Raising children in more than one language is not always the easiest task. Parents worry about confusing their kids and putting too much strain on their understanding. If there’s any delay in language development, they immediately feel guilty. In fact, the benefits of growing up with multiple languages have been widely demonstrated. Below is a short list of books for multilingual families — to ease fears and reading about people who have already gone through the experience.
Watch your language, Mom! – Karin Martin
This guide to multilingualism has been written by wonderful Karin Martin. With years of hands-on experience supporting and advising multilingual families around the world, Karin brings both academic depth and heartfelt empathy to every page. Her unique blend of intellectual rigor and real-world experience translates into the practical advice she offers, including interactive exercises, reflective prompts, and engaging games designed to support both children and parents.
Bilingual families – Eowin Crisfield
The central theme of this book for multilingual families is the idea that multilingual child-rearing is a collaborative family project. Eowyn shows how each family member can contribute meaningfully to creating a rich and sustainable linguistic environment.
In addition to her writing, Eowyn has developed the Family Language Planning service—a structured and personalized approach that helps families craft detailed, realistic language plans tailored to their unique circumstances, goals, and challenges.
Bilingual first language acquisition, by Annick De Houwer
What sets this book apart amongst books for multilingual families is its holistic perspective. From foundational linguistic theory and key developmental milestones to the socio-cultural factors that influence language learning, the author provides research-based insights with clear, accessible explanations. She introduces important technical terminology and concepts in a way that is easy to grasp, allowing parents and educators to develop a nuanced understanding of the multilingual experience.
The book also highlights current trends and evolving best practices in the field. It keeps you up to date with the latest findings in linguistics, education, and cognitive science.
Raising bilingual children, by Clarissa Gosling
This book is particularly helpful in situations where the language spoken at school differs from the primary language used within the family.
Recognizing that schools play a crucial role in a child’s language journey, this book also empowers parents to build constructive partnerships with teachers, administrators, and school support staff. It offers thoughtful advice on how to communicate effectively with the school, advocate for your child’s needs, and create a shared understanding of your family’s multilingual goals.
This book is an efficient guide for navigating the intersection of family life, education, and linguistic identity.
Life with two languages, by François Grosjean
Life with two languages is authored by the esteemed François Grosjean, distinguished linguist, researcher, and himself a bilingual. Grosjean has spent decades exploring the intricacies of living with and between multiple languages.
In this widely acclaimed and accessible manual, Grosjean invites us to see bilingualism not as a rare or exceptional condition, but as a natural and increasingly common human experience. He introduces bilingualism through a multidimensional lens, addressing not only the cognitive and linguistic dimensions, but also the cultural, emotional, and social aspects that shape the lives of bilingual individuals. The book demystifies key concepts such as language dominance, code-switching, language attrition, and balanced bilingualism, offering clear explanations supported by empirical research and real-world examples.
Don’t hesitate to send us your titles of books for multilingual families! We’ll be happy to include them
Claudia Landini
Head photo by Curated Lifestyle on Unsplash licence