Mach Zu Mama!

What the heck does that mean…you ask?

Mach Zu Mama = Close it Mom

People often say that it is “Neat” or “Awesome” that Emma is learning German. And they are right! It is awesome! But its not any different than the thousands of bi-lingual children living in the US today. It just so happens that German isn’t quite as common here in the states. You usually hear either Spanish or an Asian language being spoken.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, more than one in 5 school-aged children (21%) speak a language other than English at home (taken American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). And that number is expected to continue to increase.

Thankfully Emma is part of that statistic. While she speaks more English, she understands everything and has a few key words or phrases that are only spoken in German. It is because we speak German as our primary language at home and attempt to do so in public as well. And we teach it to her because both of us have family there and it is Andreas’ primary language. So for Emma, it will be a value for her to know and understand the language and culture with the strong family ties there in Germany.

As a child, I learned German as I was learning English. I did not consistently speak the language though after the age of 6 or so. I still spoke it, but sporadically when family came to visit, when we went to visit family there or when communicating with family and friends by phone or letters (yes…before email and the age of electronics). As I think you get…my mother is German and my father met my mother while stationed in Germany. All of her immediate and extended family are still across the ocean.

Now don’t get me wrong…my German grammar is horrible (although most say its ok or pretty good), but I attribute my ability to speak it so well as an adult because I did learn it at such a young age.

After 4 years of French in High School, I cannot speak, nor can I understand or read French. But German, on the other hand, I never studied in school and can speak, write and understand it all.

Parents.com says that the best time to teach your child a second language is the same time he or she is learning their first one. Exposing your child to a second language will help him learn about other cultures. Additionally, research has shown that bilinguals tend to be more creative thinkers than those who speak one language. And one study suggests that their brain functions may stay sharper as they age. (Ha! Now I know why I am so smart). 🙂

Your challenge is try to teach your child a new language….even if its just a few words here and there. And what language would you teach them? Consider these 2 factors:

1. Which one would you like or have you always wanted to learn or
2. What language would be of value to her today or later?

There is a free brochure available, Teaching Your Child Two Languages.

And there are a lot of great resources available to you. Consider a private tutor, local classes for children and adults, books and audio courses, online courses and fun, interactive games targeted specifically for children.

Need some help? Let me know. I have checked out many of the resources and can help point you in the right direction. Or simply google “Teaching your child ______ (insert specific language ie german)”.

Aber Fang An Heut (not proper German) = But Start Today!!!!