Can the kids "forget" that the nanny understands ML?
Aug 21, 2017 3:29:50 GMT 9
Post by Marie on Aug 21, 2017 3:29:50 GMT 9
My sister and her husband came today and haven't seen my daughter with the au pair since when she first came. They said she has had a lot of progress and they said something that makes sense because I brought up this subject of kids not wanting to speak the language or when they only respond in English or like my daughter who with others who speak French to her she seems to clam up. They said if a child has already spoken to someone in English or associates them in English the brain associates them with that language, which is why they say it's best when you can do "one language, one parent" approach (if you can because not all can). I wouldn't be able to do this if I want to further my French, as I need to practice with my daughter. Although, I must admit I have been very slack on learning since the au pair has come. I need to get back to it. I know a lot of basics. But as my daughter talks and strings sentences together I'm not sure what she is saying. But at least I can pick up a bit of what she is saying.
My daughter is 5.5, Nellie, so that makes a difference I think because she is older and perhaps understands more. I explained to her how the au pair was coming to play with her and do fun things with her, but she might not want to stay because she speaks no English and would not feel comfortable if we can't communicate with her. I asked if my daughter could please help us with this, to make the au pair feel welcome by speaking to her in French. This way the au pair will not be worried and will be more comfortable to stay. I think this talk helped because my daughter was very excited about her coming and wanted her to stay. Teachers say my daughter is outgoing and has confidence in class. But I know she has a shy side as well. Everyone is different. But after discussing with my sister and her husband I agree, that once a child associates you with one language, it's hard to switch off. It's almost as if the brain automatically works out with out them noticing much. At the table my daughter will speak to us in English and turn her head to the au pair and suddenly say something in French and then English back to us. She is so quick and doesn't have to think. But when my friends who are bilingual speak to her in French, and my daughter has already spoken English to them, it's like she goes blank and has to think about what to say.
We go to France in a few days and she will visit her best friend. Of course they will probably speak English together, but I told her the father forgot his English and can now only speak French. So it will be interesting to see if she speaks to him in French or if she reverts to English, as she has only ever spoken English to him when they were in London. I will let you guys know how it goes!
And Nellie, I read your background and found it very interesting how you learned French. It will be interesting when your daughter makes the switch from speaking Spanish to French, because that will happen, as kids always speak the language that they learn at school with their peers.
My daughter is 5.5, Nellie, so that makes a difference I think because she is older and perhaps understands more. I explained to her how the au pair was coming to play with her and do fun things with her, but she might not want to stay because she speaks no English and would not feel comfortable if we can't communicate with her. I asked if my daughter could please help us with this, to make the au pair feel welcome by speaking to her in French. This way the au pair will not be worried and will be more comfortable to stay. I think this talk helped because my daughter was very excited about her coming and wanted her to stay. Teachers say my daughter is outgoing and has confidence in class. But I know she has a shy side as well. Everyone is different. But after discussing with my sister and her husband I agree, that once a child associates you with one language, it's hard to switch off. It's almost as if the brain automatically works out with out them noticing much. At the table my daughter will speak to us in English and turn her head to the au pair and suddenly say something in French and then English back to us. She is so quick and doesn't have to think. But when my friends who are bilingual speak to her in French, and my daughter has already spoken English to them, it's like she goes blank and has to think about what to say.
We go to France in a few days and she will visit her best friend. Of course they will probably speak English together, but I told her the father forgot his English and can now only speak French. So it will be interesting to see if she speaks to him in French or if she reverts to English, as she has only ever spoken English to him when they were in London. I will let you guys know how it goes!
And Nellie, I read your background and found it very interesting how you learned French. It will be interesting when your daughter makes the switch from speaking Spanish to French, because that will happen, as kids always speak the language that they learn at school with their peers.