Any parents who aren’t American and speak another language ?

Question

Anyone with a child who aren’t American and speak another language, do you try to teach your child that language ? Do you do it by just speaking to them or with actual books or having them take a class ?
I’m East African and expecting. I really want my baby to speak and understand my language. I think it’s a shame when we visit homeland and they don’t know anything. I am looking to buy some kids books, and just talking to them in my language. There isn’t really a class as it’s not popular in the U.S. 
Would appreciate any suggestions

Answer

The recommended approach to raising bilingual kids is "one parent, one language." So you should always speak to your children in your mother tongue and your partner should always speak to them in English. If your family can send books or DVDs in your language, that can help too.

Answer

I speak only Spanish to my kids at home , they learn English in school and have no problem or accent .

Answer

I was born in the US but my parents immersed me in the Greek culture so much, Greek was my first language and when I started speaking English around 4 or 5, I had a cute accent (which is long gone). I plan on having Greek baby books, music, and cartoons for my baby so she has a similar experience, even more important this time because daddy is not Greek! You can do it!!

Answer

In one of our friend couples, mom only speaks Spanish to their daughter, and dad speaks mostly English. Their daughter is fully bilingual and can communicate with family here and in Columbia when they go visit every summer. It's definitely worked out for their family and quite honestly, I'm jealous that I'm not fluent in a second language.

Answer

I learnt my native to tongue by having my family speak it to me. And as i got older made continuous references. Your child will pick it up for sure just be continuous about it.

Answer

I'm not a parent who is bilingual, but I have read that if you speak and read to your child in both languages then they will learn both. It may take the child longer to master either one because they're learning twice the language, but ultimately they will learn both and be bilingual. Starting as early as possible will definitely be a huge advantage because the language center of the brain is developing a lot when they are young! Good luck and I'm sure you'll do great!

Any parents who aren’t American and speak another language ?

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