This section shares the inspiring stories of multilingual families around the world — their challenges, wins, and what raising bilingual children looks like in everyday life.
Nina & Diego From: 🇮🇹 Italy + 🇧🇴 Bolivia Ages: 29 & 30 Languages Spoken: Italian, Spanish Current Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Child: Lucia, age 3 Story: They teach their daughter both Italian and Bolivian Spanish through stories, food, and family calls. Can you describe your family’s language background?Nina is from Rome and grew up […]
Reina & Takumi Parents: Reina (🇧🇷 Brazil) & Takumi (🇯🇵 Japan)Child: Noa, age 5Location: São Paulo, BrazilLanguages Spoken: Portuguese (Reina), Japanese (Takumi)Strategy: OPOL (One Parent, One Language) Can you describe your family’s language background? Reina: I grew up in Rio de Janeiro speaking only Portuguese.Takumi: I’m from Kyoto, Japanese is my first language. We met
Leila & Nour Can you describe your family’s language background?We’re both originally from Lebanon. Arabic is our native language, specifically Lebanese Arabic, but we are also fluent in English due to school, work, and international exposure. Both languages are part of our daily lives. Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did
Zanele & Michael Can you describe your family’s language background?I (Zanele) grew up speaking isiZulu as my first language in South Africa. Michael, my husband, is African American and speaks English as his native language. We are both fluent in English. Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on
André & Camille Can you describe your family’s language background?Both of us are originally from France, and French is our native language. We both also speak fluent English due to our studies and international work experiences. Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?At home, we primarily
Ana & Sarah Parents: Ana (🇵🇹 Portugal) & Sarah (🇬🇧 UK)Children: Luca & Eva (twins, age 4)Location: Berlin, GermanyLanguages Spoken: Portuguese (Ana), English (Sarah)Strategy: OPOL (One Parent, One Language) Can you describe your family’s language background? Ana: I’m Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon, and my family speaks only Portuguese.Sarah: I’m from Manchester, UK —
