[email protected]

In a message dated 11/24/2007 8:41:39 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:

I've been reading the pointers you all have shared--appreciate those
very much! Anyone have experience with having a second language at
home?
--Adrean<<<<<<<<<<

We did have a family live in an apartment on our property that spoke German
as their primary language. We were really close to them, and their
philosophy was that in front of our family they would speak English, even to each
other. I asked the mom about that and she said it was a courtesy that in an
English speaking household they would not speak German. I think so no one would
be "out of the loop" and not know what they were saying even if it was
between them. I can think of a couple of instances where this went out the window
though, one was with their youngest. The little girl was just not as fluent
speaking English, so the mom would occasionally speak German to her in front
of me to communicate with her. Second was when they needed to talk fast,
like an emergency with the kids...she saw them running and could see something
dangerous the kids couldn't see... also when the kids were arguing with each
other.

It was like they needed to communicate fast so they reverted to their
native language, a language that they were more comfortable speaking. It worked
OK when the mom was there, she could understand them and help out. A little
more difficult when I was watching the children myself, LOL. I tried to be
there, and when things were escalating I would step in, calm them down a bit
and ask them to take their time and talk in English so I could help out. I
told them they had all the time they needed to explain to me and each other what
they were wanting and where the problem arose etc, and we could take our
time, working together, to figure out a solution.


It could be that the children can communicate faster in English than with
signing so when they are arguing that is more comfortable for them. You said
it was when you were driving. I have pulled over somewhere when my boys
needed help, language isn't an issue with us, but I feel I need to give them my
full attention when they are having trouble resolving an issue, so I pulled
over. Maybe if you can see that they are having a problem you could pull the
car over and ask them to calm down for a minute and to take their time and sign
it out so you can help them.

>>>>I have asked them respectfully to sign without voicing so my job would
be easier, but they continue to ignore me. "I forgot," "it's a habit,"
etc.<<<<<<

If it were me I would put up a BIG sign in my home to "remind" them. It is
your home.






Pam G

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