I'm interested to hear from other English speaking couples bringing up their kids in Italy.
Our son is 18 mo and was born here and we are both English. I believe this kind of bilingualism is called 'minority language at home' rather than 'one parent one language'.
Mickey is quite slow at learning to speak but I'm told this is normal for bilingual kids. He seems to understand a little Italian but much more in English.
Would love to hear other people's experience and advice plus any links to other resources
Thanks
Venice
Category
General chat about Italy
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/11/2008 - 10:24
I am not a speech therapist but I used to teach child development on one my courses in the uk and it is probably that your son, only 18 months old, is well within the normal range for children who are only attempting to learn one language. Also, boys seem to be much slower to speak than girls and thats normal. He is busy developing his spatial side, ready to master those 21st century 'survival needs' from computer games, driving and diy.... he doesn't need to go out and hunt 'sabre-tooth tigers' while the female of the species stays at home, round the campfire and develops her language and communication skills.
Hi Venice
I am not a speech therapist but I used to teach child development on one my courses in the uk and it is probably that your son, only 18 months old, is well within the normal range for children who are only attempting to learn one language. Also, boys seem to be much slower to speak than girls and thats normal. He is busy developing his spatial side, ready to master those 21st century 'survival needs' from computer games, driving and diy.... he doesn't need to go out and hunt 'sabre-tooth tigers' while the female of the species stays at home, round the campfire and develops her language and communication skills.
Best wishes