Comments on: Relationships in Any Language

By: Anke

Anke — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:02:26 +0000

Very interesting indeed! I actually experienced something similar with my little daughter: how language is mixed with feelings. Let me explain:
I am German, my husband is Spanish and we live in the UK. Hubby and I speak Spanish to one another. When my daughter was first born, we thought three languages were too much, and decided we would both speak Spanish to her, as she would pick up English at nursery.
This was fine at first. When I found more inormation on multilingualism, though, we decided to try for me to speak only German to my daughter . I switched from Spanish to German when she was 4 months old. I felt sooo weird at first, words wouldn’t come out right, I hadn’t spoken German for a long time…
Looking back, I am so glad I am speaking German to her!!! It feels very natural now, as I sing, talk and read to her, and she is learning her first words (in all three languages). I now realise that my post-natal depression may have been due in part to me not feeling fully in my own skin.
I don’t want to discourage parents who communicate with their children in languages they have learnt later in life – but for me, I am so glad I switched!

By: AnaGloria Rodriguez

AnaGloria Rodriguez — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:57 +0000

Interesting read. Even though my siblings and cousins are all bilingual, we communicate in English. However, this last visit with familia I made an effort to speak Spanish with the Spanish speakers especially when my children were present.
However, I also had to switch to English when there were monolinguals present, yet I only speak Spanish to my kiddos directly.
My kiddos are 5 &3 and I have noticed that when they’re with me, they mostly speak Spanish, but if their father is around then they speak more English. It’s interesting to me too that when they play with their “Cars” and “Toy Story” toys they play in English (because we’ve seen the movies in English).
This language learning journey is so fascinating. Thank you for sharing, Kim, glad your kiddos are talking!

By: Ana Lilian

Ana Lilian — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:45:23 +0000

Great reflection on how languages are part of our relationships. I’ve always pondered that I would have a such a difficult time if I lived in Spanish-speaking country and had to switch to speaking just English to my daughter. I always think I couldn’t do it.
But then I read these stories and I’m reminded of the huge sacrifices parents make for their children and I sit back in awe and admiration

By: Keen

Keen — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:44:11 +0000

Smashedpea–that is so adorable! I’m definitely finding the subject fascinating and wonder what the future holds. Also, I love visits from their minority language grandmother! Granted, she happens to be my mother, but boy, it sure does wonders for their Spanish.

By: smashedpea

smashedpea — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:20:26 +0000

Hi Kimberly,

thanks for sharing – this is a topic close to my heart as well (sibling language). My kids (3 and 5) used to speak mainly English to each other when my eldest spoke both languages and the little one mixed like crazy. After a visit this summer from the minority language grandmother, the little one has switched to using the minority language with everyone, including those whom he knows don’t speak it, and also his sister. She found this hilarious at first and has been indulging him, as long as he addresses her in it first or it’s only the three of us, or she is trying to impress me. Otherwise she speaks English with him.

I find these changes quite interesting, although I assume that in the long run, they will be speaking English to each other again. But I guess we’ll see – maybe they’ll be like you and your brother and switch at some point later