What is your primary communicative language at home?

Thanks a ton ladies for your wonderful insight on this regard.

My confusion started with my son's Pediatrician's advice when he was 1 yr old. He stated that kids should learn only one language first( be it English, native or regional). Once they mustered their thought process in one language, they can slowly start learning multiple languages at a time. So, he advised me to start with native language (as it is spoken at home widely) and teach other languages from age 3 on wards.

However, we mix English and French words with native language at home. The maids speak the other language, so my son picked up that language so quickly.

Now that, he goes to Preschool and learns English. He can read, write letters and communicate in English, though he is comfortable in other 2 languages than English. But I am sure, with this rate of grasping languages, he will be fluent in English by the time he enters School next yr.

My sister's DD speaks only English. Because of her, the entire family switched to English mode now. She finds it uncomfortable to communicate with my son who prefers native language- though he understands what his cousin speaks.

I am sure she will find it easy at the School and after certain years both kids will meet at one point (where both would learn all the languages).

But my question is about my Pead's advice and the thinking process of the kids?

Why it is said that Kids can think easily in one language, and thinking in impn at their early stage? Confused.

 

I am glad to hear the other perspectives from you ladies. In fact, I must admit that I was so ignorant about this. I remember reading from somewhere about speech delays and having to grasp multiple languages in kids. I read it long before, and I don't remember exactly what was that discussion topic. Then this Pead gave an opinion along the same line. So, I madly concluded that I should not teach other langues, but just one - I preferred over the native as we all speak at home and almost wasted my LO's first 4 years.

Thank God, he got some opportunity to learn other language through the maid, and now English at his School. Now I am reading elsewhere extensively about what you all trying to convey. Yes, I am convinced that I must start conversing in English and French with my kids at home to enable them expose to multiple language skills.

I am also very clear about my DD's case, as she has just picked up some words of native language and English (through her bro and poems) and makes sentences at 18 months.

@Laks09, your angel impress me a lot.
I think Arabic and Hindi has lot of similarities. Though I am not directly exposed to Hindi, but works with Pakistani cases who speak Urdu - which is almost similar to Hindi.
I learnt Arabic and worked in MENA region for sometimes.

Not sure about German, but French is not that far from English. I love Spanish from their music. Also, I love to learn Russian languages too. Just that I hate all the chinese/thai and japanese languages and they never touch my hart no matter how hard I try.

I extensively visit BKK, for personal business matters, so knowing Thai would be definitely an advantage. But I dont seem to be getting it

 

Ha ha... My son speaks as per cartoons, and it is so fun to hear him like this.