Some bilingual or multilingual families living abroad choose to speak the majority language at home, while others strive to maintain both parents’ native languages. However, knowing and using more than one language is not only beneficial for brain function but also for social relationships: a child speaking Lithuanian with grandparents or other relatives, even while living abroad, can establish and maintain deeper connections. Kotryna, a teacher of Lithuanian at Queen Morta School, shares insights on how to help children learn Lithuanian, why it’s important for those living outside of Lithuania, and when the best time is to introduce children to their parents’ native languages.
How do children learn languages, and why is it useful to know more than one language?
Language proficiency is much more than just fluent communication with others who speak the same language; it is also the best way to understand a country’s culture, the people’s mindset, and to build authentic, deep relationships with the environment. Both children and adults learn languages best when they create a living connection with the language. Textbooks and simply watching videos in the language are the slowest ways of learning. A person is a social being, and the best way to learn a language is through talking, playing, watching something together, and later discussing what was seen. In this way, learning is linked to the fundamental human need to create a connection with others, resulting in the best outcomes.
When is it best to introduce a child living abroad to Lithuanian—when they already speak the majority language, or earlier? Why?
If parents want Lithuanian to be the child’s native language, it is essential to speak Lithuanian with them from the very first days of life. A child must hear Lithuanian daily and as much as possible. It is clear that even if a child constantly hears Lithuanian at home, this alone is not enough to develop a rich vocabulary; it is necessary to read in Lithuanian, listen to programs, fairy tales, and watch TV shows in Lithuanian. It’s never too late to start learning a language, but studies show that starting from a young age yields better results.
Does knowing a second language slow down the development of the first language? Do bilingual children start speaking later?
It may be that bilingual children start speaking a bit later. Sometimes, when evaluating one language’s vocabulary, it may seem that a child’s language is poorer, so it’s important to evaluate the vocabulary in all of the child’s languages and their ability to construct sentences and express thoughts in multiple languages. I’m confident that when we evaluate bilingual children, we will see that their expression is richer than that of children who speak only one language.
Why is it important for children living abroad to know and speak their parents’ native languages and learn about the culture and traditions?
This is crucial for the development of a person’s identity and for strengthening a child’s self-awareness of who they are. A Lithuanian living abroad may feel that they are not entirely the same as a native of the host country. Over time, this can lead to a sense of inferiority, feeling that something is missing. However, by learning their parents’ native languages, culture, and traditions, a child will understand that they are complete and even richer, having more experiences. This will open more opportunities for them in life, which I think is very important for a happy person—to have the freedom to choose where and what to do in life. All investments in learning Lithuanian will open up more opportunities in the future.
How should children be taught Lithuanian while living abroad? Should the attention given to the minority language (e.g., Lithuanian) differ when only one parent speaks Lithuanian versus when both do?
In the early years of life, sing songs, play finger games, recite poems, and read picture books in Lithuanian. With older children, it’s important to discuss and argue why and when we speak Lithuanian and how many and which books we read. I highly recommend reading aloud in Lithuanian to children for as long as possible, at least until the age of 10, even when the child is already a good reader. Reading together encourages discussions, creates a sense of security, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond.
Of course, when only one parent speaks Lithuanian, it is more challenging to ensure the child speaks Lithuanian, and this is a great responsibility for the parent who represents the language. I suggest involving a larger support network, looking for Lithuanian-speaking friends, attending camps in Lithuania, joining online Lithuanian language schools, and involving Lithuanian-speaking grandparents in activities with the child, such as weekly calls to listen to stories or fairy tales. The key is not to give up. I can imagine that it can frustrate the child when it is easier for them to express themselves in another language, and parents insist they speak Lithuanian. It’s important to react empathetically but still patiently explain the benefits of learning Lithuanian, which the child will eventually feel.