How can I make Filipino my child’s first language?
It is very common nowadays for Filipino children to grow up speaking English as their first language. They often become more comfortable with English over time, making Filipino their second language. While English is important for global communication, many parents want their children to also speak Filipino fluently to stay connected to their culture and family heritage.
These are some of the practical and fun ways to make Filipino your child’s first language so they will learn to embrace their Filipino background at a young age.
Speak to Your Child in Filipino Every Day: Use Filipino as much as you can at home. The more your child hears Filipino, the quicker they will learn it and feel comfortable using it.
Encourage Your Child to Respond in Filipino: Gently remind your child to answer in Filipino, especially if they speak in English. You can do this by repeating their English words in Filipino or kindly asking them to try speaking in Filipino.
Use Filipino in Daily Routines: Make Filipino a part of your everyday activities. Sing songs, read stories, and ask simple questions in Filipino during meals, playtime, or bedtime.
Introduce Filipino Culture: Connect the language with fun and familiar experiences. Celebrate Filipino holidays, play traditional games, cook Filipino dishes, and watch Filipino TV shows or cartoons together.
Get Family Involved: Encourage relatives who speak Filipino to talk to your child in the language. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends can all help by having conversations in Filipino.
By following these simple steps, you can help your child become fluent in Filipino. These practices will not only make Filipino their first language but also help them embrace their cultural roots from an early age.
At The Learning Library, we’ve been dedicated to helping students learn Filipino and other subjects. If you want to take your child’s Filipino language skills to the next level, check out our Wika’y Galing program here.
