An additional language means having more than one language. This could mean being able to speak, read, write or understand more than one language.
Did you know that bilingual children (children who can understand more than one language) find it easier to understand and recognise sounds of the spoken language? This allows them to understand letters and sounds earlier – even at just 8 months old, bilingual babies can distinguish two languages just by watching silent talking faces. Studies have also shown that bilingual children have improved concentration and can switch between tasks better.
Helpful tips
Parents, friends and family who speak more than one language are encouraged to talk to their baby.It is worth remembering that however little of an additional language you may have, speaking some of it to your baby from birth is important as it gives your baby the best start in life.
Babies respond to a quiet, soft and high pitched voice. Remember to look at your baby’s face when you speak to him/her and hold your baby about 8 or 10 inches from your face.You can get into the habit of using an additional language from day 1 by:
- talking to your baby constantly
- using ‘baby talk’ and saying the baby’s name often
- singing additional language lullabies and rhymes
NHS Western Isles is keen to support additional languages and offers new parents free goodie bags, kindly donated by Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG) to the local Maternity Ward. These bags are given to new parents who are thinking of using both Gaelic and English with their infants.
The bags contain various booklets as well as a CD of Gaelic nursery rhymes which parents can use to learn and sing along with to their babies/children.
The Western Isles branch of Bilingualism Matters is an information and advice service for families and educators. The service have produced a leaflet for parents raising children with two languages.about growing up with two languages. To view leaflet simply click here or contact Bilingualism Matters by visiting their website.
Developed by NHS Western Isles' Speech & Language Therapy Department, STaG is aimed at assisting children with speech therapy needs in the Gaelic language and is for use within Gaelic Medium education throughout Scotland.
Easily accessible, the unique STaG resource consists of an interactive website with printable/reproducible therapy materials, and a digital app for use on android and iOS mobile devices. To view visit: speechtherapyandgaelic.org/
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- LAST REVIEWED ON: January 8, 2021