basic language, infants, language development, preschoolers
Book: “Mamma saka ĀBOLS, papa saka APFEL”/”Mama says ĀBOLS, papa says APFEL”
Most parents want to speak to their children in their mother tongue. However, it is not always possible to instill and maintain the Latvian language when living outside of Latvia, especially if two or even three languages are used in the family. But it is not hopeless, and the pattern of communication that is established from birth in the home plays a huge role.
In her book, Inga Sindi explores the Latvian language development of her three multilingual children over the course of ten years, talking to other Latvian families around the world and international experts on children’s multilingualism. She speaks frankly about parents’ doubts and difficulties when raising children with several languages at the same time, and offers family-tested and multilingualism-researcher-approved solutions for different situations.
The book provides answers on how parents can support their children at different ages and in different situations to strengthen their children’s Latvian language skills as well as how to stay motivated to teach and maintain the Latvian language in the family. It is also proof that maintaining an inherited language is not just a job, it can be a creative and inspiring process that brings joy and satisfaction to parents and children alike.
“Mamma says ABOLS, Papa says APFEL” will be useful for diaspora parents, teachers, language teachers and students in Latvia and abroad, as well as for anyone interested in children’s bilingualism and multilingualism.
A recording of a meeting with the book’s author Inga Sinde is available here.
