Children's Language

Inevitably while talking about Zigzag's adoption, we or someone else will say, "Well, he is at the perfect age to pick up the language quickly." Same with our bio children, because they are children, they will pick up the native language quickly. But we've found we are living examples that it doesn't matter what age one is learning a language, it takes lots of work, frustration, immersion and time!

It's now been over a month into Zigzag's time with us while he's been in almost complete immersion.  Now we do understand some basic French, we understand a handful of words in his native language, and he knows a handful of words in "Casa," so we've been able to communicate a little using non-English.  But still it is a little shocking that he's using very few words or phrases in English consistently. From our study of studying language, this is probably a very good thing, as it really gives him ample time to hear the sounds before trying to form them. But it is frustrating for everyone! Can you imagine being talked to all day long in a language and not understanding what people are saying? Zigzag actually handles a lot of it in stride very well, but every so often his frustration pops!

The other amazing thing I've learned recently is how quickly internationally adopted children loose their native language - by 3 months they are already loosing it!

I was grateful to come across this article recently supporting the rate each of our children are learning new languages. “Consider these facts. The typical 6-year-old understands over 20,000 English words. A 5-year-old adopted from another country would need to learn an average of 54 new words every day in order to fully catch up in language comprehension abilities by age 6. However, while this child has been playing catch-up, his 6 year old friends have also added an average of 5,000 words to their vocabulary. In summary, expecting older children to develop proficient English language skills within one or two years of adoption is unrealistic. Learning a new language to proficiency takes

years.” http://www.arletajames.com/articles/speechlanginadoptees.pdf

So we continue to plug away daily with Zigzag learning some English words each day and figure it will take time. I am grateful there are small language steps to celebrate each day in this marathon of language learning.  And I will end with my current favorite Zigzag expression, "Please accused. (May I please be excused)"  

-- La Maestra