OPOL: One Parent One Language
When parents speak two different languages, they can each speak to the child exclusively in their own language. (This is usually their native language, but does not have to be!)
They will then choose which language to speak together as a family.
This takes some effort on the part of the parents to stick with their languages, but it’s worth it!
Domains of Use
This method, also called “Time & Place,” is when families in which both parents are multilingual choose a time and place to speak each language.
For a family living in the U.S., in which both parents also speak Spanish and French, it might look like this: they speak English outside of the home, Spanish at home during the week, and French at home on the weekends and on vacation.
Minority Language at Home
The majority language is the predominant language spoken in the child’s community: the language they hear at a supermarket, on the playground, and unless they’re in a bilingual or language immersion class, it is the language they will speak at school.
Families who speak a different language might choose to speak the minority language at home and within their family at all times. For example, “We speak Mandarin as a family.”
Utilizing Outside Resources
What if neither parent speaks the language their child is learning?
These families might utilize resources like language immersion schools and extracurricular classes, native language babysitters and playgroups, and playdates with families who speak the target language.
Parents and children can learn a new language together, and make it a fun activity to do as a family!
Going with the Flow
Some families, in which everyone is bilingual, choose to switch between languages without any structure or plan, going back and forth when they feel like it!
This strategy can work well, as long as the minority language is getting plenty of use.
Remember…
The most important thing is to prioritize the use of the minority language within the home and family circle. Children will get plenty of exposure to the majority language in their wider community, especially once they start school.
It’s not necessary to speak to a child in the majority language in preparation for starting school, even if they are not exposed to it at home – they will pick it up quickly from their environment!
Whichever strategy you choose, remember that the goal is to support the use of the minority language.
Children will get plenty of majority language input from their outside community!
