16 Questions
What percentage of children in bilingual households did not speak the minority language?
25%
What is the success rate of the one person one language approach in bilingual households?
74%
In bilingual households where one parent speaks Dutch and the minority language, what percentage of children grew up speaking only Dutch?
36%
Why is it important to plan fun activities in the minority language?
To encourage consistency and combat resistance to speaking the minority language
What can be designated in bilingual households to ensure the entire family is bilingual?
Language days
What can the parent who speaks the dominant language do when the entire family comes together?
Learn the minority language
Why is it important to be innovative when raising a bilingual child?
Because every child is different and what works today may not work tomorrow
What service is offered to help with language acquisition?
Spanish immersion classes
What is the core principle of the One Person One Language (OPOL) approach?
Each parent speaks to the child in their dominant language.
Why is consistency crucial in the OPOL approach?
To ensure the child's retention of both languages.
What happens if the OPOL approach is not followed strictly, especially in the formative years?
The child will understand the minority language but not speak it.
Who is a renowned linguist and researcher who has studied the OPOL approach?
Annick De Houwer
What is the benefit of curating a unique language experience in the home?
To ensure the goals set for bilingualism are met.
Why is it important to consider the language spoken at the dinner table?
To establish a consistent language environment.
What is the potential outcome if the child only understands the minority language but does not speak it?
The child will understand the minority language but not speak it.
What is the main goal of the OPOL approach?
To raise a child who is fluent in multiple languages.
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.
Learn about the OPOL method, a technique used to raise bilingual children where each parent speaks to their child in their dominant language.
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