How to Overcome the German Language Barrier
When moving to a different country and trying to learn the language, we often encounter difficulties due to language barriers. But with a little bit of preparation, the language barrier is actually far from being an issue. Today we share with you tips on how to help your child overcome the German language barrier.
Familiarise Them With the Language
Helping your child overcome the language barrier starts with finding a way of familiarising them with the language they are about to be exposed to. Depending on their age and preferences, you can do this by watching films in German together or listening to German music. After they are exposed to the German language for some time, you can continue familiarising them by learning some basic words and phrases.
Practice Together
Now that your child is familiar with the language and knows some basic words and phrases, you can practice the new language together. From social media to educational YouTube videos, to child-friendly podcasts and more, there are numerous games and activities that can help you practice together and become German learners. It is important to ensure your child has fun and finds joy while strengthening their language skills.
Find Translation Tools and Apps
In a world where the internet is at our fingertips and where children are learning how to use online tools at a young age, accessing online translation tools is easy. Using an online translator tool such as Google Translate or a language learning application like Duolingo is an effective way to bridge the gap between different cultures and different languages. Additionally, using these tools can help introduce new words and phrases to your child. Your child’s vocabulary in both German and their native language can grow as a result, and they can also learn about grammar, sentence structure and how similar messages can be expressed in different languages.
Use Hand Gestures
When learning to speak German, do not be afraid to use hand gestures. From simple pointing to what you would like to order at a restaurant to more complex topics, hand gestures can go a long way. Even though hand gestures are often our direct human response when we do not understand something at first, remember they are extremely useful!
Be Patient
No one speaks German perfectly, not even native German speakers! When learning a new language, mistakes are inevitable and German is no exception. Be patient with your child and yourself and try not to take criticism from others too personally. The more you practice and interact with people, the less intimidating the language barrier will seem.
We hope these tips can help you in teaching your child to overcome the German language barrier. If you want to find out more about Mentora Gymnasium, you can make an appointment and visit our school or take part in one of the regular open days we host.