When Kojo moved from Ghana to the United States with his family, he quickly noticed that life here was different. At school, everyone spoke English. Teachers, friends, and even the TV shows he loved were all in a language that felt new and exciting, but also overwhelming. At home, his grandmother, Nana Ama, spoke to him in Twi, the language of their roots. His mother, Aba, made an effort to preserve their Ghanaian culture, but Kojo often resisted.
Over time, English became Kojo’s go-to language. He spoke it at school, with friends, and even at home. Nana Ama noticed the change but didn’t push him too hard. Instead, she reminded him of their cultural heritage through stories.
“Kojo,” she often said, “our language is like the roots of a baobab tree. Without strong roots, the tree cannot stand tall. Don’t lose your roots.”
When Kojo’s teacher assigned a project about cultural heritage, it became a turning point. With Nana’s help, Kojo shared an Ananse story in Twi, then translated it into English for his classmates. Their applause and curiosity showed him something he hadn’t realized: speaking two languages wasn’t something to hide. It was a strength.
Through Kojo’s journey, his family learned valuable lessons about raising a bilingual child in a new country. Their experience holds powerful insights for other parents navigating a similar path.
The Power of Bilingualism
For many immigrant families, like Kojo’s, balancing the language of their heritage with the dominant language of their new environment can be challenging. Parents often worry their children will lose their home language while trying to fit in at school. Some may feel pressure to focus solely on English, fearing it’s the only way for their child to succeed.
Research shows that bilingualism is not only achievable but highly beneficial. Children who grow up speaking two languages tend to have stronger cognitive skills, better problem-solving abilities, and greater cultural awareness. Preserving a child’s home language also helps them maintain strong connections to their heritage and family.
Practical Tips for Parents Raising Bilingual Children
- Create a Language-Rich Environment
Speak your home language consistently at home. Whether it’s during meals, bedtime stories, or casual conversations, let your child hear and use the language daily. - Celebrate Your Heritage
Incorporate cultural traditions, music, and stories into your family’s routine. Sharing your cultural heritage in fun and engaging ways helps your child connect emotionally to the language. - Use Both Languages Creatively
If your child resists speaking your home language, try pairing it with their interests. For example, watch movies in your native language or cook traditional dishes while teaching them the words for ingredients. - Partner With Teachers
Share your child’s linguistic background with their teachers. Encourage schools to value and include cultural diversity in the classroom. Teachers can incorporate bilingual books or heritage-based projects, like Kojo’s Ananse story. - Be Patient and Encouraging
Learning two languages takes time and effort. Celebrate small victories and avoid pressuring your child. Focus on making language learning a positive experience.
Final Thoughts
Kojo’s story reminds us that raising bilingual children is about more than teaching words. It’s about helping them see the beauty and value of their roots while equipping them for success in a global world.
As a parent or teacher, your role is vital in fostering this balance. Encourage children to embrace their heritage and their new language with pride. In doing so, you give them the greatest gift: the ability to stand tall, like a baobab tree, rooted in their identity while reaching for the skies.
