To have another language is to possess a second soul.
Living abroad offers many exciting opportunities and experiences for families. However, maintaining a connection to your heritage is crucial amidst the new culture and language. One of the most effective ways to do this is by teaching your children their mother tongue. Here are five compelling reasons why you should prioritize this as expats:
Your mother tongue is a key component of your cultural heritage. By teaching it to your children, you ensure they remain connected to their roots. This connection helps them understand their family’s history, traditions, and values, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging even when they are far from their homeland. It can gift them a deep and enduring link to their cultural origins, enriching their lives in profound and meaningful ways.
Research has shown that bilingualism offers numerous cognitive benefits. Children who learn and speak multiple languages often exhibit better problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and improved memory. Learning their mother tongue alongside the local language can give your children a cognitive edge and greater mental flexibility.
Language is a powerful tool for communication and connection within a family. Teaching your children your mother tongue can strengthen family bonds by allowing them to communicate more effectively with extended family members who may not speak the local language. It also helps them appreciate family stories, folklore, and customs, enriching their overall familial experience.
In our increasingly globalized world, being multilingual is a valuable asset. Proficiency in your mother tongue can open up additional academic and career opportunities for your children. It makes them more competitive in the job market and can lead to unique experiences and connections that monolingual individuals might miss out on.
Being able to speak their mother tongue can help your children feel more confident and secure in their identity. It allows them to form meaningful connections with others who share the same cultural background, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing their social and emotional well-being. This sense of belonging is particularly important for expat children who may feel like outsiders in a new country.
Teaching your children their mother tongue as expats is an invaluable gift that extends beyond mere communication. It enriches their cognitive development, strengthens family ties, and prepares them for a successful future in a globalized world. Most importantly, it ensures that they carry a piece of their homeland with
them, no matter where life takes them.
WonderBee is an online language learning platform
that is precisely designed for students to have proficiency in Malayalam.