Tip 241: Create new language opportunities

While watching TV with the family, a thought randomly came to Haruka and as usual, she spoke to both me and Tomomi in Japanese. She proudly announced that she now can speak in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean language. We were curious about how she acquired Korean language. She quickly provided evidence by saying, "Kamsa Hamnida!"














I spoke to Haruka in English, "What is that?" Haruka said, "Arigato!" I asked Haruka, "What is good morning in Kankoku-go?" She replied, "Anyeong Haseyo!" She remembered these phrases many months back when I repeated these phrases to her when we were watching a Korean soap opera program on TV together.














Also whenever we saw a friendly Korean stranger or have an opportunity to speak to a Korean at church, I would encourage Haruka to greet them in the foreign language and depending on her mood, she would comply. In March this year, Haruka just started kindergarten run by a church . We were late in enrolling her as we were initially undecided if we should send her to a Japanese kindergarten. I convinced Tomomi that Haruka would maintain her proficiency in the Japanese language even though she attends a local kindergarten. Initially, Haruka was possibly worried that she will be uncomfortable in an English environment. She told us that she wanted to go to the Japanese kindergarten.














Yet, a few days ago, mummy saw her holding the hand of an Indian girl from her class. Previously, if there was an Indian stranger in a lift, she would turn away and not look at the person. I am so glad that there is so much progress in the way Haruka now embraces diversity.














Every morning, the students greet the teacher, "Zhao An, Lao Se! (Good morning Teacher!). Even though Chinese lessons has not started in Haruka's class, it is easy to learn greetings when all students from different classes greet the teacher together. Possibly this stroked the pride in Haruka that she now masters so many languages.














At 1-2 years old when Haruka was staying 6 months in London during winter/spring, she was watching a lot of English Barney programs. Her English seems to be much more fluent than now and she would speak with everyone else in English and speak with mummy in Japanese. However, just 9 months ago, she started to only speak in Japanese even when she understands the English that I speak to her. If someone speaks to her in English, she will either keep mum or just nod in response to the question. However, Haruka's confidence in other language may take a turn for the better soon. Ego is good. I hope she strives to master various languages if she enjoys doing that.














(Photos show scenes from Marina Bay Sands)