Getting siblings to speak the minority language

[Smashedpea]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading along from the start, but just recently joined - and I have a couple of questions....

We have two children who both understand English and German, and I am their main and only regular input of German (although we know other German-speakers and get together with them occasionally). I also work full-time, so their German input is relatively limited. However, our eldest speaks German to me and the little one still mixes wildly, and both of them understand both English and German. To each other, they speak mainly English.

Here're my questions:

- Given our circumstances, is there any point in trying to get them to speak German to each other, if not all the time (in their English daycare, for example), then at least when they are alone/alone with me/other German-speakers?
- How should I go about doing it? I have tried and continue to try, just not with much luck. The little one mainly copies was his big sister does, and she often agrees to speak German to him, but then doesn't or only does it for three sentences and then switches back into English. Whenever she speaks German to him, he also has more German words, otherwise he speaks mainly English with a bit of German thrown in.
- How is this working in your families? Do you try? Why? Why not? Any successes? If you gave up, why?

I do know it'd be hard for them to switch, given that they are used to speaking English to each other. I also know that things are not really being helped along by their rather limited exposure to German - but this actually is one of the reasons why I'd like for them to speak German to each other, 'cause it would increase their daily dose of German.

Any thoughts, anyone??

Thanks!
SP

[Thea]

It's difficult to find ways to encourage the kids to speak German with each other but it is doable. They may not speak to each other all the time in German, especially when other kids are around who don't speak German.
Some things that work for us (6 and 8 yr old):
- have older read to younger in German
- play certain games only in German, you'll need to participate but if they get in the habit of always playing Crazy 8s in German it begins to stick
- DORA THE EXPLORER shows the kids how to mix languages, so while I"m not a big fan of Dora it is an option, either with the books or DVDs

Thea
(non-German speaking mom of 2 bilingual kids, 6 and 8)

[Smashedpea]

Thanks Thea!

I will try out the reading to the younger brother when she can read (she's only in JK and is just beginning to read), and we have done Dora (in German even) and do play German Board games in German - although the little one mixes like crazy still, so it's really our daughter who plays in German But it's a good point anyway, makes me think (hope) that maybe when he's a bit older and better able to keep his languages separate, we might have a bit more luck with this.

Thanks again!
SP

[Thea]

Hi SP,
Remember, it wont all come at once so it's up to you to model the German speaking! Have lots of fun and don't stress about it...German is a fun language
Thea