Portenglish
One of my biggest challenges with Lily is teaching her Portuguese.
Not because it’s hard for her but, because it’s hard for me.
After living here in the U.S for 24 years, English is actually easier for me than Portuguese. (I know, sad)
Even though Will makes an effort to speak Portuguese to Lily (he is learning along with her), I am the only one speaking it to her. (I only speak Portuguese to her)
It would be helpful if my family was around and she would have them speaking Portuguese with her or if there was a larger Portuguese community here in Miami.
With the exception of 4, all of her books are in English and Sesame Street is also in English.
So, when I find things like this, I am thankful!
Lily is learning to speak and she is doing a great job at learning both languages.
She does say more English words than Portuguese words however, she understands both languages the same and that is what I care about the most. (how awful would it be if she didn’t understand her Portuguese family?)
One of my main concerns is for Lily to be able to communicate with the people she encounters on a daily basis, the people at the library, kids at the play ground, etc.
We live in an English speaking country (even though that’s hard to believe living here in Miami) so I do think that English should be Lily’s main language.
What about you guys? Are any of you raising bi-lingual or multi-lingual children?
Do you find it just as challenging?
Portenglish
Kelley
August 12, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
I’m still plugging along in German with Brixton. It’s a daily struggle, but I’m determined to not give up. I recently started a Meet Up group for German speaking kids/parents in the hopes of making some German-speaking connections…
Claudia
August 12, 2011 @ 6:03 pm
@Kelley,
I think it’s great you joined a meet up group for german speaking kids and parents. 🙂
jess
August 12, 2011 @ 1:54 pm
my real mom is polish and grew up sorta speaking it, but then somehow forgot it as she was older. i wish so bad that she still knew it and would have taught it to us. i think being bilingual is so important!
Claudia
August 12, 2011 @ 5:59 pm
@Jess,
i agree, knowing another language is always a plus.
yoly
August 12, 2011 @ 4:22 pm
Lily’s first language was Spanish, but when play dates, t.v, and preschool started it all went down the drain. I also agree that English should be her first language and she speaks it perfectly. Lily understands everything in Spanish, but is not so great at speaking it. My goal is for her to speak Spanish fluently 🙂
Claudia
August 12, 2011 @ 5:55 pm
@Yoly,
i know it will be an even bigger challenge once school starts. when we go to Portugal in october, i want to check into putting her in a day care a few times a week so she can be around Portuguese kids and different environment.