A common question among parents who adopt internationally is whether or not to help their adopted child maintain their native language while also learning English. Often, parents are motivated by a desire to help their adopted child retain a sense of her heritage.

"For most adoptive families the preservation of the first language is not a major priority: on arrival, the main concerns are about learning English, the child's health, attachment, initial adjustment, education, and remediation (if needed). There is no place here for preserving native language as the first-order priority."

Trying to maintain the native language while learning English can be confusing for a child. Some parents consider hiring a native-speaking tutor, but that can cause attachment issues as the child begins to rely on the tutor. Most experts agree that it's best to help an adopted child learn English, and then revisit their native language when they're older and better adjusted. Read more at ADoptionArticlesDirectory.com.

Labels: international, cultures, languages

Posted By: Aspen Education Group