‘Use it consistently’: How some parents teach the Filipino language to their children

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Filipinos account for 1.2% of Australia's total population, highlighting a growing community. However, as the community expands and Filipino-Australian children increasingly embrace Australian culture, many become disconnected from their heritage and language, often stating that they cannot speak their native tongue.

Teaching children the Filipino language can be a challenge for some parents.

KEY POINTS

• Dr. Loy Lising, a sociolinguist and senior lecturer from the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University, explains that some Filipino children struggle to speak their mother tongue due to various reasons.
• She emphasises that teaching the Filipino language is essential, even in Australia. Though challenging, consistent and intentional teaching is vital for preserving it for future generations.
• Some mothers employ various strategies to teach the language to their children, including the use of books, songs, stories, and flashcards.

'Usapang Parental' is SBS Filipino's segment on parenting. It features the stories of migrant families, parenting issues, raising kids, and parenting tips and advice from experts.

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‘Use it consistently’: How some parents teach the Filipino language to their children

SBS Filipino

08/08/202414:30

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