Man Tells His Bilingual Wife Not To Teach Their Twin Daughters Her Native Language

It's great to communicate in different languages, right? Of course, I've been told that the language a person thinks in is their primary language!

Although English is my primary 'talking and thinking' language, I'm bilingual and often converse in my native language when I'm among people who understand what I'm saying.

It's wonderful to be bilingual, but I'm very conscious when I switch between English and my native language. You see, some words in my native language mean something nice, but in English, they mean something worse!

For example:

1. In Russia, "brat" means brothers or pals, but in English, you know what it means.
2. The Danish word for speed or moving objects is "fart," which is ironic because...
3. The next time you're in Romania, ask for "crap"—a fish sandwich. Everywhere else, don't.

We already know how complicated the English language is, and being bilingual is the cherry on top. Nevertheless, teaching your kids your native language shouldn't be a problem... or should it?

Redditor babybumps_ insists that her twin daughters learn to speak her native language along with English, but her husband refuses to let them speak anything except English. Interesting.

His reasons are clear. According to him, since every close family member speaks fluent English, there is no need for the girls to learn or have a second language.

His fear? That when they grow up, they'll talk behind his back. SMH.

We'll let babybumps_ explain.

She's right, tbh. The more languages a child learns, the better it is for them.

Reddit / babybumps_

But he disagrees and doesn't want his girls to learn their mother's native language.

Reddit / babybumps_

The girls will grow up trilingual, either way.

Reddit / babybumps_

This question was all it took for over 400 people to comment.

Reddit / babybumps_

Great point.

Reddit / babybumps_

He can learn her native language, too.

Reddit / babybumps_

True.

Reddit / babybumps_

Being bilingual will help them in the future.

Reddit / babybumps_

The twins and her husband should learn too.

Reddit / babybumps_

This is true.

Reddit / babybumps_

That's an awesome reminder.

Reddit / babybumps_

Wow, this is an eye-opener.

Reddit / babybumps_

Being bilingual is a huge advantage.

Reddit / babybumps_

If he's concerned, he should learn it too.

Reddit / babybumps_

Agreed.

Reddit / babybumps_

Yep, agreed.

Reddit / babybumps_

Give children an opportunity to learn a new language!

Reddit / babybumps_

LOL.

Reddit / babybumps_

This is right.

Reddit / babybumps_

What An Expert Thinks About Being Bilingual

Being bilingual is a blessing in disguise if you think about it. You might not realize it now, but as the kids grow, each language they speak will open up a unique set of opportunities for them.

That's wonderful, isn't it?

In an interview with Romper, researcher and language coach Ana Oliveira said, "If you have the means to raise your child bilingual, don't waste that opportunity. They’ll thank you later."

And she's right!

Experts have not always been in favor of children being bilingual. A long time ago, experts and researchers believed that learning to speak two languages could affect a person's thinking abilities.

They believed that language could change a person's memories, values, and even personality. Therefore, speaking two languages could alter a person's character.

Until the 19th century, experts believed that learning a second language would not only confuse children but also prevent them from speaking any language fluently. They believed bilingualism would make a child a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none, thereby resulting in a lower IQ.

But all that changed when experts realized that learning a second language, at any age, could provide the mental stimulation a person needs to remain healthy. Ellen Bialystok, a psychologist at York University in Toronto, says:

"Learn a language at any age, not to become bilingual, but just to remain mentally stimulated. That’s the source of cognitive reserve."

I think babybumps_ should follow her heart, knowing that bilingualism will benefit her girls in the long run. As far as her husband is concerned, a polite in-depth conversation is all he needs to understand her point of view and for her to understand his.

What do you think about being bilingual? Let us know in the comments below!