Dutch children who speak a different language at home can use that to learn Dutch faster. When learning a new language, a previously learned language can be of use, says the Education Council.
Parents are often told at consultation agencies and schools that they have to talk “Dutch as quickly and as much as possible” with their children, Els Stronks tells NU.nl. She is professor of early modern Dutch literature at Utrecht University.
That advice is therefore also given to parents who do not control the language themselves. But research proves that a language learns from someone who does not speak that language himself well has more disadvantages than benefits. You do not learn a language optimally, so that many mistakes creep into.
The same study also shows that children pick up languages faster when they speak their own language at home. This makes Learning Dutch easier, says Stronks. But those opportunities are not being used optimally now. The Education Council now asks schools to bring that to the attention in the classroom. “With the right materials, expertise and support, they can use home languages in education.”
There are various examples in the advice. For example, a Les NT2 (Dutch as a second language) is discussed in a secondary school in which two Ukrainian children discuss the tasks in their native language. “That helps in understanding the text and answering the questions. If they can’t figure it out, they ask the teacher in Dutch.”
Own language speak better for social development
“We have known for some time that more room for other home languages in education is not at the expense of Dutch language skills, but students help to learn the Dutch language and in other subjects,” says Louise Elffers, chairman of the Education Council.
Schools are already required to draw up a language policy plan. But not all schools have established a vision about the use of home languages in education. Stronks therefore accelerates the advice of the Education Council.
“It is not only good for language skills, but also for social development. You also use language to get things done among themselves,” explains the professor. For example, rules on arguing or courtesy. “Every language has a different system for this. That better picks up students when their parents talk in a language that they are well -known.”
Multilingualism is an advantage
If teachers have more knowledge about learning a new language and know how they can use that diversity in the classroom, students will learn Dutch better and faster, the Education Council says based on research.
It also helps students to prepare for society, in which people speak multiple languages. The Council is referring not only to foreign languages, but also, for example, on Frisian or Limburgish.
It is a shame that schools do not focus on this multilingualism, says Stronks. “We know that multilingualism in itself has benefits: someone who controls another language very well, usually also teaches the following language easier and better,” says Stronks. “That does not apply to everyone, but on average certainly, and that is why there is every reason for this advice.”
Dutch Children who speak another language at home can actual use that to learn Dutch faster. When Learning a New Language, A PreviOutly Learned Language Can Be Useful, Accordance to the Education Council.
Parents at Consultation Centers and Schools Are Often Told That They Should Speak “As Quickly and As Much As Possible” Dutch With Their Children, Els Stronks Tells Nu.nl. She is a professor of Early Modern Dutch Literature at Utrecht University.
That Advice is Therefore also Given to Parents Who Do Not Master The Language Themselves. But Research Proves That Learning A Language From Someone Who Does Not Speak That Language Well Themselves Has More Disadvantages Than Advantages. You do not Learn A Language Optimally, which Causes Many Mistakes to Creep in.
The Same Research also shows that children pick up Languages faster if they speak their own language at home. This makes Learning Dutch Easier, Says Stronks. But thesis Opportunities Are Not Being Used Optimally Now. The Education Council is now Asking Schools to Bring this to the Attention in the classroom. “With the right materials, expertise and support, they can use home language in education.”
The Advice Contains Several Examples. For Example, An NT2 (Dutch As A Second Language) Lesson at A Secondary School is discussed in which two ukrainian children discusses the Assignments Among Themselves in Their Native Language. “That Helps with Understanding the Text and Answering the Questions. If they can’t figure it out, they Ask the Teacher Questions in Dutch.”
Speaking Your Own Language is Better for Social Development
“We have known for some time that more space for other home language in Education does not come at the Expense of Dutch Language Skills, But Actually Helps Students Learn Dutch and Barther Subjects,” Says Louise Elkens, Chairman of the Education Council.
Schools Are Already Required to Draw Up A Language Policy Plan. But not all schools have laid down a vision on the use of home language in education. Stronks Therefore Applauds The Advice of the Education Council.
“It’s not only good for language skills, but also for social development. You also use language to get things done mutual,” the professor explains. For example, rules about quarreling or police. “Every Language has a differenty system for that. Students pick that up better if their parents speak in a Language Known to them.”
Multilingualism is an advantage
If teachers have more knowledge about learning a new language and know how to use that diversity in the classroom, students Will Learn Dutch Better and Faster, The Education Council States on the Basis of Research.
It also Helps students to prepare for society, in which people speak multiple language. The Council is not only referring to Foreign Languages, but also to Frisian or Limburgish, for Example.
It is a shame that schools do not focus on this multilingualism, says stronks. “We know that multilingualism in itsself has advantages: Someone Who Masters Another Language Very Well Usualy Learns The Next Language More Easily and Better,” Says Stronks. “That Doessn’t Apply to Everyone, But Certainly on Average, and that is why there is every reason for this advice.”