How Do I Help My Child With CI Learn More Than One Language?

Multilingualism is a valuable skill for children with cochlear implants who belong to families that speak more than one language or are part of a societal or educational setting where multiple languages are present. With the current exposure to the internet, education in languages other than the majority language, societal needs, and changing family dynamics, more families are opting for multilingualism. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of multilingualism/bilingualism and how you can help your child with a CI learn more than one language.

Benefits of Multilingualism

Multilingualism offers several benefits, including:

• Enriching cognitive skills
• Enhancing phonological skills
• Improving grammar
• Strengthening cultural identity
• Facilitating better communication

If these factors are conducive to learning languages, families might consider using a language exposure log to record the percentage of time the child is exposed to each language. Depending on the child’s progress in each language, parents, along with an auditory rehabilitation professional, might need to adjust the exposure time for each language.

Strategies for Teaching Multiple Languages

One Parent, One Language

One parent can speak one language to the child. And the other parent can speak the other language to the child. This ensures the child receives rich language input in both languages—provided both parents spend enough time with the child.

One Situation, One Language

Use natural contexts during daily routines. For example, at dinner time, all family members interact in one language; while doing school homework, they speak another language. To prevent confusion, avoid mixing languages within the same sentence.

Use Structures of the First Language to Teach the Second Language

If the child is learning the second language after achieving certain skills in the first language, use grammatical structures and vocabulary of the first language to teach the second language.

Quality and Quantity

Focus on clear articulation, repetition, and active listening in each language.

Track Progress

Monitor progress in each language with the help of a speech therapist and provide additional support for the language that is not progressing as well.

Encourage Social Interactions

For both languages, arrange for the child to speak with friends, family members, or peers who speak the language.

Incorporating Languages Into Daily Routines

Parents should keep the language fluent and natural, incorporating it into daily routines and play activities. Ensure the child gets plenty of repetition and enriched language stimulation in both languages. It can be helpful to use a diary to track new words and provide positive reinforcement when these new words are used.

Additionally, parents could read one story each day in each language and use clarification, waiting, and expansion/extension strategies to help the child develop further. However, it is important to watch for signs of frustration or fatigue to avoid over-pressuring the child.

By following these strategies, parents can support their child with a CI in learning and thriving in multiple languages.