In an increasingly globalized world, many families are choosing to raise their children speaking
dominant languages like English rather than their own native or heritage languages. However,
actively promoting the use of native languages within the home provides a multitude of benefits for
both children and the preservation of diverse cultures.

By speaking their native tongue at home, children gain a strong foundation in the language at an
early age. This aids in long-term fluency and literacy, even when they later learn additional
languages like English in school. Children able to speak their parents’ native language also often feel
a deeper sense of family connection and pride in their cultural background.

From a cultural perspective, intergenerational use of native languages is crucial for preventing
language extinction. UNESCO estimates over 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are in danger of
disappearing by 2100. When parents make an effort to speak their native language in daily home
life, they ensure the tongue is passed on to future generations. This continues traditions and
connects younger generations to their heritage.

Additionally, being raised bilingual or multilingual from an early age provides cognitive benefits for
children in areas like problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention skills. The mental flexibility
gained helps them better learn in academic and professional settings later in life.

By making native languages a staple of daily home life, parents not only cherish their own cultural
backgrounds but also enrich the lives of their children. With so many global and personal benefits,
promoting native language use in the family is a choice worth making.