Karin Martin Karin Martin

The Mother Tongue

The concept of "mother tongue" is more complex than it seems. Language identity, societal norms, and family structures shape how we define and transmit languages across generations.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

Have You Heard of “Spot It!”?

"Spot It!" is a fast-paced card game where players identify the single matching symbol between any two cards. It's suitable for ages 6 and up, enhances observation skills, and supports language development, making it ideal for multilingual families.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

Do You Know What Linguistic Discrimination Is?

Linguistic discrimination involves unfair treatment based on language, accent, or speech patterns, affecting opportunities and self-esteem. Societal biases often favor prestigious languages over minority ones, leading to marginalization.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

Foreign Students in the Classroom: A Personal Experience

How do language barriers impact foreign students' ability to express emotions or defend themselves, and how does non-verbal communication help despite cultural differences in interpretation? This blog post explores these challenges.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

Have You Ever Heard of the Wug Test?

Discover the Wug Test, created by Jean Berko Gleason in 1958, which examines children's ability to apply morphological rules to unfamiliar words, revealing their understanding of language patterns beyond memorization.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Raising Bilingual Children

Find out the six common mistakes to avoid when raising bilingual children, from neglecting a family language to believing kids will absorb languages effortlessly without support. Understanding these pitfalls helps foster effective bilingual development.

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Karin Martin Karin Martin

When It’s Time to Change Your Pediatrician or Doctor

If your pediatrician advises dropping a family language to focus on another, it's time to consider finding a new doctor. Research shows that maintaining multiple languages supports cognitive and emotional development. Abandoning a heritage language can harm a child's identity and family connections. Seek professionals who respect and understand multilingualism.

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