The Language Experiment

Camillo Lakiss and Kaisa Martiskainen

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!

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Top 10 The Language Experiment Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Language Experiment episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Language Experiment for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Language Experiment episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Multilingualism and Identity: Nurturing a strong sense of self

The Language Experiment

12/30/24 • 25 min

#16
In this episode of the Language Experiment Podcast, hosts Kaisa and Camillo explore the emotional aspects of raising multilingual children and how it shapes their identity. They share personal experiences and discuss the challenges children face while navigating multiple languages and cultures.
The episode covers the deep connection between language and cultural heritage, explaining how learning a family's language can strengthen a child's sense of pride and belonging. Kaisa and Camillo also offer practical tips for parents to help nurture a positive sense of self in their multilingual kids.
Additionally, they highlight the importance of creating a positive environment both at home and within the community, celebrate cultural traditions, and encourage open conversations. They invite listeners to share their experiences and stories about multilingualism.

Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!
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Website: www.languageexperiment.com
E-mail: [email protected]
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Update on the year that has passed

The Language Experiment

11/15/24 • 10 min

#15
Welcome back to The Language Experiment!
After a year-long hiatus filled with life-changing events, We return to share our incredible journey of moving from Canada to Portugal. In this new episode, we recount selling our home, navigating a whirlwind of relocation logistics, and adapting to our new life abroad. From settling in, to our children's evolving language journeys, it's been a year of growth, challenges, and cultural shifts.

Honest Insights: Tracking Our Language Milestones

The Language Experiment

09/13/23 • 17 min

#12 - Hey there, wonderful The Language Experiment community! In this episode, we're diving deep into a topic close to our hearts – our daughters' multilingual journey. From those first baby babbles to navigating a bilingual daycare during a pandemic, it's been a rollercoaster ride. We're sharing this not to show off but to keep it real. Multilingual parenting isn't always a straight line, and we're here to remind you that it's perfectly okay. Our two girls, in the same language-rich environment, are developing at their own pace, teaching us that every child's language journey is beautifully unique.
Join us for an episode that celebrates progress and offers a glimpse into the real, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding world of raising multilingual kids. Thank you for being amazing supporters of our journey!

Using music as a daily language learning tool

The Language Experiment

08/30/23 • 25 min

#11 - Discover the harmonious world of language learning through music in this episode of The Language Experiment. We shine a light the multifaceted benefits that music offers, both in fostering language skills and creating family connections. Unveiling the correlation between musicality and foreign language acquisition, we reveal how melody and rhythm aid in memorization and pronunciation. From children's songs rich with engaging content to the unexpected confidence boost music provides, we delve into the emotional and cognitive advantages of incorporating music into daily routines.

Tune in to this enlightening episode to uncover the transformative potential of music as a companion in your language learning adventure.

The challenges of balancing multiple languages at home

The Language Experiment

07/07/23 • 32 min

005 - In this episode, we tackle the challenges of balancing multiple languages within a family.

From maintaining equal exposure to dealing with feelings of exclusion, we explore common hurdles faced by parents raising bilingual children. We also discuss how temporary or permanent changes in family dynamics can impact language learning, and the struggle of finding a balance between language acquisition and everyday life.

With personal stories and practical tips, we share strategies for ensuring language exposure, fostering inclusivity, and adapting to changes. This episode is filled with insights and reflections to help you navigate the multilingual adventure.

4 multilingual parenting strategies to try with your child

The Language Experiment

07/01/23 • 26 min

004 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo explore different language strategies that families can use to teach their children multiple languages.
They begin by discussing the benefits of raising multilingual children and then dive into four different language strategies: One Parent One Language (OPOL), Minority Language at Home (ML@H), Time and Place, and Mixed Language Approach. For each strategy, they examine its advantages and disadvantages, provide real-life examples of families who have used them successfully, and offer insights into how to implement them effectively.
They conclude by emphasizing the importance of exposing children to multiple languages and cultures and encouraging families to experiment and find the method that works best for them.

Why should you raise your child multilingual?

The Language Experiment

07/01/23 • 26 min

003 - In this episode, Kaisa and Camillo delve into the fascinating world of multilingualism and explore why raising children to be multilingual is an invaluable gift. As a couple deeply passionate about language and culture, they draw upon their personal experiences, anecdotes, and research to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with a multilingual upbringing.

The episode kicks off by unveiling the remarkable cognitive benefits that multilingualism bestows upon children, showcasing how language acquisition opens doors to a plethora of lifelong advantages.

However, no journey is without its hurdles, and raising multilingual children is no exception. Through heartfelt conversations, Kaisa and Camillo share their own encounters with the challenges parents may face.

Finally, after exploring both the advantages and challenges, Kaisa and Camillo engage in a thoughtful reflection on whether raising children to be multilingual is a path worth pursuing. Drawing upon their experiences and the wisdom of others before them, they arrive at a conclusion that not only highlights the immense value of multilingualism but also encourages parents to embark on this linguistic adventure with their children.

Join Kaisa and Camillo in this episode as they celebrate the power of multilingualism and encourage parents to unlock a world of linguistic diversity for their children.

This is our story

The Language Experiment

06/27/23 • 28 min

002 - In this episode, join Kaisa and Camillo as they embark on a heartfelt journey into their personal experiences of raising a child in a multinational home, residing in bilingual Quebec. With the realization that their child would need to navigate four languages, their initial apprehensions transformed into a beautiful story of embracing linguistic diversity and cultural richness.

Kaisa and Camillo candidly share the challenges they faced as they grappled with the idea of nurturing multilingualism. Listeners will be drawn into their narrative as they recount the uncertainties and fears they encountered along the way. Through engaging anecdotes and personal insights, they shed light on how their perceptions shifted, and how their journey transformed into an inspiring tale of success.

From navigating the intricacies of language dominance to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity, Kaisa and Camillo provide valuable lessons learned from their own experiences. They offer practical advice on creating a harmonious multilingual upbringing and highlight the unique benefits their child has gained through this language-rich environment.

Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the power of multilingualism, as Kaisa and Camillo's story demonstrates the immense value of embracing linguistic diversity within the family unit. Join them as they unravel their personal story, inviting parents and caregivers on a voyage of discovery, empowerment, and the celebration of language and culture.

So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by Kaisa and Camillo's journey of raising a child in a multinational home, set against the backdrop of a bilingual Quebec.

6 common myths about bilingualism & multilingualism busted

The Language Experiment

07/24/23 • 32 min

007 - In this episode, we are on a mission to bust common myths surrounding raising bilingual and multilingual children. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace the power of language diversity!

🧠 Myth #1: "It's too late to start learning a language after a certain age." False! Discover why age is just a number when it comes to language acquisition, and how anyone, at any age, can become multilingual!

💬 Myth #2: "Bilingualism causes language confusion and delays." Not true! Uncover the cognitive and social benefits that bilingualism brings, and why children raised in multilingual environments thrive!

💪 Myth #3: "Children can only be bilingual if their parents are native speakers." Let's debunk this misconception! Find out how fluent parents can successfully teach languages to their little ones and nurture their linguistic journey!

📚 Myth #4: "Bilingual kids will struggle academically." We're breaking down this myth with evidence! Discover how being bilingual provides cognitive advantages and enriches academic performance.

💬 Myth #5: "It's better to teach one language at a time." While simultaneous bilingualism has its perks, we're shedding light on why sequential bilingualism is equally effective, depending on your unique family situation!

🌟 Myth #6: "Being bilingual means being fluent in all languages." Not necessarily! Learn about the different stages of bilingualism and why each one is valuable on the language journey.
Read more about the different types of bilingualism here: https://linguisttoday.com/all-the-types-of-bilingualism-listed-down-and-explained/?amp=1

Join us as we navigate through these language myths and explore the true wonders of multilingualism!

🎧 Tune in now, let's bust those myths together!

An interview with a mom of trilingual twins

The Language Experiment

09/27/23 • 35 min

#13 - In this episode of "The Language Experiment," we interview Priscilla, a mom raising her trilingual twins in Canada. Priscilla shares her experiences and insights into the challenges and joys of raising trilingual children. She discusses her strategies for balancing language exposure, incorporating Brazilian culture and traditions into their lives, and finding valuable resources for language learning. Priscilla's story highlights the importance of language exposure and the unique perspective that multilingual children bring to the world.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the benefits and challenges of raising trilingual children and discover how language can shape a child's perception of the world.

Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Language Experiment have?

The Language Experiment currently has 16 episodes available.

What topics does The Language Experiment cover?

The podcast is about Education For Kids, Language, Parenting, Kids & Family, Language Learning, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on The Language Experiment?

The episode title 'Shifting Linguistic Landscapes: A Major Life Change' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Language Experiment?

The average episode length on The Language Experiment is 22 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Language Experiment released?

Episodes of The Language Experiment are typically released every 9 days, 9 hours.

When was the first episode of The Language Experiment?

The first episode of The Language Experiment was released on Jun 27, 2023.

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The Language Experiment

Camillo Lakiss and Kaisa Martiskainen

Top 10 The Language Experiment Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Language Experiment have?

What topics does The Language Experiment cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Language Experiment?

What is the average episode length on The Language Experiment?

How often are episodes of The Language Experiment released?

When was the first episode of The Language Experiment?

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