Across many African homes in the diaspora, English has quietly replaced our mother tongues at the dinner table, in bedtime stories, and even during family prayers. It feels convenient — after all, it’s the language of school, work, and society. But what’s lost when a child grows up unable to say “Good morning” in their parents’ language?
The truth is, every language carries a child’s sense of belonging. When children speak only English, they may grow up fluent yet disconnected — confident in words, but unsure of where those words come from. Over time, something deeper fades: the rhythm of family jokes, the ability to understand grandma’s laughter, the pride of knowing who they are beyond the accent they speak with.
Language is not just vocabulary; it’s identity. It shapes how children see themselves and how they connect with others. Studies show that bilingual children — especially those who retain their heritage language — often have stronger cognitive skills and emotional confidence. But more importantly, they carry an inner anchor. They can walk into any room in the world knowing, “I have a home in more than one tongue.”
At Ivoryland Support, we’ve seen this transformation first-hand. When children in our classes learn to greet in Yoruba, recite in Igbo, or read in Esan, something lights up. They smile wider, speak louder, and suddenly learning becomes personal. They’re not just learning a language — they’re reclaiming a piece of themselves.
As parents, we all want our children to thrive globally. But thriving doesn’t mean forgetting. It means giving them both wings and roots — the English that helps them fly, and the mother tongue that reminds them where they came from. Global initiatives — like UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages — highlight why preserving mother tongues matters.
The hidden cost of raising English-only children isn’t just lost words — it’s lost connection. And the gain of nurturing bilingual, rooted kids is immeasurable: confidence, identity, and continuity.
🌍 Let’s keep our children connected to home — one word, one story, one class at a time.
👉 Continue your child’s journey with us at Ivoryland Support — where every class helps them stay confident, connected, and culturally grounded.
