On Friday afternoon, company HR organized a talk about "how to teach your kids billingual". The topic sounds interesting so I spend about an hour in the talk.
Besides the commercial propaganda of their international billingual school, I did hear a few things that are helpful in raising a billingual kid. If I only have time and room to list one, I would take on the culture one -- billingual is not only a second language, it is a second culture. Billingual kids are more respectful, peaceful and sociable because they understand that different people approach things differently.
I thought I knew about this, but I don't think I've put much thinking into it. While we are bringing in English materials to David, we also have choose the right one that will influence how he understands the English world, mostly America in our family. :-)
So choosing Chinese and English as 2 languages for David is a perfect combination of the 2 cultures. Eastern model respects authorities and hierarchies. People often do what is being told to them and are mostly peaceful about it. Western model honors individuality. Self-starters are admired when they are creative and successful. It is OK to make mistakes when trying new things. So raising David to be a respectful, peaceful yet creative individual would be a nice thing. Of course God will do the final shaping of his character. :-)
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4 comments:
Hi L,
I wish my parents had had the same insight when we moved to the US from Holland. I regret that I have lost most of my mother tongue. The words they continued to use are not repeatable to most audiences. I would shock most people in Holland with my use of expletives. That is not the legacy you should leave your kids. Good for you in your decision to teach David the best of both worlds.
Big Franca hug and kiss to David.
I look forward to your next posting.
F.
Franca, I am so glad to hear from you. So which part of eastern globe are you on? Is there a chance that we could meet while you are nearby? My cell is 86-13520589691 (except today that I forgot it at home :-( ) and my work number is 86-10-58965238 (during the day).
I am not physicaly on the Eastern globe. I only meant I am on the Eastern globe via your blogspot. Sorry for the confusion. Actually, Bob and I are thinking of visiting you next March on our trip to China. We would only stay a few days and then tour other parts of China. Any thoughts from you as to where we should visit would be greatly appreciated.
Greetings to your family...
F.
Sounds good Franca. we will coordinate our time with your trip here around next March. :-) Have a great summer and say hi to Jessica while you get the chance.
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