Raising Multilingual Kids in an Immigrant Family
Raising Multilingual Kids in an immigrant family often means navigating more than one language at home. In our case, English is our “bridge language” as a couple, but with the kids, I speak Korean, and my husband speaks French. As a result of our intentional choice to raise multilingual kids, our boys are naturally exposed to three languages — not perfectly fluent in each, but certainly capable of understanding and expressing themselves in ways that surprise us.
This journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but I’ve learned from both personal experience and research-based seminars at our school that parents’ role in maintaining their mother tongue is essential. While the school is responsible for teaching the community’s official language — French, in our case — it’s the parents’ responsibility to keep alive the heritage language at home.
🏫Why Multilingualism Matters
According to UNESCO and multiple studies in child development, maintaining a child’s heritage language supports:
- Cognitive growth: Kids who grow up with more than one language often develop stronger problem-solving and multitasking skills.
- Cultural identity: Language is deeply tied to roots. Losing a heritage language can also mean losing a part of cultural identity.
- Family connection: Grandparents and relatives often communicate best in their mother tongue. For us, it means my kids being able to talk to their Korean grandparents without me translating every word.
And while it’s true that some children eventually choose to use only the dominant language (English or French), research shows that consistent exposure and positive emotional connection to the heritage language can make a big difference in whether kids retain it into adulthood.
Practical Tips That Work for Us
1. One Parent, One Language
We naturally fall into this: I use Korean with the kids, while their dad uses French. It creates a clear system, and children don’t get as confused as many parents fear. They learn quickly when and with whom to use each language.
2. Heritage Language Is for Love, Not Just Lessons
We don’t want Korean or French to feel like “homework.” That’s why we watch Netflix in Korean sometimes, sing songs, or read bedtime stories in our heritage languages. Making it fun builds a positive connection.
3. Community and Language Schools
Every Saturday morning, my kids attend Korean language school in Montreal. It’s not always easy to wake them up on a weekend, but the consistency helps. Meeting other kids who also speak Korean makes it feel more natural.
4. Technology as a Helper
Language-learning apps and online resources have been lifesavers. For example, my kids use 소중한글 (Sojunghan Geul) for Korean pronunciation. When local bookstores don’t carry Korean books, I download e-books and read them together. Technology can’t replace real conversation, but it’s an excellent supplement.
5. Be Patient with Progress
There are moments when my kids struggle — mixing Korean with English, or forgetting a word in French. Instead of correcting every mistake, I try to model the right sentence naturally. Experts suggest that creating a supportive environment matters more than perfection.
🤣Our Funny Language Journey
Before diving into the tough parts, I have to share that raising multilingual kids is hilarious sometimes! Yes, there are moments when the kids mix languages, like saying “ask 엄마(mom in Korean)” when they want to talk to me. Or, even funnier, they sometimes try to apply French grammar rules to Korean words, like saying “le 밥(rice in Korean).” In Korean, we don’t use articles (like le ou la) and definitely don’t assign gender to our nouns, especially for countables like rice! We try to gently correct them, but honestly, it’s incredibly hard to keep a straight face when they use a masculine French article with a simple Korean word. These moments of accidental “hybrid language” are messy, but they’re also the cutest proof that their brains are working overtime to connect three different worlds. It reminds me that this process is all about progress, not perfection!
When a Child Struggles in One Language
If your child is falling behind in one of the family languages:
- Lower the pressure: Focus on fun activities (songs, cartoons, games) instead of drilling.
- Create small rituals: For example, reading one bedtime story in the heritage language each night.
- Connect with relatives: Regular phone or video calls with grandparents or cousins encourage kids to use the language in real conversations.
- Don’t compare siblings: Each child may prefer a different “dominant” language, and that’s okay. The key is exposure and encouragement.
Our Family Story
I sometimes worry — what if my kids grow up speaking only French or English, forgetting their Korean roots? It would make me sad, and I know my parents back in Korea would be even more upset! But when I see my boys replying to me in Korean or singing French songs with their dad, I realize this journey is worth it. It’s challenging, but that’s the beauty of raising multilingual kids: we’re all learning together, creating our own unique linguistic world.
At my kids’ school, we once attended a seminar where they emphasized that French would naturally be taught at school, while parents should keep speaking their native language at home. This balance helps children develop stronger foundations in all languages.
When we first moved to Québec, I quickly realized how important the local language environment was. I shared more about that in Learning French in Québec: Francization, School Language, and Settling in for
❓FAQ
Q. Won’t my child get confused with too many languages?
A. Research shows that children can separate languages quite well, especially if each parent consistently uses their own language. Mixing is normal in the early years, but usually fades as they grow.
Q. What if my child resists speaking the heritage language?
A. Keep exposure fun and pressure-free. Use games, cooking, cartoons, or calls with grandparents. The goal is to create positive feelings, not stress.
✨Final Thoughts
Raising multilingual kids in an immigrant family is not always easy, but it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Language opens doors to identity, family, and future opportunities. I truly hope my boys keep speaking Korean, French, and English — because being able to move between worlds with words is priceless.
💬 What about you? Are you raising your kids with more than one language? Do you have tips or funny stories about language learning at home? Share them in the comments — I’d love to learn from your experience too!
