“How many languages will Kian learn?â€_x009d_, “What language do you speak to him in at home?â€_x009d_, “Will you teach him your native tongue?â€_x009d_, “Won’t he be confused learning so many languages?â€_x009d_
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Growing up in a multi-ethnic household
Well, yes, that’s the advantage and the disadvantage of bringing up a child in a multi-ethnic home. In case I’ve never mentioned it before, Kathleen is Filipino, born and brought up in Manila and I am Indian, born and brought up in a Sindhi household in South Bombay. That mix brings with it the rich culture and heritage of two countries, diverse languages and different traditions. All positive and good things that I believe Kian will benefit from. But it also brings with it the complexity of different languages.
Kathleen was brought up speaking Tagalog (native Filipino) at home and in Manila. If you ask her, she will tell you that is her first language. English came after.
On the other hand, I grew up in a household where English was and always has been the prominent language. We spoke Hindi (national language) with our domestic help and the like, and Sindhi (native language) with my grandparents, some of whom could speak neither English nor Hindi. Floating around in the background, we also occasionally had to resort to Marathi (state language) with some of the locals (cab drivers, etc.) in Bombay, who spoke nothing else… that’s four languages right there!
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KSP Team
Parul Gupta
Pooja Marathe
Mihika Edwin Menezes
Rohan Vyavaharkar
Mansi Zaveri
