What does this mean parents trying to encourage bilingual or multilingual language acquisition?
• Don’t be discouraged by interference, especially if it seems to indicate the weaker language is suffering. This seems to be a stage of language acquisition which is to be expected and which will develop into a fuller and more adequate distinction between languages in its own good time. All language acquisition will produce grammar which is not the correct target grammar, but this is still language acquisition and demonstrates that the child is trying to make sense of the language by applying, testing, and sometimes then dismissing rules. • Encourage the weaker language by all means • Try and only respond to utterances which are at least partly in the weaker language • Use the weaker language in a variety of contexts and with fun and interactivity • Connect it with positive emotions and experiences If this is ensured, initial interference from the stronger language will eventually subside and the child will be able to use both languages effectively. Written by Steffi, a voluntary sect
