A Possibility For An African Diaspora Child

The Gift of Multilingualism

I believe the idea that a child can be bilingual or multilingual is not just a possibility; it's a strong invitation to embrace the richness of their root, connect with their heritage, and improve cultural pride and navigating the global community with confidence, knowing fully well their ancestors got their backs.

It was Charlemagne, king of the Franks who said “To have another language is to possess a second soul.” Multilingualism is not just about speaking two or more languages, it's the ability to switch between cultures and think in different cultures. It is a special gift, a beautiful one. But, beyond gift, embracing bi/multilingualism is an act of cultural preservation. In a world where languages and cultures are at risk of extinction, each new generation becomes a guardian of Africa's linguistic heritage. By instilling a love for African languages from an early age, this will ensure that our traditions, stories, and values continue to echo through the corridors of time, enriching the beauty of African experience.

The Dilemma of Diaspora Parents

For most parents, especially, international parents, it's challenging to have their child/children explore the beauty and gift of maintaining a connection with their ancestral languages, a tough challenge amidst the pressures of assimilation and the dominance of global tongues. However, denying them the privilege of embracing their linguistic heritage would mean robbing them of a vital link to their roots and the wealth of cultural knowledge embedded within each language.

Preserving Linguistic Roots: Embracing Cultural Identity Through Ancestral Tongues

One of the puzzling things about Africans abroad from the perspective of the locals in motherland Africa is how their children don't speak their local languages. In fact, there's been a situation where two people from different countries (tribes) who live in England marry and their kids don't speak their languages.

If an Igbo(Nigerian) marries from Bantu tribe(Rwanda), the kids should speak Igbo and Bantu. One parent speaks to them in only Igbo, and the other speaks to them in only Bantu. Because of the anglicized world we live in, parents want their kids to learn English or their host country language. Yes, it's super important that they learn English or any of the foreign languages. For diaspora children, I think that it's even more important these days to teach your kids your language because everyone around them speaks English, this implies that consciously or unconsciously they'd learn English. You are the only saviour they have in learning your language. You have to understand that “language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” The worry that if you teach your own language to your kids, it’ll somehow replace English is unfounded. It’s simply not realistic because you live in a country where English is spoken widely. They will learn it. A child can learn as many as five languages simultaneously. Don't deny them the privilege of being a polyglot.

The best time to teach your child the mother tongue is from birth; Neuroscience has proven that from birth to age three, the brain is in a critical period of development known as the “sensitive period” for language acquisition. During this time, the brain is able to effortlessly absorb multiple languages, rapidly develop new neural connections and form new synapses. This process is known as spontaneous language acquisition and it is driven by the child's innate ability to process and understand the sounds, grammar, and meaning of the language(s) spoken around them. The child is actively listening, observing and trying to make sense of the language, without any conscious effort or formal instruction. This is the most beneficial period to introduce new languages.

Nurturing Young Minds: Unlocking the Power of Early Language Acquisition

It's Never Too Late To Learn New Language

The second best time to teach your child African language is NOW. Don't deny your child the ability of being multilingual.

Although, the early years are indeed an optimal time for language acquisition, the cognitive flexibility of the human brain cannot be ignored. It remains highly adaptable to learning. Therefore, parents must speak to their child in their native language(s) as much as possible. Be consistent in your language use with your child, even if they don't respond at first.

Tips for Teaching Multiple Languages

- Create opportunities and encourage your child to speak their language(s) with other native speakers, whether it is family members, friends, language classes or language exchange partners.

- Provide your child with age-appropriate language learning resources, such as books, videos, and apps.

- Find ways to make the language fun and engaging for your child. Incorporate games, songs, or stories in the language. Watching TV shows and movies is also an entertaining way of getting language exposure.

- Help your child understand the value and benefits of being multilingual, and celebrate their achievements in learning new languages.

Although, it may take a little time, such child will gradually understand that African language is more than just a means of communication; it is a gateway to understanding one's identity, heritage, and worldview. From the rich array tones of Swahili to the ever tonal beauty of Yoruba, each language captures centuries of tradition, folklore, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Such is the beauty of African language!