WHY READING IN GERMAN (OR IN YOUR CHILD'S MINORITY LANGUAGE ) WILL HELP YOUR BILINGUAL CHILD WITH ENGLISH, TOO

You probably have heard about the many benefits of reading to your child, if possibly daily. Language acquisition, mental growth, knowledge of the world and a strong bond between you and your child are some of them. But you may wonder,

maybe it is better to read in English, since that is the prevalent language in the US and will give your child a leg up in school? After all in Germany too schools and society often stress that kids should speak German at home, not their home language, to help children do well at school, in particular with reading. But research does actually not support that.

1) Studies consistently show, bilingualism leads to advantages when both languages are well developed. Even a strong home language and weak or very weak majority language is an advantage, compared to a monolingual approach. By 4th grade the child will have all caught up with the monolingual. Strong (pre)literacy in the home language translates to other languages.

2) Reading aloud to your child is one of the best ways to promote preliteracy. It boosts vocabulary, phonetic awareness, grammar and syntax, world knowledge and an understanding of concepts which all help once your child actually learns reading at school or at home. And this knowledge translates between the languages.

3) If your home language is not spoken in the community, just talking the language at home will limit the language acquisition, you will use it only for every day situations at home. Reading aloud is a great help in fostering the home language, presenting lots of new vocabulary for all kind of settings and situations, more complex words, rhyme and also longer sentences as in everyday oral language. And remember, a strong first language is an advantage.

4) For the successful learning of the minority language as well as for reading, it has to be fun. Reading aloud is amazing bonding time. f you two cuddle up reading a book you both love (or at least one of you), it will help associate books and German with warmth and be a key factor in motivating your child. Make reading interactive, by talking about what you are reading, asking questions, reading vividly.

5) Reading can also build cultural awareness and exposure: being exposed to different cultures (your home and majority culture) helps taking different perspectives and also building empathy, just generally broaden the worldview. Reading books from their home culture will make your child feel rooted and a bond with its identity.

The earlier you begin to read to your child, the better. And best of course daily.