Raising Children To Know Their Mother Tongue
“You’ve got to know your language to understand your culture.”
—Beatrice Taylor, Ojibwe
I did not realize the challenge I would face in raising my children in a foreign country to know their language. After all, my own parents raised me in Thailand and my first language is Hindi. Yet when it came to my own children, I struggled. Times are different and we live in an increasingly globalized world where English is often the primary mode of communication. I came to see that raising my boys to know Hindi while living outside of India would not be an easy task. I constantly face hurdles but by investing time, effort, and dedication to the cause, I believe it is possible.
Why do I care so much about my children knowing their mother tongue? To me, language is power. And knowing one’s mother tongue is even more powerful. I’ve seen it from my own experience. Knowing Hindi has connected me to my roots and culture, builds bridges with family that still live in India, instantly removes barriers between others who also speak the same language, and helps me understand our cultural contexts.
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day (February 21), I wanted to share how I try to cultivate a love, knowledge, and appreciation of Hindi in my children despite living outside of India.
The lesson I learned that started it all
Up until age 2, both my boys spoke only in Hindi because of me speaking exclusively in Hindi to them. I felt very proud of that! But upon starting preschool, their world expanded beyond me. Within 2 months, I noticed that they had stopped speaking and replying in Hindi and had begun to speak mostly in English. I was taken aback by the swiftness by which my efforts of two years had been displaced.
We live in a place where the primary mode of instruction in school and communication in everyday life is in English. The two people with whom our children are mostly likely to be spending a sizeable chunk of the day (especially if you are a working parent) are the teacher and nanny, both of whom speak in English in Singapore. There is no natural exposure to mother tongue beyond what the parent teaches at home. I realized that I would need to step up my efforts.
Number 1: It’s okay if they speak with an accent! Get over the fact that they should sound like a person from India speaking in Hindi (or Gujrati, Tamil, Telugu, or whatever). The environment and surroundings are totally different so it’s not a level playing field. What’s important is that they KNOW it and can SPEAK it at all.
Number 2: I don’t expect my children to know formal spoken Hindi or written Hindi. To me, it’s more about fluency in the everyday spoken language which most people would converse in.
We live in a place where the primary mode of instruction in school and communication in everyday life is in English. The two people with whom our children are mostly likely to be spending a sizeable chunk of the day (especially if you are a working parent) are the teacher and nanny, both of whom speak in English in Singapore. There is no natural exposure to mother tongue beyond what the parent teaches at home. I realized that I would need to step up my efforts.
Mindset
Having the right mindset helped to set more realistic expectations from my children. Once I let go of the fact that my children should speak in Hindi like a native, this whole process became less burdensome and more fun!Number 1: It’s okay if they speak with an accent! Get over the fact that they should sound like a person from India speaking in Hindi (or Gujrati, Tamil, Telugu, or whatever). The environment and surroundings are totally different so it’s not a level playing field. What’s important is that they KNOW it and can SPEAK it at all.
Number 2: I don’t expect my children to know formal spoken Hindi or written Hindi. To me, it’s more about fluency in the everyday spoken language which most people would converse in.
Things that you can do with your children
Speak in your language to your children everyday as much as possible (if not always): This is the most important and vital thing you can do. If it’s not possible for both parents to do so, have one parent be the point person to speak in the mother tongue to the children.
Have them speak back to you: I set aside time every day to speak in Hindi with my children. Every night before bedtime, I sit with Krishnav and ask him about his day, how school went, and other general things. The only thing is, we do it in Hindi. By allocating a specific time where we speak only in Hindi (10 mins to start with and build up over time), we make it more approachable and doable. It also helps to slowly build confidence in Krishnav speaking the language.
Books, books, books: There is a small (but growing) number of bilingual and South Asian cultural storybooks that cater to our generation of moms and kids. In our home library, we have a collection of books from T4Tales, Indigrow, Tulika Books, Toka Box, and Meet Buckley. Also check out Mango and Marigolds Press, an independent publisher for South Asian children's books. One of their most recent releases was Bindiya in India by author Monique Chheda which weaves Hindi and English words together in a sweet story about a girl who visits India for the first time. Hindi by Reena is another source of Hindi language as a first step for young children.
Sing and play songs in your language: It can be nursery rhymes or songs in general. We play (and dance to) a lot of Bollywood music in our house! Make a playlist of songs which you can play instantly without having to think about it (Hello Jio Saavn app!)
Tell stories in your mother tongue: I often relate silly animal stories in Hindi to Arjun, literally making it up as I go along. If you are a parent who doesn’t speak fluently in Hindi yourself, you can still do this because the kids love these stories delivered in a simple understandable way.
Kid-appropriate cartoons and movies: There are several of them out there, like Chota Bheem, Little Singham, Ramayan, and Mahabharat. Sometimes we even play Peppa Pig in Hindi (yes that does exist, just look it up in YouTube).
Enlist the help of others: Invite grandparents, friends, an aunty, or language tutor to come into your home to speak in Hindi with your child more often. This can be in a formalized setting or less structured - whatever you choose, the intent is to give your children more exposure and opportunity to speak in their language. On a similar note, consider a nanny who speaks in the same home language as you. I know it sounds odd but it greatly increases the chances of your child being able to speak in the language in question. This is because beyond us parents, our children also spend a significant amount of time with their nannies. (We don’t have a Hindi-speaking nanny but I have observed several instances where this has factored into a child being able to speak their mother tongue more fluently).
Language classes: This setup provides language learning in a more formalized setting. Krishnav has been going to Hindi classes for 3 years now. I find that he picks up certain things better in a classroom compared to unstructured learning at home. He's also learning reading and writing which, for me, is an added bonus.
It might feel like a losing battle on some days but there are enough times when my kids pleasantly surprise me. Both boys understand Hindi 100% which I think is a win already. When prompted, both can express themselves in Hindi well enough (though they prefer to speak in English as default mode). Krishnav sometimes writes words and short stories in Hindi!
So my advice is: keep at it! There will be a payoff someday and it will be so worth it.
About the Author
17 comments
Love those tips Richa and I'm going to try some on my boys and let you know how it goes. We want them to learn to speak Hindi fluently so they can converse with a lot more people that they currently hesitate to.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading Jharna! It's constant work in progress.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading the article above , really explains everything in detail, Hope you will update it asap.
ReplyDeleteOnline Hindi Class for Kids
Science Fair Ideas are creative and educational projects that allow students to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments. A great science fair idea encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteFamilies love the El Pollo Loco Menu because it offers simple, satisfying meals for all ages. With options like chicken meals, bowls, and tacos, it’s a great go-to for busy days, takeout, or casual dining.
ReplyDeleteKnown for delivering some of the best bubble tea around the world, TaiChi Bubble Tea stands out for its smooth textures, rich flavours, and dedication to freshness. With a menu packed with fruit teas, milk teas, ramen, poke bowls, and sushi burritos, it’s a go-to destination for food and drink lovers seeking something unique and delicious.
ReplyDeletePak Arcade download is an online gaming platform designed for players in Pakistan who enjoy arcade-style games. It provides a simple and user-friendly experience where players can access different types of games directly from their mobile devices. Pak Arcade focuses on skill-based gameplay, making it appealing for users who want entertainment along with the opportunity to earn rewards through gaming.
ReplyDelete388 wine platform seems to offer a simple and smooth experience for users who prefer easy access and quick performance. What stands out is its clean layout and user-friendly design, which makes navigation straightforward even for beginners. It appears to work well on different devices without heavy loading issues, which is always a plus. However, it’s important for users to ensure they are using reliable and secure sources when accessing any platform. Overall, 388 wine looks like a convenient option for those who want a lightweight and hassle-free experience. With a few improvements in stability and features, it could become even better for regular users.
ReplyDeletex44 bet apk and as a gaming enthusiast, I was genuinely impressed by the overall experience. The app feels well-optimized for mobile gaming, with smooth navigation and responsive controls. One thing that stood out to me is how quickly the games load, which is a big plus when you're jumping between different gaming modes. The interface is clean and easy to understand, even for beginners. I also liked the variety of gaming options available, which keeps things fresh and exciting. Whether you enjoy casual play or more competitive gaming sessions, this app delivers a solid performance. It runs without lag on my device, which makes the gameplay even more enjoyable. Overall, the x44 bet apk gives a fun and engaging gaming vibe that keeps you entertained for hours.
ReplyDeleteOk PKR is becoming one of the most exciting gaming platforms right now. I really enjoy how smooth the gameplay feels and how quickly everything loads compared to other apps. The graphics are decent, and the overall interface is very user-friendly, which makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced players. One thing I noticed is that the game variety keeps things interesting, so you never feel bored. The reward system also adds extra motivation to keep playing and improving your skills. In my opinion, Ok PKR has done a great job in balancing fun and competition. If you’re someone who enjoys online gaming with real excitement, this is definitely worth trying. I’ve spent hours playing and still feel like there’s more to explore. Overall, a solid gaming experience.
ReplyDeletedk 999 in Pakistan is gaining attention among gaming fans, and after trying it myself, I can see the hype. The gameplay feels smooth and well-optimized, which is very important for any online gaming platform. I really like how responsive the controls are, especially during intense gaming sessions. The interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it beginner-friendly as well. One thing that stands out is the competitive environment—it keeps players engaged and motivated to improve their gaming skills. The performance is also impressive, with fast loading speeds and minimal lag. Overall, dk 999 in Pakistan provides a fun and exciting gaming experience that keeps you coming back for more.
ReplyDeleteCd22 game is honestly one of the most exciting gaming experiences I’ve had recently. The gameplay mechanics feel smooth, and the overall design gives a proper gaming vibe that keeps you hooked for hours. I really like how the Cd22 game combines strategy and quick decision-making, which makes every session feel fresh. Unlike many other games, it doesn’t get boring quickly because there’s always something new to explore. The graphics are also decent, especially for mobile gaming, and the controls are responsive. What impressed me the most is how beginner-friendly the Cd22 game is, while still offering depth for experienced gamers. If you are someone who enjoys competitive gaming, this game can definitely give you that thrill. I’ve been recommending Cd22 game to my friends because it’s worth trying at least once. Overall, it’s a solid gaming option for casual and serious players alike.
ReplyDeleteCd22 game is honestly one of the most engaging gaming platforms I’ve tried recently. The gameplay feels smooth, and the controls are very responsive, which makes a big difference in the overall gaming experience. What I really like about Cd22 game is how it balances fun and challenge. It’s easy for beginners to start, but at the same time, it offers enough depth for experienced gamers. The interface is simple and clean, so navigating through different features is not confusing. I also noticed that the game runs without lag, even during long gaming sessions, which is a big plus. The design and overall gaming environment are quite immersive, keeping players hooked for hours. I’ve tried many other games, but Cd22 game stands out because it feels more stable and enjoyable. It’s definitely worth trying if you enjoy mobile gaming and want something fresh and entertaining. Overall, Cd22 game provides a solid and fun gaming experience.
ReplyDeleteQaidi 804 APK is honestly one of the most exciting mobile games I’ve tried recently. The gameplay feels smooth and engaging, especially for players who enjoy strategy and action combined. What I like most is how the game keeps you hooked with its missions and challenges. Every level feels like a new adventure, and the graphics are surprisingly good for an APK game. The controls are easy to understand, which makes it perfect for beginners as well as pro gamers. I also noticed that the loading speed is fast, so there’s no frustration while playing. If you’re someone who enjoys immersive gaming experiences, this game is definitely worth checking out. Overall, Qaidi 804 APK delivers a solid gaming experience with fun mechanics and addictive gameplay.
ReplyDeleteP44 download is becoming very popular in the gaming community, and after trying it myself, I can see why. The installation process is quick, and the game loads smoothly without unnecessary delays. The gameplay mechanics are well-designed, giving players an immersive gaming experience. I really enjoyed the variety of levels and challenges available in the game. It keeps things interesting and prevents boredom. The sound effects and visuals are also well-optimized, which adds to the overall gaming feel. If you’re looking for a game that combines fun, strategy, and smooth performance, P44 download is definitely worth it. I’ve recommended it to my friends as well, and they are loving it too. It’s a solid choice for anyone who enjoys modern mobile gaming.
ReplyDeletePKR slots are becoming very popular among gaming enthusiasts, especially for players who prefer local currency-based gameplay. I recently explored a few PKR slots platforms, and the experience was quite smooth and engaging. The best thing about PKR slots is that they are easy to understand and offer exciting gameplay with real-time rewards. The graphics and sound effects are well-designed, creating a casino-like gaming environment on mobile devices. What I liked the most is the smooth performance without lag, even during long gaming sessions. Many PKR slots games also offer bonuses and daily rewards, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a fun and interactive gaming option, PKR slots are definitely worth trying. They provide a great mix of entertainment and excitement for both beginners and experienced players.
ReplyDeleteCd22 and I must say it offers a really smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. The gameplay feels fast and responsive, which is very important for any modern gaming platform. What I liked most about Cd22 is its clean interface and easy controls, making it simple for beginners to start playing without confusion. The graphics are also well-designed, giving a premium feel even on normal devices. During my gaming sessions, I didn’t face any lag or performance issues, which is a big plus. Cd22 also provides a variety of levels and challenges that keep players engaged for a long time. It doesn’t feel repetitive, and there is always something new to explore. If you are looking for a fun and reliable gaming option, Cd22 is definitely worth trying. It’s a great combination of performance, entertainment, and smooth gameplay.
ReplyDeleteI always love to hear your comments. If you enjoy reading Urban Mantra, please follow me on Instagram and Facebook as well. Thanks!