The Importance of First Language Development

At the British International School Hanoi, we have high expectations for all our students, and we want to ensure they excel in speaking English.

While many parents share this expectation and are excited for their child to develop their understanding of the English language, many parents often overlook an important foundation in learning a new language. 

The development of the spoken English language is a key focus for us at BIS, and with over 23 nationalities in our school, we place high importance on the development of a student’s first language. This is because fluency in the mother tongue is an important foundation for students looking to grow their language skills and learn more languages.

What is a first language or mother tongue?

The first language, also referred to as the mother tongue or home language, is the first language spoken at home in a child’s early years and before they begin school. The first language is not learned through school or as an adult but from childhood exposure and communication in the home. 

What is the importance of first language?

Research shows that a strong foundation in at the understanding of your mother tongue is important when learning additional languages. 

Fluency in your first language makes developing and acquiring a second language easier. Bilingual learners’ brains are more flexible—they store two languages simultaneously, and evidence shows that bilingual learners perform better academically than monolingual learners.

In children, research shows that students who have a solid foundation in their mother tongue, develop better literacy skills in other languages that they subsequently learn.
To help your child have strong language skills throughout their life, it’s important to grow your child’s understanding of their mother tongue while they are young. Not only will this help them reach proficiency in more languages and communicate well with people, but it will connect your child to their culture. 

What are the benefits of learning your first language in the classroom?

There are a variety of benefits seen in the classroom for children who learn their first language, including the acquisition of greater intellectual skills, social skills, critical thinking skills, literary skills and confidence. 

Students who understand their mother tongue are benefitted personally as they understand their connection to their culture, family members, traditions, values and lifestyle. The ability to recognize and appreciate a key element of their identity helps children evolve with fulfilment in who they are.

To help your child cultivate these skills, it is very important that parents speak their mother tongue at home. Understanding how the language is expressed in real-life social situations greatly benefits a child’s ability to obtain language fluency.

Learning a first language at home: how can you help?

If you want your child to become stronger in English, the best thing you can do is not speak English with them. Instead, celebrate your home language by spending time reading, writing and speaking in the mother tongue.

If one parent’s first language is English, then speak English to your child whilst the other parent speaks their first language so that both languages are being developed equally.

Here is how you can help your child learn their first language at home:

• Speak in your first language! You are the best model for your child to develop a strong vocabulary, proper grammar and natural communication skills. Sing songs and tell stories in your first language.
• Watch TV or movies in your first language and talk about them.
• Talk together in your first language at mealtimes, family outings, and family celebrations.
• Stay in touch with family and friends by talking together in your first language on video calls, phone calls or emails.
• Read first language books and encourage writing in the first language.