In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingualism offers families unique advantages. Today, we introduce you to an inspiring family, featured in our ‘Multilingual Family’ series, who are not only navigating multiple spoken languages but also embracing American Sign Language (ASL). Meet Karolina, Oscar, and their daughter Natalia, a family living in the USA with roots in Poland and El Salvador, sharing their journey of raising a multilingual child while integrating ASL into their family communication. Karolina offers insights into their experiences, originally shared on their blog, Hodgepodge Parenting.
Family Languages: Polish, English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL)
Embracing Multilingualism and ASL: A Conscious Choice
Karolina and Oscar’s decision to raise Natalia with multiple languages stemmed from their own backgrounds and a desire to provide their daughter with rich linguistic opportunities. For Karolina, speaking Polish to her children felt natural, while Oscar, a native Spanish speaker, ensured Spanish was also a part of Natalia’s linguistic landscape. Beyond spoken languages, they recognized the value of ASL. “We saw an opportunity to give our daughter an advantage by letting her grow up knowing multiple languages without special effort on her part,” Karolina explains. This proactive approach extended to ASL, recognizing its importance as a visual language and its cognitive benefits.
The family appreciates the broader advantages of multilingualism, including enhanced cognitive flexibility and a wider world view. “The benefits to multilingualism that we like in particular include the ability to see situations from multiple points of view…leading to tolerance, open-mindedness, empathy,” Karolina notes. They also value the cultural enrichment and cognitive development that comes with learning multiple languages, benefits that they believe are amplified by the inclusion of ASL.
A Family Language Strategy Incorporating ASL
The family’s language strategy is thoughtfully structured to ensure consistent exposure to each language. Karolina primarily speaks Polish with Natalia, and Oscar communicates in Spanish. English serves as their common language as a couple. However, what sets this family apart is the intentional integration of ASL. Oscar actively uses ASL when communicating with Natalia, and Karolina is also learning and incorporating sign language into their interactions.
This approach is fluid and responsive to Natalia’s language development. “As our daughter has a preference for saying certain things in certain languages, we both use each other’s languages in those instances, generally repeating in our native language as well.” They also adapt their language use to social contexts, using English when necessary for broader understanding outside their home, demonstrating a practical and adaptable approach to multilingual family life including ASL awareness.
The Unique Advantages of ASL in a Multilingual Context
For this family, the advantages of raising a multilingual child extend beyond spoken languages to encompass the unique benefits of ASL. They believe that exposure to multiple languages, including ASL, fosters open-mindedness and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. This is particularly poignant with ASL, as it introduces Natalia to Deaf culture and a different mode of communication, broadening her understanding of communication itself.
When considering the biggest advantage, Karolina emphasizes, “Being open minded and understanding multiple points of view.” This advantage is amplified by ASL, which encourages visual-spatial thinking and empathy by understanding a language that relies on visual cues and expressions.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing the Journey with ASL
Like many multilingual families, Karolina and Oscar face the challenge of outsiders not always understanding Natalia’s language mixing, a common phase in early multilingual development. However, they view this as a minor hurdle in the larger context of the rich linguistic environment they are creating.
When asked about doing anything differently, Karolina’s response is a resolute, “No,” indicating contentment with their choices and approach. This confidence likely stems from the clear goals they have set for their family’s linguistic future, which includes not only fluency in Polish, Spanish, and English but also proficiency in ASL. Their aim is for Natalia to be able to converse, read, and write in all their chosen languages, including ASL, signifying a deep commitment to full multilingualism and multiliteracy.
Advice for Multilingual Families and Those Considering ASL
Karolina’s advice to other multilingual families is both simple and profound: “Set clear goals, prioritize, and enjoy the process!” This advice is particularly relevant for families considering adding ASL to their linguistic repertoire. Learning ASL as a family can be a deeply rewarding experience, fostering stronger family bonds and opening doors to a rich culture and community.
For families inspired by Karolina and Oscar’s journey, resources for learning ASL are increasingly accessible. Online platforms, community classes, and Deaf community events offer numerous avenues for families to begin their ASL journey. Embracing ASL not only adds another language but also cultivates inclusivity, empathy, and a unique dimension to family communication.
Karolina, Oscar, and Natalia’s story is a testament to the enriching experience of multilingual family life, enhanced by the inclusion of ASL. They serve as an inspiring example for families looking to embrace linguistic diversity and explore the multifaceted benefits of communication, in all its forms.
