The Language Experiment
How do I raise a multilingual child? Will exposing my child to multiple languages confuse them? Will their speech be delayed? How can I give them enough exposure to my mother tongue? These were just some of the questions that Kaisa and Camillo had when they were expecting their first child. Originally from Finland and Brazil, now living in the French speaking part of Canada, the couple searched for answers, literature and resources about multilingual upbringing.
When their research turned out unfruitful, they agreed to do what felt most natural to them: practicing their own languages with their daughter while incorporating two local languages on top of that. The Language Experiment is a podcast where Kaisa and Camillo share their journey on multilingual parenting with hopes of helping and encouraging other parents who are looking to raise multilingual children. There will be interviews, practical tips and plenty of real life experiences and perspectives on multilingualism.
You’ll discover how they helped their daughter become quadrilingual before the age of three only by reading, singing, playing and spending time outdoors with her. You’ll learn to recognize and critically assess some of the myths surrounding multilingual parenting. You’ll also hear from other parents and learn what worked for them and what didn’t. If you are a parent raising or wanting to raise children with multiple languages, this podcast is a must-listen. Hit subscribe now and join the community!
The Language Experiment
Anna-Maria’s Story: Language, Identity and Belonging in Finland
#17
In this episode of The Language Experiment, we continue our series on Language and Identity with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Anna Maria, an entrepreneur and job coach who grew up in Finland in a multilingual family. With a Finnish mother, an Italian father, and parents who communicated in German, Anna Maria shares her unique experience of navigating childhood in a largely monolingual Finnish society.
We discuss what it was like growing up bilingual—and even trilingual—when most of her peers spoke only Finnish, how passive exposure to German shaped her understanding of languages, and the moments of both pride and isolation that came with being different. Anna Maria also reflects on societal attitudes towards language and cultural identity in Finland during the 80s and 90s, and how her own sense of belonging was influenced by these dynamics.
This conversation offers rich insights for anyone raising multilingual children or reflecting on their own multicultural upbringing.
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