Why I Choose Not to Code-Mix with My Child
As a native Cantonese speaker living abroad, I've noticed the common practice of code-mixing and code-switching among many of my fellow parents from Hong Kong. While I understand the reasons and challenges behind it, I've made a conscious decision not to adopt this language practice in my own household.
My goal is to provide my little one with a rich vocabulary and proper sentence structure in both Chinese and English as he continues to learn and develop.
With my background in general linguistics, fluency in four different languages, and experience teaching Cantonese, I truly believe in three key principles for teaching children a less common language.
These principles are: maximizing exposure to the language, using it consistently, and being persistent in its use.
Persistence, the third key, entails never giving up on speaking the minority language to one's children, even when they may resist or default to another language, especially after a day at school. It's normal for them to resist or switch to another language, especially after a day at school where the dominant language is different, and especially if they have one or more siblings going to the same school.
But don't worry, it's all part of the process!
In my own experience, I always respond to my son in Cantonese, even when he starts the conversation in English because his daddy or school friends are around. This sets a constant example and helps him maintain at least his passive fluency in Cantonese.
Even if his speaking remains limited, he can still understand it when it's spoken to him. I believe this approach will help keep his Chinese skills sharp and hopefully maintains his long term interest in learning/ using this minority language.
You might wonder why I'm so dedicated to passing on my Chinese heritage to my son.
First and foremost, it's about family. My parents, who only speak Cantonese, wouldn't understand if my son were to speak English or code-mix with them. Ensuring direct communication between my son and his grandparents, who adore him very much, is incredibly important to me. To maintain this consistency, I've had to overcome my own tendencies to code-mix and consult dictionaries or online resources when expressing complex ideas to my son.
While every family has its own objectives and available resources, I believe that the mixing of English words into my Cantonese sentences, or switching to English, should be approached with caution when it comes to very little ones.
By avoiding code-mixing, I've noticed that my son is more likely to think of words bilingually and his sentence structuring skills have improved. This, in turn, enhances his brain's executive function and provides numerous other cognitive benefits.
Additionally, by cultivating a "purer" form of Cantonese, my son finds it easier to learn Mandarin, as Mandarin speakers typically use fewer English words in their speech. This foundation in a purer form of Cantonese also lays the groundwork for easier acquisition of Chinese reading and writing skills, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the language's structure and syntax.
For parents who may not be fluent in Cantonese, maintaining consistency in the minority language can present even more challenges. However, there are strategies and support systems that can help bridge this gap.
One approach is to enlist the help of extended family members and friends who are fluent in the language. For instance, if you're not fluent enough to be consistent, ask native-speaking grandparents, other relatives, or friends to engage with your children (only) in Cantonese, providing them with consistent exposure to the language.
Additionally, if time and resources permit, consider learning the language alongside your children. This shared journey not only enhances your own proficiency but also strengthens your bond as you navigate the learning process together.
Another effective strategy is to have meta-linguistic discussions with your children, explaining the importance of language consistency and sharing your strategies for working with them. By involving them in the process and fostering open communication, you can reinforce the value of the minority language in their lives.
As a mother, I've learned that quality time spent engaging with a minority language can be more impactful than simply focusing on quantity. Quality interactions not only support learning progress but also foster a genuine willingness to continue learning. Moreover, these quality interactions contribute to stronger family bonding, creating precious moments of connection and shared experiences centered around the minority language.
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