suppose, a child is introduced two languages, say English and Marathi, at the same time. When one is just beginning to learn the first sounds in both the languages and relate those sounds to letter symbols, the confusion is inevitable. For the same /u/ sound, there are now two symbols in child’s mind: English letter U and Marathi letter अ.

How do we avoid such confusion? We can introduce language in sequential manner. Once the child achieves a certain level of proficiency in one of the languages, start with the second language. For instance, if English is introduced first then it might be good idea to wait till the child masters all the basic sounds and is able to read simple CVC words. If the second language is introduced at this point, then child is less likely to get confused. The ‘correct spacing’ may differ with child. And as parents, we are in the better position (as compared to teachers) to understand the amount of spacing required. Along with spacing, some fun activities can keep the interest alive.

  

At the same time, we need to continue speaking in all the languages that the child is likely to learn eventually. The speaking improves vocabulary. Once the child understands letter symbols, it is not difficult to read and write words that child already knows. 😀