Parenting

Raising our daughter bilingually has always been the default to me. Not because it’s more beneficial, but because it’s simply what’s natural to me and my family. 

There’s a difference between “learning” a language and “acquiring” a language. (掌握/身につける) No one feels like they “learned” their first language, because we all acquired it as we grew up. Things learned can be forgotten when not used. Skills acquired tend to stick for longer or come back easier.

My hope for my child is not just about learning a certain number of Chinese characters or being able to hold conversations with grandparents. I hope it will be part of her life, and impact her life in a positive way, for as long as she lives. 

At the end of the day, my hopes are my hopes and her life is her life.

Posting about my take on “learning” vs. “acquiring” a language reminded me of Stephen Krashen’s influential theory on language acquisition — comprehensible input.

My first exposure to this theory was in grad school when I was studying Bilingual/Bicultural Education. When LEARNING a language, especially as an adult, we might rely on various external tools (dictionary, translation, teacher, textbook etc.). When ACQUIRING a language, all tools come from ourselves — our five senses, the will to communicate, and potentially the interests toward the topics being discussed.

Trilingual elementary school teacher raising my daughter to be bilingual. Wife to @jachian

Considering this, when people talk about immersion as a superior language learning technique, it may be because immersion actually encourages acquiring the language.

Do you think immersion through music, movies, online forums, etc. could work?

Going to think more on the five senses and how to incorporate those.

I remember reading research papers in grad school on this topic. Interacting with media doesn’t quite do the same as interacting with real human beings. As human beings, we are adapting every second in when talking to someone, consciously or unconsciously. 

Immersion through other forms of media in the target language is certainly helpful. On the forums, there are real people behind the screens.

I can understand that and it's really helpful to know. I'll look for opportunities to get person to person interaction on a regular basis in addition to various kinds of media. Thank you! 🙏

Are you learning another language yourself?

Yes. I've studied French on and off since high-school. Duolingo says I'm around the A2 level. Once I get to the app's equivalent of B1, I plan to get an online tutor to practice with.

Thank you! I'm intimidated by the thought of an immersive language environment. 😅 

I'll do as much as I can to make the input comprehensible. I'm excited to experience this at times, but realize there is much to learn!

Would you believe I met an uber driver from Paris and he said he enjoyed practicing English with passengers?! I asked if he'd like to practice together and he agreed!

It was a great way to end a long travel day and move my goal forward. Excited to chat locally with someone! 😊

Good luck! Not everyone can have the luxury of an immersion language environment. As long as you try to make the input comprehensible, you should be in a good place.