Congratulations, you are ready to bring your internationally adopted child home. As you prepare to finally meet that sweet face, you are probably thinking about how you are going to communicate with each other. Here are some tips for conquering language barriers in adoption and helping your child learn English:
Preparing to bring your child home:
- Start learning some basic words and phrases in your child’s first language. This will not only help break down language barriers, but it shows your child that you care and that you are in this together. Some examples of helpful words or phrases include: hello, Mom, Dad, sister, brother, thank you, “it’s okay”, Are you hungry? cold? hot? Do you need to use the bathroom? Does something hurt?
- Download a language app and practice using it before you travel. There are many translation apps that offer tools like dictionaries, scanning an image for translation, and even live talk-to-text translation.
- Identify someone that speaks your child’s first language and can be available to help translate once your child arrives home. Translation apps can only get you so far, especially with younger children. There may also be times when you need to relay a sensitive or important piece of information and want to ensure your child fully understands. It can be helpful to have someone you can call or video chat with to help you communicate with your child in those early days and weeks.
- Find age-appropriate TV shows, movies, and/or books in your child’s first language to have ready. Many streaming channels have the capability to change the audio and subtitle settings to a variety of other languages. These can be helpful to bring comfort and familiarity to the child (more on this below).
Transitioning home with your new child:
- Remember that nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Be mindful of your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Your child will be relying on these cues more than usual to determine if you are safe and how to navigate this new world. See these additional tips for connecting with your child nonverbally in the first few weeks home.
- Immersion is key! Expose your child to English as much as possible. This may mean making an intentional effort to talk more to and around your child. Helpful Tips for Language Adaption offers some practical suggestions on how to do this.
- Use simple television shows to increase your child’s exposure to English. Pre-school aged shows tend to use simple words and phrases that are good for new language learners. For older kids, turn on the subtitles so they can listen and read. This can be particularly helpful for single parents who find it more challenging to provide examples of English dialogue in the home.
- For school-aged kids, the academic focus should be on language acquisition first. Other skills will come as your child gains more confidence using English.
- Take brain breaks. Language learning is exhausting! Allow your child to take breaks from English immersion by watching a show, reading, or talking to someone in his or her first language. (This is where those resources you identified before your child came home come in handy.)
It is important to recognize that language barriers can affect a child’s ability to do well in school, make friends, build attachment, and understand rules. Language barriers can be at the actual root of educational delays, what appears as developmental delays, social awkwardness, and even behavioral outbursts. It is frustrating and lonely when you cannot communicate with others! Be patient with your child and trust the process. Children are resilient and quick learners and in no time, you will forget that language barriers ever existed.
Additional Resources:
Post Adoption Connection Center - Nightlight
Preparing for the Journey: 10 Tips for Meeting your Adopted Child - Nightlight