The Influence of Maternal Language Choices in Bilingual Families Is Twice As Significant

The Impact of Mothers on Bilingual Language Acquisition: A Paradigm Shift in Parenting Strategies

Recent research conducted by Concordia University challenges long-held beliefs regarding bilingual language exposure in children, particularly the traditional one-parent-one-language approach. The study sheds light on the dynamics of language acquisition in bilingual Montreal families, revealing that maternal influence significantly surpasses that of fathers in shaping children’s language exposure.

Historically, parents aiming to raise bilingual children have often adhered to the guideline of one parent speaking exclusively in one language while the other uses a different language. This approach was thought to maximize children’s exposure to both languages, thereby enhancing their bilingual capabilities. However, the findings from Concordia University’s Infant Research Lab indicate that many families in Montreal are deviating from this model, with both parents frequently using both languages when communicating with their children.

Andrea Sander-Montant, a PhD candidate and lead author of the study, emphasizes the prevalence of bilingualism among adults in Montreal, stating, “This made sense to us, because there are a lot of adults in Montreal who are actively bilingual.” The study highlights a more organic approach to language exposure, wherein families employ methods that resonate with their comfort levels, rather than strictly adhering to conventional parenting advice.

Researchers analyzed data from hundreds of families taking part in the lab’s research between 2013 and 2020. They identified four predominant language strategies used by families: one-parent-one-language, both-parents-bilingual, one-parent-bilingual (where one parent speaks both languages while the other uses only one), and one-language-at-home (utilizing one language in domestic settings and another in external environments, such as daycare). However, the study found no significant correlation between these strategies and the actual language exposure children experienced at home.

A pivotal revelation emerged when the research shifted focus from family strategies to individual parental language use. It was discovered that mothers exerted nearly double the influence on their children’s language exposure compared to fathers. Krista Byers-Heinlein, supervising author and a professor in the Department of Psychology, stated, “If the mother is speaking only French, for example, the child will hear a lot of French. If the father is the only one speaking French, the child will hear a lot less.” This finding echoed particularly strongly within heritage-language families, where mothers often took on the responsibility of transmitting the heritage language, even in households where both parents shared that linguistic background.

The implications of these findings are multifaceted. Sander-Montant suggests that cultural factors, including the traditional roles assigned to mothers in many societies, likely contribute to this dynamic. “We think this may be the case because mothers still spend more time at home than fathers. There may also be cultural factors at play, where mothers feel it is their responsibility to transmit the language,” she noted.

Byers-Heinlein emphasized a need for a shift in dialogue around bilingual language transmission, suggesting families assess who is spending the most time with their children and strategize accordingly. “We estimate that young children need 20 to 30 waking hours weekly hearing each of the languages they are acquiring,” she explained. “Rather than stressing about using this or that strategy, families can work backwards from who is spending time with the child to ensure they receive adequate exposure to both languages from fluent speakers.”

These findings hold significant implications for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators who work with bilingual families. The researchers advocate for more flexible, family-centered recommendations that foster bilingual development, moving away from rigid strategies towards an understanding that respects the unique familial context of each household. This research not only reframes the conversation around bilingualism but also underscores the vital role mothers play in nurturing linguistic growth in children. As language exposure paradigms evolve, there is a clear need to recognize and support the diverse approaches that families adopt in fostering bilingualism.