Bilingual children speak two languages. This can be at home with each parent being a native speaker of a language or can be part of a child’s education. Children develop the skill of code switching according to the situation. To do so successfully, children need to be aware of the difference between the two languages and where words belong.
When children are learning the two languages simultaneously, they should be hearing the two languages frequently. Adults can help by pointing out to the child that there are different words that say the same thing. Children might mix words from two languages in everyday communication. In many cultures, this is an accepted practice and sometimes is a show-off practice.
When children are introduced to the second language later, they have already developed competency in the first language. Children will observe and listen to what the others are saying and participate in classroom activities. They might not initiate conversations and would respond using words and short expressions.
In learning any skill, children who are shamed when making mistakes or discouraged to bring their heritage in a classroom will not be confident in experimenting with languages and will feel excluded. Learning languages enriches lives and should be encouraged in a global world.
Future Global Children 