Growing up multilingual was an adventure with both benefits and challenges. When I moved to Berlin at the age of four, I had to get used to a new language and culture.
Read how Chien experiences multilingualism here
What languages did you speak at home?
Indonesian and Chinese.
German was added from the age of four and Dutch from the age of 17.
How did you experience it?
Growing up multilingual was an adventure with both benefits and challenges. When I moved to Berlin at the age of four, I had to get used to a new language and culture. Later, in the Netherlands, I had another such adjustment period. In the beginning it sometimes felt confusing, but in the end it gave me a broad view of the world and the ability to switch smoothly between languages and cultures.
What do you see as the biggest advantages?
The biggest advantage is flexibility in communication and cultural understanding. I can adapt quickly to different languages and contexts, which helps in both social and professional situations. It has also taught me to be open to new things and to think analytically, as I learned to compare language structures from an early age.
What languages do you all speak?
I am fluent in German, Dutch, Indonesian and English. Chinese I master at child language level, and French I use mostly during holidays.
Would you also raise your own child(ren) multilingually?
Absolutely! I have personally experienced the value of mastering multiple languages. It not only gives children a head start in language skills, but also a broader perspective on the world. I would do it in a natural way, though, so it doesn't create pressure for them.
Do you have a funny anecdote you want to share?
When I was just living in Berlin as a child, I sometimes mixed Indonesian, German and Chinese in one sentence. My parents could follow me, but to outsiders, it sounded like a completely new language! The funny thing is that now I still sometimes use words from the 'wrong' language when I need to switch gears quickly. Swearing in particular is still mostly in German now.
Are there any other things you would like to share with us about multilingual parenting?
It is important not to see language as an obligation, but as something fun and natural. Children pick it up more easily if they hear the language in everyday situations, such as in games, books or conversations at the table. Also, it does not matter if a language is used less temporarily; it often comes back naturally when there is a need for it again
About Chien
I am Chien Tan, the surname zget it all a Chiness from Indonesia, born in Jakarta and raised in a multilingual environment plus one musical instrument. When I was four, I moved to Berlin and later to The Hague, where I learnt both German and Dutch. My multilingual background helps me to switch easily between cultures and languages, which is of great value in both my personal and professional life
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