Teaching child my native language later in life - is it possible ?

[Londdi]

When I had my child (who is now 6 years old) I was in abusive relationship and to keep peace with my ex husband I spoke only English , but I did speak my to my child my native language here and there when we were alone. I travel to my country 2/3times a year. So he understand a little bit, can say few things - colours, numbers, answer basic questions. I am now single parent and thinking about going back to my country one day . I’m also finding my voice leaving that abusive relationship and becoming really proud of my culture again. Is it too late to teach my son my own language ? He is interested, but I worry we won’t be close if we can’t fully communicate if I suddenly just switch to my language and he will only understand about 30/40%. Anyone did teach their child’s their language later? Any advice ? Is it possible ? The language is difficult - Slovak

[BananaPalm]

@Londdi

When I had my child (who is now 6 years old) I was in abusive relationship and to keep peace with my ex husband I spoke only English , but I did speak my to my child my native language here and there when we were alone. I travel to my country 2/3times a year. So he understand a little bit, can say few things - colours, numbers, answer basic questions. I am now single parent and thinking about going back to my country one day . I’m also finding my voice leaving that abusive relationship and becoming really proud of my culture again. Is it too late to teach my son my own language ? He is interested, but I worry we won’t be close if we can’t fully communicate if I suddenly just switch to my language and he will only understand about 30/40%. Anyone did teach their child’s their language later? Any advice ? Is it possible ? The language is difficult - Slovak

From my personal experience your "window" is still open till your DC is about 10 years old. After that it's much, much harder.

I moved to another country for a few years when I was 6 and learnt the language in about 3 months. My friends who moved when they were 10 and older never really got to the same level as I and other kids who moved earlier.

I guess your best bet would be to move to Slovakia for at least a few months and your DC would surely pick it up. If that's not possible, just switch to Slovak full time when you're at home. No English whatsoever. It's definitely possible but at this point you'll need to do full "immersion" whenever your DC is with you.

[Sapphire387]

My grandmother emigrated from what was then Czechoslovakia to England when she was 11. She ended up fully fluent and got an English degree and became an English teacher! She said it took her under a year to become fluent but she was fully immersed.

So yes, I think it is doable and you should go for it. I wish she had taught me her language. It will be an asset to your son and will surely help him with communicating with your family when you visit.

[Lampzade]

Op
Start teaching your ds your language. It is a great skill
He is keen which really helps

[ginasevern]

I went to live in Italy when my son was 6. He didn't speak a word of Italian. I put him straight into elementary school and let him get on with it. He was more or less fluent within a year.

[Londdi]

Thank you everyone . Move is not possible at the moment financially, but I decided I will try to switch at home and speak Slovak most of the time + Slovak tv. I got offer from Slovakia about school - can put him in for week here and there when there is half term in UK and not half term in Slovakia

[Maddy70]

Start now dont wait

[marmaladeandpeanutbutter]

Lots of 11 + age kids come from a different country and learn English really quickly.

[Londdi]

Thank you so much everyone. Yesterday was a day 1 and I’m extremely surprised my son did even try to say things back in my native language and didn’t seem to struggle much understanding . Maybe I did better over the years than I thought . Sticking with the decision not to talk English at home at all

[Londdi]

My only worry now is that there is less focus on school work now, hope he won’t get behind

[MixedCouple]

Immersion is needed. So it can happen later in life but you needn't be speaking it all the time I.e in the country.

[Annymania]

He’s only 6 I think he’ll be fine. If he was like 16 it’d be way harder but he’s still very young