The Language Experiment

The Language Experiment

By Camillo Lakiss and Kaisa MartiskainenEducationKids & FamilyEducation for KidsLanguage Learning
Download on the App Store

The Language Experiment episodes

  • How many languages can a child learn simultaneously? Tom’s Story

    Send us Fan Mail

    #10 - In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic close to our hearts, we’re answering a question that’s on many parents’ minds: How many languages can a child learn simultaneously?

    We were inspired by a thoughtful email from one of our listeners, Tom. Growing up in a multilingual paradise like Luxembourg, he’s no stranger to languages. But Tom’s wondering if his young daughter can successfully juggle Luxembourgish, German, French, English, and Polish. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of multilingual upbringing. Drawing from our experiences and research, we’ll shed light on the magic of language acquisition, the power of a supportive environment, and strategies to set your child up for multilingual success. Let’s tackle the complexities together. 

    Tune in to the episode, and let’s embark on this journey of raising brilliantly multilingual children.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    25 min
  • 6 ways to fight language exclusion

    Send us Fan Mail

    009 - In this episode, we delve into the challenges and possible solutions surrounding language exclusion, offering insights and strategies to nurture inclusivity while raising multilingual children. Join us while we try to  illuminate the path toward linguistic harmony within diverse homes.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    18 min
  • Help! I can’t speak my native language to my child

    Send us Fan Mail

    008 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, we dive into a topic that resonates with so many parents living abroad. Join us as we share our own experiences and explore why speaking our native language to our kids sometimes feels like a daunting task.

    Have you ever found yourself struggling to switch back to your native language after years of using another language? Don't worry, you're not alone! We unravel some the reasons behind this challenge and offer practical tips to help you overcome it. From creating daily language habits to staying connected with family and friends back home, we'll guide you on your multilingual journey. So, if you're eager to raise a language-savvy child, hit play and let's embark on this language adventure together!

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    19 min
  • 6 common myths about bilingualism & multilingualism busted

    Send us Fan Mail

    007 - In this episode, we are on a mission to bust common myths surrounding raising bilingual and multilingual children. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace the power of language diversity!

    🧠 Myth #1: "It's too late to start learning a language after a certain age." False! Discover why age is just a number when it comes to language acquisition, and how anyone, at any age, can become multilingual!

    💬 Myth #2: "Bilingualism causes language confusion and delays." Not true! Uncover the cognitive and social benefits that bilingualism brings, and why children raised in multilingual environments thrive!

    💪 Myth #3: "Children can only be bilingual if their parents are native speakers." Let's debunk this misconception! Find out how fluent parents can successfully teach languages to their little ones and nurture their linguistic journey!

    📚 Myth #4: "Bilingual kids will struggle academically." We're breaking down this myth with evidence! Discover how being bilingual provides cognitive advantages and enriches academic performance.

    💬 Myth #5: "It's better to teach one language at a time." While simultaneous bilingualism has its perks, we're shedding light on why sequential bilingualism is equally effective, depending on your unique family situation!

    🌟 Myth #6: "Being bilingual means being fluent in all languages." Not necessarily! Learn about the different stages of bilingualism and why each one is valuable on the language journey.

    Read more about the different types of bilingualism here: https://linguisttoday.com/all-the-types-of-bilingualism-listed-down-and-explained/?amp=1

    Join us as we navigate through these language myths and explore the true wonders of multilingualism!

    🎧 Tune in now, let's bust those myths together!

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    33 min
  • 4 easy (and cheap) ways to teach languages to your child

    Send us Fan Mail

    006 - Discover four simple and cost-effective methods to teach languages to your children in this episode of the Language Experiment podcast. Join us as we explore the benefits of imaginative play, music and singing, playing outdoors, and reading books aloud. These accessible and enjoyable techniques can enhance your child's language learning journey.

    Tune in to learn more!

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    13 min
  • The challenges of balancing multiple languages at home

    Send us Fan Mail

    005 - In this episode, we tackle the challenges of balancing multiple languages within a family.

    From maintaining equal exposure to dealing with feelings of exclusion, we explore common hurdles faced by parents raising bilingual children. We also discuss how temporary or permanent changes in family dynamics can impact language learning, and the struggle of finding a balance between language acquisition and everyday life.

    With personal stories and practical tips, we share strategies for ensuring language exposure, fostering inclusivity, and adapting to changes. This episode is filled with insights and reflections to help you navigate the multilingual adventure.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    33 min
  • 4 multilingual parenting strategies to try with your child

    Send us Fan Mail

    004 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo explore different language strategies that families can use to teach their children multiple languages.

    They begin by discussing the benefits of raising multilingual children and then dive into four different language strategies: One Parent One Language (OPOL), Minority Language at Home (ML@H), Time and Place, and Mixed Language Approach. For each strategy, they examine its advantages and disadvantages, provide real-life examples of families who have used them successfully, and offer insights into how to implement them effectively.

    They conclude by emphasizing the importance of exposing children to multiple languages and cultures and encouraging families to experiment and find the method that works best for them.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    27 min
  • Why should you raise your child multilingual?

    Send us Fan Mail

    003 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo delve into the fascinating world of multilingualism and explore why raising children to be multilingual is an invaluable gift. As a couple deeply passionate about language and culture, they draw upon their personal experiences, anecdotes, and research to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with a multilingual upbringing.

    The episode kicks off by unveiling the remarkable cognitive benefits that multilingualism bestows upon children, showcasing how language acquisition opens doors to a plethora of lifelong advantages.

    However, no journey is without its hurdles, and raising multilingual children is no exception. Through heartfelt conversations, Kaisa and Camillo share their own encounters with the challenges parents may face.

    Finally, after exploring both the advantages and challenges, Kaisa and Camillo engage in a thoughtful reflection on whether raising children to be multilingual is a path worth pursuing. Drawing upon their experiences and the wisdom of others before them, they arrive at a conclusion that not only highlights the immense value of multilingualism but also encourages parents to embark on this linguistic adventure with their children.

    Join Kaisa and Camillo in this episode as they celebrate the power of multilingualism and encourage parents to unlock a world of linguistic diversity for their children.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    27 min
  • This is our story

    Send us Fan Mail

    002 - In this episode, join Kaisa and Camillo as they embark on a heartfelt journey into their personal experiences of raising a child in a multinational home, residing in bilingual Quebec. With the realization that their child would need to navigate four languages, their initial apprehensions transformed into a beautiful story of embracing linguistic diversity and cultural richness.

    Kaisa and Camillo candidly share the challenges they faced as they grappled with the idea of nurturing multilingualism. Listeners will be drawn into their narrative as they recount the uncertainties and fears they encountered along the way. Through engaging anecdotes and personal insights, they shed light on how their perceptions shifted, and how their journey transformed into an inspiring tale of success.

    From navigating the intricacies of language dominance to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity, Kaisa and Camillo provide valuable lessons learned from their own experiences. They offer practical advice on creating a harmonious multilingual upbringing and highlight the unique benefits their child has gained through this language-rich environment.

    Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the power of multilingualism, as Kaisa and Camillo's story demonstrates the immense value of embracing linguistic diversity within the family unit. Join them as they unravel their personal story, inviting parents and caregivers on a voyage of discovery, empowerment, and the celebration of language and culture.

    So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by Kaisa and Camillo's journey of raising a child in a multinational home, set against the backdrop of a bilingual Quebec.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    29 min
  • Welcome to the Language Experiment

    Send us Fan Mail

    001 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo kick things off by introducing themselves and sharing their initial thoughts about the show.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast

    6 min

About The Language Experiment

From the publisher's feed

How do I raise a multilingual child? Will exposing my child to multiple languages confuse them? Will their speech be delayed? How can I give them enough exposure to my mother tongue?…