The Importance of the Mother Tongue When Raising Children
The term “mother tongue” comes from the first language someone learns at home, and usually corresponds to the ethno-linguistic group from which the child’s family culturally identifies. Or simply, it is the first language of communication within that immediate family.
By: Valeria Sales, Team Lead, Pathway to Income Empowerment Program | 28 de novembro de 2025
With the complexities of today’s world, many parents are wondering which language they should speak with their children, especially when living in a country where the official language, or more appropriately in Canada languages, is different from the one spoken at home.
Should we fall into the melting pot of North American life, or should our ethnicity be the fabric of society?
This topic is cemented as an integral part of the Abrigo Centre’s Success by 6 Parenting program which this agency has proudly delivered for over 20 years with the support of the United Way Greater Toronto. Each year, the program empowers parents and caregivers with practical tools to strengthen family bonds and support children’s healthy development.
So, if you are wondering which language to speak to your infant or child, the most important thing is to speak to your child in the language you know best. If your strongest language is Portuguese, then use Portuguese at home. This gives your child a strong foundation in communication, which will help them learn English or French later at school and in daily life.
Here are three additional thoughts to consider.
Do not mix languages with the same communication. For example, speaking in Portuguese at one moment, and English in the same thought or conversation. This can confuse the child and slow down their speech and language development.
Ideally, each person should consistently use the same language: parents at home speak Portuguese, and the teacher at school speaks English. This way, the child naturally learns both languages;
A child can be exposed to multiple languages at the same time, but they should come from different sources;
A mother tongue is more than just words: it carries values, emotions, and the essence of our origins. Taking pride in it is celebrating who you are and your history, and it is how individuals pass it on to their children and grandchildren;
When we feel this pride, we strengthen our roots. Children who grow up exposed to other languages benefit in a host of proven ways. For example, they become more emotionally secure, learn more effectively, and build a solid foundation for the future, opening doors to opportunities that go far beyond the present;
Preserve, value, and share your mother tongue – it is a treasure that connects generations and enriches lives.
Recently, Abrigo has made a concerted effort to share more information with our various communities about each of our programs, highlighting their impact and the important topics they cover — like the value of preserving and passing on your mother tongue. Want to know more or have questions about this topic? Feel free to get in touch with our agency.
In addition, if you notice delays in your child’s speech or language development, the city of Toronto offers the Preschool Speech and Language Program, a free program for children from birth until start school. Please contact us at 416-534-3434 or info@abrigo.ca for more information.
Finally, let’s celebrate the beauty of language in all its forms and embrace our differences. Sharing this gift is a powerful way to ensure we grow as individuals, remember our family history and acknowledge the roots of our ancestors.
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