Watch Your Language, Mom!
A Guide to Multilingualism
Are your children growing up with more than one language? Or maybe you work with children who speak different languages?
Watch Your Language, Mom! A Guide to Multilingualism is the perfect book for you!
Do you ever find yourself...
...spending evenings in front of the computer, searching for answers to the doubts that overwhelm you as you try to support your children or students on their multilingual journey?
If so, you're in good company!
Enrico's mom, Paola's dad, and Markus's teacher also felt crushed by the weight of responsibility as they confusedly tried to guide these children on their path to multilingualism.
Their constant fear was of confusing the children and creating difficulties that would surface in the years to come.
They worried that the children would become confused at school and never fully master any of their languages.
They felt in their hearts that a solution existed, but they couldn't find a clear, practical guide that got straight to the point.
Anna, on the other hand, is growing up in a monolingual environment. "How can I teach her a second language?" her mom wondered. What will the relatives think? Am I doing the right thing? And what if I confuse her?
As a researcher, I realized that many books on this topic are not easily accessible due to complex language that requires a background in linguistics.
That’s why I decided to create one that is simple and clear for everyone!
Drawing from my ten years of experience as a consultant and trainer in multilingualism, I’m excited to present to you
Watch Your Language, Mom! A Guide to Multilingualism.
Who is the book “Watch Your Language, Mom! A Guide to Multilingualism” for?
This editorial project, curated by Editate Network Editoriale, is a publication aimed at parents but also valuable for teachers and anyone who interacts with children who speak multiple languages, whether in their home country or abroad.
It is a practical guide for moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, and educators. The book is primarily intended for families with preschool-aged children (0-6 years), but it is also extremely helpful for families with older children.
“Written in a clear and engaging style, the book provides essential information on multilingualism in children, translating the complexity of research into understandable elements on which the daily decisions faced by multilingual families can be based.”
Prof. Antonella Sorace, Founder and Director of Bilingualism Matters
In the book, you will find three common situations addressed:
Families with children born to parents of different languages and nationalities, who do not want to give up their languages
Families who emigrate with their children to a new country and need to quickly adopt a new language
Families who want to introduce a second language without moving abroad or feeling out of place
My direct experience as a consultant and trainer in multilingualism since 2014 serves as the technical foundation through which I have written this practical and accessible guide to embracing bilingualism and multilingualism with confidence and trust.
This book is part of a broader mission to promote inclusion by raising awareness for an equitable and empathetic society that values diversity, not only linguistic diversity.
What can you expect from this book?
PRACTICAL TOOLS
Exercises and everyday actions that can be immediately implemented to support your children's multilingual learning.
THEORETICAL TOOLS
Theoretical references (but always useful) that you can explore to understand the foundations of my method, enabling you to apply it as effectively as possible.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Common myths about multilingualism debunked in a clear manner, helping to quiet your fears and address any unsolicited comments about your choices.
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES
Stories of children and their families whom I have met and supported in their multilingual growth journey.
“I am a mother of trilingual children and an Italian teacher. I found this book extremely useful: in addition to being very well-researched, it explains the concepts clearly, is full of examples, and provides many ideas. I highly recommend it to parents, teachers, educators, and anyone who works with multilingual children.”
Anna Aresi, Amazon Review
Stop for a second and think about how much time you’ve already lost...
...searching the internet for answers to your multilingual family situation.
...reading comments in various Facebook groups of expatriates, where people tell you not to worry, but lack any specific expertise!
...reading several blogs and feeling overwhelmed by the often contradictory information.
I understand you!
That's why I’ve made my book easy to access and use for people like you, who have little time… because, as we know, life moves fast!
In the book, you’ll find exercises and suggestions tailored to your specific situation. I created three scenarios so you can identify with typical situations and easily follow my guidance.
Every family is unique!
Language has always been the way to tell your story. It's time to write yours! And I can't wait to hear it!
The Author, Dr. Karin Martin
I hold a PhD in Linguistics and work as a Consultant and Trainer in Multilingualism, as well as a Senior Lecturer at an Austrian University.
In 2014, drawing on my academic and professional experience, I launched my business with the goal of supporting multilingual growth, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting social cohesion.
My mission is to promote inclusion by raising awareness of an equitable and empathetic society that values diversity, not just linguistic diversity.
I am the co-author of the bilingual illustrated book Against the Rock.
Watch Your Language, Mom! is my first solo book.
