Parlez-vous Francais?
Published
Would you like your child to discover a foreign language? If so, the earlier you start the better! Languages support confidence, communication skills and cultural awareness. Experts say that early positive exposure can shapes how children view language learning for life.
The good news is that inspiring an interest in languages doesn’t require fluency or formal lessons, just small and consistent encouragement at home. Here are four ways parents can help spark an interest:
1. Make languages feel normal, not academic
Children are more likely to engage when languages feel like part of everyday life, rather than a school subject. Using basic greetings , counting aloud or learning a word of the day together helps remove the pressure and builds familiarity.
Connect languages to culture and fun
Language comes alive through stories, food, music and film. Watching a foreign-language film with subtitles, listening to international music or cooking dishes from different countries helps children associate languages with enjoyment and discovery.
Focus on confidence, not correctness
Fear of getting things wrong is one of the biggest barriers to language learning. Encouraging effort, curiosity and progress, rather than perfect pronunciation, helps children build confidence and resilience, which is essential for long-term success.
Link language learning to experiences
Whether it’s a family holiday, or even planning an imaginary trip, connecting new vocabulary to real or imagined experiences makes languages more meaningful and memorable.
Ben Urquhart, head of modern foreign languages at Wycliffe College, says parents shouldn’t underestimate the impact of small actions at home. ‘Language opens doors, whether that’s to cultural understanding or simply the ability to communicate confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.
‘If we want to rebuild Britain’s linguistic capability, families can play a huge role by encouraging curiosity, watching films in other languages, exploring different cultures at home, and framing language learning as a lifelong skill rather than just another exam subject.’
Visit www.wycliffe.co.uk
