Deciding to bring up your children bilingually is an important decision, a decision which will affect the rest of their lives and your lives as parents.
There are many advantages to being able to speak two languages. Your children will be able to enjoy two cultures. They will also be able to bridge between generations, by speaking the same language as their grandparents, maybe, or the extended family. There are also economic advantages. In Wales today, employers are looking for people who can speak and work in both English and Welsh. Why not give it a try? Give your child these advantages - and twice the choice - by bringing them up to speak two languages!
If your partner speaks Welsh, you probably asked the question before your baby was born “Do we want our child to speak Welsh?” This is a vitally important question, for both yourself and your partner. It’s important that you discuss this and consider your and your partner’s opinions. If you wish to raise your children bilingually it’s important that you both appreciate the benefits of doing so.
If only one of you speaks Welsh, you may be worried that the situation will be confusing. You may appreciate some advice and help regarding using two languages to raise your children. Here in Wales we have lots of experience and expertise in raising children bilingually, and in many ways as far as understanding the problems are concerned, we are ahead of most other countries in the world. So, let’s share this experience!
Twf Scheme
Looking for advice and information on raising children bilingually? Perhaps you can’t speak Welsh but your partner can and you’d like to raise your child to speak both languages. Do you want facts and figures on the advantages of being bilingual, or are you already raising your children bilingually and simply want information about things like local activities? If you want your kids to speak Welsh the Welsh Language Board’s Twf project (see link on right hand side of screen) has a website containing all the information you need.
Pre-School Education
In Wales part time statutory education is available for every child from the term following the child’s 3rd birthday. Full time statutory education begins in the term following the child’s 4th birthday.
The main providers of Welsh-medium pre-school education are Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin - the National Association of Welsh-medium Playgroups (MYM).
MYM run a variety of provisions in every part of Wales. It is not necessary for you or your child to be able to speak Welsh to take advantage of their provision.
Cylch Meithrin (Play Group)
These Playgroups provide for children from 2 years of age to school age.
Children can attend the Cylch whether they are able to speak Welsh or not. They offer opportunities for children to play, learn and socialise through the medium of Welsh.
Children make significant linguistic progress at this age. Offering them opportunities to play and to enjoy the company of friends through the medium of Welsh sets a firm foundation for further development.
There are approximately 550 such cylchoedd throughout Wales, being attended by over 10,000 children. (MYM Figures).
Cylchoedd Ti a Fi (Carer and Child Groups)
The Ti a Fi Groups provide for children from birth through to compulsory school age.
They offer opportunities for parents and carers to enjoy playing with their children in an informal Welsh atmosphere, while socialising with other parents. Neither you nor your child needs to be able to speak Welsh to join the local group. You will be given every encouragement to join in the activities, and perhaps learn a little Welsh yourselves on the way.
Some Ti a Fi Groups run “Welsh for the Family” courses which introduce Welsh stories, songs, nursery rhymes and simple phrases to use at home.
For more information about Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin or to find your local Ti a Fi Group or Cylch Meithrin visit the organisations website.
For more detailed information on the growth of Welsh medium education and immersion education see the publications on the right hand side of this page.