Young children find it very easy to imitate the sounds of a language. Introducing them to a foreign language early, through play, can give them a sharper ear and a lasting curiosity about other cultures. The key thing: it must stay fun.
Play rather than teach
At this age, children do not learn lists of words: they play. Nursery rhymes, songs, finger games, riddles, hide-and-seek while counting in another language… Children remember the things they experience with emotion.
Stories and books
Simple picture books, read aloud, are ideal. It does not matter if your pronunciation is not perfect: you can also use audiobooks or videos narrated by native speakers.
A short, regular moment
Ten minutes every day is better than an hour on Sunday. Create a little ritual: a song at bath time, a story in the evening, colours on the journey. Regular practice is the key, just as it is for adults (see our tips on motivation).
If the language is spoken at home
In a bilingual family, each parent can speak their own language to the child. Sometimes a child answers in the dominant language for a while: this is normal, they are still understanding and learning.
No pressure, no non-stop screens
Avoid testing or correcting all the time: the child should link the language with something pleasant. Cartoons in a foreign language can help, but nothing replaces interaction with an adult who talks, sings and plays with them.
And later on?
In the teenage years, culture (music, series, video games) often becomes the best driving force. And for exams such as the DELF (a French language diploma) or the Cambridge English exams, our tips on preparing for a language exam also apply to older children.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should a child start a foreign language?
You can start very early, through games and songs. But it is never too late: teenagers and adults also learn very well.
Do I need to speak the language perfectly to teach it to my child?
No. Audiobooks, songs and videos by native speakers go very well with your own reading.
My child mixes up the two languages. Is that a problem?
No, it is a normal stage of bilingualism. Things sort themselves out over time.
Learning your partner's language
On the Passerelle, these tips serve a clear purpose: to better understand a supplier, a customer or a colleague in Vietnam, China, Thailand or France. A few phrases in their language build trust; for everything else, keep your writing simple: see writing to a foreign partner.
General advice, written for the Parlons Langues project and republished here by its author.
Originally published on Parlons langue.