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How do I raise a multilingual child? Will exposing my child to multiple languages confuse them? Will their speech be delayed? How can I give them enough exposure to my mother tongue? These were just some of the questions that Kaisa and Camillo had when they were expecting their first child. Originally from Finland and Brazil, now living in the French speaking part of Canada, the couple searched for answers, literature and resources about multilingual upbringing.
When their research turned out unfruitful, they agreed to do what felt most natural to them: practicing their own languages with their daughter while incorporating two local languages on top of that. The Language Experiment is a podcast where Kaisa and Camillo share their journey on multilingual parenting with hopes of helping and encouraging other parents who are looking to raise multilingual children. There will be interviews, practical tips and plenty of real life experiences and perspectives on multilingualism.
You’ll discover how they helped their daughter become quadrilingual before the age of three only by reading, singing, playing and spending time outdoors with her. You’ll learn to recognize and critically assess some of the myths surrounding multilingual parenting. You’ll also hear from other parents and learn what worked for them and what didn’t. If you are a parent raising or wanting to raise children with multiple languages, this podcast is a must-listen. Hit subscribe now and join the community!
19 Episodes
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19 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, Kaisa and Camillo sit down to reflect on their family’s first full year of living in Portugal. From leaving Canada to navigating cultural surprises, adjusting to a new environment, and balancing multiple languages at home, they share the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover what it really feels like to uproot a multilingual family, how language dynamics shift in a new country, and why Portugal turned out to be ...
18 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, Camillo speaks with Philippe Ha, a Canadian father of Vietnamese heritage raising his children bilingually. Growing up in multicultural Montreal, Phillip experienced a dynamic linguistic environment where Vietnamese, French, and English intertwined in his daily life. He reflects on his parents’ immigrant journey, their efforts to preserve Vietnamese at home, and the influence of Quebec’s Bill 101 on his education and cultural identity. With dee...
#17 In this episode of The Language Experiment, we continue our series on Language and Identity with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Anna Maria, an entrepreneur and job coach who grew up in Finland in a multilingual family. With a Finnish mother, an Italian father, and parents who communicated in German, Anna Maria shares her unique experience of navigating childhood in a largely monolingual Finnish society. We discuss what it was like growing up bilingual—and even trilingual—whe...
#16 In this episode of the Language Experiment Podcast, hosts Kaisa and Camillo explore the emotional aspects of raising multilingual children and how it shapes their identity. They share personal experiences and discuss the challenges children face while navigating multiple languages and cultures. The episode covers the deep connection between language and cultural heritage, explaining how learning a family's language can strengthen a child's sense of pride and belonging. Kaisa and Camillo...
#15 Welcome back to The Language Experiment! After a year-long hiatus filled with life-changing events, We return to share our incredible journey of moving from Canada to Portugal. In this new episode, we recount selling our home, navigating a whirlwind of relocation logistics, and adapting to our new life abroad. From settling in, to our children's evolving language journeys, it's been a year of growth, challenges, and cultural shifts. Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast pla...
#14 - In this episode we discuss some significant changes on the horizon. We're bracing ourselves for a whole new chapter in our lives. Stay tuned as we navigate this uncharted territory, and find out how it impacts our multilingual journey. We're excited to share it with you! Our future holds some exciting opportunities, and we can't wait to see where this adventure takes us. Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic su...
#13 - In this episode of "The Language Experiment," we interview Priscilla, a mom raising her trilingual twins in Canada. Priscilla shares her experiences and insights into the challenges and joys of raising trilingual children. She discusses her strategies for balancing language exposure, incorporating Brazilian culture and traditions into their lives, and finding valuable resources for language learning. Priscilla's story highlights the importance of language exposure and the unique perspec...
#12 - Hey there, wonderful The Language Experiment community! In this episode, we're diving deep into a topic close to our hearts – our daughters' multilingual journey. From those first baby babbles to navigating a bilingual daycare during a pandemic, it's been a rollercoaster ride. We're sharing this not to show off but to keep it real. Multilingual parenting isn't always a straight line, and we're here to remind you that it's perfectly okay. Our two girls, in the same language-rich environm...
#11 - Discover the harmonious world of language learning through music in this episode of The Language Experiment. We shine a light the multifaceted benefits that music offers, both in fostering language skills and creating family connections. Unveiling the correlation between musicality and foreign language acquisition, we reveal how melody and rhythm aid in memorization and pronunciation. From children's songs rich with engaging content to the unexpected confidence boost music provides, we ...
#10 - In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic close to our hearts, we’re answering a question that’s on many parents’ minds: How many languages can a child learn simultaneously? We were inspired by a thoughtful email from one of our listeners, Tom. Growing up in a multilingual paradise like Luxembourg, he’s no stranger to languages. But Tom’s wondering if his young daughter can successfully juggle Luxembourgish, German, French, English, and Polish. Join us as we explore the fascinati...
009 - In this episode, we delve into the challenges and possible solutions surrounding language exclusion, offering insights and strategies to nurture inclusivity while raising multilingual children. Join us while we try to illuminate the path toward linguistic harmony within diverse homes. Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together! RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.r...
008 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, we dive into a topic that resonates with so many parents living abroad. Join us as we share our own experiences and explore why speaking our native language to our kids sometimes feels like a daunting task. Have you ever found yourself struggling to switch back to your native language after years of using another language? Don't worry, you're not alone! We unravel some the reasons behind this challenge and offer practical tips to help you over...
007 - In this episode, we are on a mission to bust common myths surrounding raising bilingual and multilingual children. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace the power of language diversity! 🧠 Myth #1: "It's too late to start learning a language after a certain age." False! Discover why age is just a number when it comes to language acquisition, and how anyone, at any age, can become multilingual! 💬 Myth #2: "Bilingualism causes language confusion and delays." Not true! Unco...
006 - Discover four simple and cost-effective methods to teach languages to your children in this episode of the Language Experiment podcast. Join us as we explore the benefits of imaginative play, music and singing, playing outdoors, and reading books aloud. These accessible and enjoyable techniques can enhance your child's language learning journey. Tune in to learn more! Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions...
005 - In this episode, we tackle the challenges of balancing multiple languages within a family. From maintaining equal exposure to dealing with feelings of exclusion, we explore common hurdles faced by parents raising bilingual children. We also discuss how temporary or permanent changes in family dynamics can impact language learning, and the struggle of finding a balance between language acquisition and everyday life. With personal stories and practical tips, we share strategies for ensuri...
004 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo explore different language strategies that families can use to teach their children multiple languages. They begin by discussing the benefits of raising multilingual children and then dive into four different language strategies: One Parent One Language (OPOL), Minority Language at Home (ML@H), Time and Place, and Mixed Language Approach. For each strategy, they examine its advantages and disadvantages, provide real-life examples of families who have ...
003 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo delve into the fascinating world of multilingualism and explore why raising children to be multilingual is an invaluable gift. As a couple deeply passionate about language and culture, they draw upon their personal experiences, anecdotes, and research to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with a multilingual upbringing. The episode kicks off by unveiling the remarkable cognitive benefits tha...
002 - In this episode, join Kaisa and Camillo as they embark on a heartfelt journey into their personal experiences of raising a child in a multinational home, residing in bilingual Quebec. With the realization that their child would need to navigate four languages, their initial apprehensions transformed into a beautiful story of embracing linguistic diversity and cultural richness. Kaisa and Camillo candidly share the challenges they faced as they grappled with the idea of nurturing multili...
001 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo kick things off by introducing themselves and sharing their initial thoughts about the show. Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together! RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss Website: www.languageexperiment.com E-mail: contact@languageexperiment.com Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast
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