Growing up multilingual
Learning German: language learning opportunities
As a family, you play an important role in your child's multilingual education. You can support the acquisition of German and the family language right from the start by talking, laughing, singing or reading a lot with your child - in your family language and in German. It helps to talk to other parents, for example in a baby group, at a parents' meeting or at the daycare center. Attending language training courses can also support language development. Read about the offers available for families in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Every child can learn two or more languages
Luca has a Greek mother and a Spanish father. The languages of both families are spoken at home, and he speaks German at nursery and with other children. Yeliz has Turkish parents with whom she speaks her mother tongue at home. Natascha and Vadim's mother comes from Russia and their father from Germany. They speak German and Russian at home.
Are children overwhelmed by multiple languages?
No, children can learn two or more languages very well. The earlier and more playfully a child learns another language, the easier it is for them. As a family, you can support your child very well in this process, as you are important role models and companions for language learning. You can specifically promote the family culture and multilingual upbringing and thus strengthen your child's opportunities for education and participation.
Early language education is particularly important for families with a history of immigration. You are welcome to use the language education programs in North Rhine-Westphalia to support your child. There are various programs for learning German as a second language, most of which you can attend free of charge.
Where can we find help and advice?
The municipal integration centers in North Rhine-Westphalia are committed to families with an international history and support parents and their children in the areas of "continuous language education" and "multilingualism". An overview of the municipal integration centers can be found on the portal Chancen NRW.
Communal Integration Management, or KIM for short, is an advice and information center for local authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia. KIM supports people who come from abroad and want to make a new home in North Rhine-Westphalia. You can find out which advice services are available in your area on the website KIM.NRW.
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