Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of children in bilingual households did not speak the minority language?
What percentage of children in bilingual households did not speak the minority language?
What is the success rate of the one person one language approach in bilingual households?
What is the success rate of the one person one language approach in bilingual households?
In bilingual households where one parent speaks Dutch and the minority language, what percentage of children grew up speaking only Dutch?
In bilingual households where one parent speaks Dutch and the minority language, what percentage of children grew up speaking only Dutch?
Why is it important to plan fun activities in the minority language?
Why is it important to plan fun activities in the minority language?
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What can be designated in bilingual households to ensure the entire family is bilingual?
What can be designated in bilingual households to ensure the entire family is bilingual?
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What can the parent who speaks the dominant language do when the entire family comes together?
What can the parent who speaks the dominant language do when the entire family comes together?
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Why is it important to be innovative when raising a bilingual child?
Why is it important to be innovative when raising a bilingual child?
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What service is offered to help with language acquisition?
What service is offered to help with language acquisition?
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What is the core principle of the One Person One Language (OPOL) approach?
What is the core principle of the One Person One Language (OPOL) approach?
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Why is consistency crucial in the OPOL approach?
Why is consistency crucial in the OPOL approach?
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What happens if the OPOL approach is not followed strictly, especially in the formative years?
What happens if the OPOL approach is not followed strictly, especially in the formative years?
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Who is a renowned linguist and researcher who has studied the OPOL approach?
Who is a renowned linguist and researcher who has studied the OPOL approach?
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What is the benefit of curating a unique language experience in the home?
What is the benefit of curating a unique language experience in the home?
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Why is it important to consider the language spoken at the dinner table?
Why is it important to consider the language spoken at the dinner table?
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What is the potential outcome if the child only understands the minority language but does not speak it?
What is the potential outcome if the child only understands the minority language but does not speak it?
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What is the main goal of the OPOL approach?
What is the main goal of the OPOL approach?
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Study Notes
One Person One Language (OPOL) Method
- OPOL is a method where each parent speaks to their child in their dominant language, aiming to raise bilingual children.
- For example, if Mom is French and Dad is Spanish, they will communicate with the child only in their respective languages.
Consistency and Challenges
- Consistency is key to the success of OPOL, requiring simple yet important decisions to be made and adhered to.
- Decisions include what language to speak when the family is together, such as during dinner.
- Failure to follow a strict regime can lead to the child understanding the minority language but not speaking it.
Expert Insights
- According to linguist Annick De Houwer, in Dutch/English bilingual households, 26% of children did not speak the minority language, with a 74% success rate for OPOL.
- In households where one parent spoke Dutch and the minority language, and the other parent spoke only Dutch, the success rate was 36%.
Tips for Success
- Be consistent and plan fun activities in the minority language to combat resistance.
- Plan ahead for family gatherings, such as designating language days.
- Be innovative and try different approaches as challenges arise, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Description
Learn about the OPOL method, a technique used to raise bilingual children where each parent speaks to their child in their dominant language.
