Bilingualism is an important skill in Singapore, as all students are required to be fluent in English AND their mother tongue language. Both languages are compulsory and counted in the final scores for all the major exams, and depending on whether one has met the requirements, students may be required to learn their mother tongue as a subject up till JC or even university.
However, many families today don’t even speak their mother tongue at home, and children simply find it easier to stick to English for everything. After all, their classes in school are 90% conducted in English. So, how can parents ensure that their child is sufficiently bilingual to preserve their heritage as well as to not let their language skills be an impediment to their studies?
1. Bilingualism starts at home
In Singapore, we are at an advantage to cultivate bilingual learners, because parents today are expected to already be bilingual. So, it’s time to dust off your rusty language skills and make the effort to converse in both languages, not just one.
Make it a point to converse with your child in both languages. If you need an intentional plan, you can designate mealtimes to be “Mandarin-speaking time” or choose alternate days to speak each language. When there is an actual need and habit to converse in another language, children will be more inclined to use that language as well. This also creates more natural opportunities for children to use the language, which will help them learn it better instead of merely memorising stuff from the textbook.
2. Embrace bilingualism in the classroom
There is a grave misconception that language learning should be done one at a time, in isolation. For example, some teachers will forbid children from speaking English during Chinese lessons, and vice versa.
While encouraging children to speak only one language during language lessons can spur them to use the target language more, some students might need that extra help from their other language. For example, using English to explain new Chinese words can be effective in helping children learn and remember better.
At Future Academy, we have experienced language tutors who have taught in China, and tutors who have coached international students as well as local students. These bilingual tutors are well-versed in Mandarin and English, and are able to utilise effective techniques to help children learn and build up their bilingual skills.
3. Spark interest in cultural activities
Language learning comes naturally when children are given more opportunities to speak the language. Getting involved in activities and social circles that mainly speak in one’s mother tongue can be a great way to get immersed in the language!
Try to find something that your child is actually interested in, as that will give them more motivation. For example, if your child enjoys art, perhaps you can enrol them in a Chinese calligraphy or brush painting class. Or, if your child is more active, let them try out Wushu. If your child enjoys performing, consider Chinese drama or Chinese orchestra.
Conclusion
Embracing bilingual education is not always about doing more assessment books and memorising more words. You can make it work for your child through more opportunities to immerse in the language, whether at home, in the classroom, or through other activities which they enjoy.
Let our tutors at Future Academy support your child’s bilingual education whether they need more help in English or Chinese. We also have bilingual tutors who can provide additional guidance to students in our PSLE English Tuition and PSLE Chinese Tuition classes, such as by explaining new words and concepts in English/Chinese.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our tuition services and tuition centres in Toa Payoh, Bukit Timah, and Bugis.