In this video, we will discuss two ugly truths
of the One Person One Language (OPOL) strategy, probably the most popular language learning
approach used by international and multicultural parents. Starting right now. One of the challenges of the OPOL method for
many multilingual parents is the need for consistent use to achieve its effectiveness. As multilingual parents, we want to use our
complete language repertoire, even when with our children. However, inconsistency can make this language
learning approach less effective, and in some cases, it may not work at all, resulting in
the child not acquiring the target language. So, my husband and I have committed ourselves
to strictly stick to the OPOL method, and it works… Video Let me know your thoughts in the comments. But there are studies that show that although
the OPOL method can work well in many cases, it can also be tricky sometimes.
Mostly for the poor parent that has the hard
job of maintaining a minority language. So the second ugly truth of the OPOL method
is that even though a parent might stick to the target language religiously and be very
consistent, it might still not be enough to help a child become active in that language. The reason is that more support is needed
in addition to the very hard efforts from the parents side. But don’t get your hopes down because it
IS possible. With the right supplements and strategies,
children can learn multiple languages successfully and without struggles. And all of that I show you in my courses,
where I take you by the hand and go step by step through the content and I stand by your
side so you can ask questions whenever they rise.
Go to www dot multilingual dot family slash
courses. www.multilingual.family/courses
Well, now that we know what’s hard about the OPOL method, how can we get our hopes
up and be reassured that it will work for us? Let’s look into it… The "One Person One Language" (OPOL) method
is an approach to raising bilingual or multilingual children. The basic idea behind the OPOL method is that
each parent speaks a different language to the child, so the child is exposed to two
or more languages from an early age. The following key points are the ones you
need to keep in mind to make it work for you. So here we go:
Consistency: In the OPOL method, it's important to be consistent with language use. Each parent should speak their designated
language to the child, and this should be maintained consistently over time.
This will help the child develop strong language
skills in both languages. The method can be combined: The OPOL method
can be adapted to fit different family situations. For example, if a
family has a third language that they speak at home, they could use in addition the OSOL
approach. In my courses, you can learn all about effectively
combining language learning methods. Provide additional language exposure: While
the OPOL method can be effective in helping children develop strong language skills, it's
also important to provide additional language exposure. This can include reading books in both languages,
watching TV shows or movies in both languages, and enrolling the child in language classes
or programs. If possible, expose the child to the
languages equally: While one parent may speak one language more often, both languages should
be used and encouraged equally. This helps the child develop balanced proficiency
in both languages. The child will mix languages: It's common
for children raised with the OPOL method to mix languages when they first start speaking
and also later.
For example, they may use one language for
one sentence and then switch to another language for the next sentence. This is a normal part of language development
and typically resolves as the child becomes more proficient in both languages. So, since your children are going to mix languages
quite often, this video will show you how to deal with that. See you there!.