Luis & Marta

From: 🇲🇽 Mexico + 🇪🇸 Spain

Ages: 31 & 33

Languages Spoken: Latin American Spanish, Catalan

Current Location: Mexico City

Child: Sofía, age 3

Story: Luis and Marta blend two versions of Spanish in their household — Marta speaks Catalan too. Their daughter is learning both variants naturally through daily conversation and Catalan songs.

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Can you describe your family’s language background?
Luis grew up in Mexico City speaking Latin American Spanish. Marta is from Barcelona and speaks both Catalan and Castilian Spanish fluently. We come from similar yet distinct linguistic cultures, and we wanted to honour both equally.

Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?
At home, Luis uses Latin American Spanish with Sofía, and Marta mixes Catalan with some Castilian. In daily life, Spanish dominates, but Marta is intentional about using Catalan during songs, bedtime, and storytelling. We chose this mix because we want her to feel connected to both roots.

Why is teaching those languages important for you?
Language is how culture is transmitted. We want Sofía to feel at home when visiting either side of the family. Catalan, especially, is deeply tied to Marta’s identity and regional pride. Keeping it alive matters.

When did you first decide to raise your child bilingually?
Before Sofía was born. It was one of the first parenting decisions we agreed on. We started planning books, songs, and routines while Marta was pregnant.

Did you follow a specific strategy (e.g. OPOL, ML@H), or did it evolve naturally?
We loosely follow a mix of OPOL and ML@H. Luis always speaks Spanish. Marta does both, with designated Catalan times like bath, books, and lullabies. It evolved slightly based on what felt natural.

What were your biggest concerns at the beginning — and how did those play out over time?
We worried that Catalan might be too “niche” in Mexico, and that she’d ignore it. But songs and Marta’s storytelling really helped. She sees it as special — something just between her and mum.

What helped you stay consistent in using both languages? What’s your routine?
Our rhythm is predictable. Marta does Catalan storytime and music every day. We also do “Catalan Sundays” where Marta speaks only Catalan, and we listen to Catalan radio or FaceTime her family.

Has your approach changed as your child got older?
A bit. At first it was more passive — songs and exposure. Now that Sofía talks a lot, we’ve added more structured Catalan input like children’s TV and voice notes from her Catalan cousins.

How do you handle resistance or when your child favours one language?
We let it pass without pressure. If she refuses to respond in Catalan, Marta still models it naturally. We’ve noticed she’ll go back to it on her own after a few days.

Have you experienced any moments of breakthrough or pride in their language development?
When she spontaneously sang a full Catalan nursery rhyme to Marta’s parents over video call, unprompted — everyone got teary. It was a sign it was really sinking in.

What role has extended family, or your community played in supporting (or challenging) your goals?
Our families have been incredible. Luis’ side loves that Sofía knows songs in Catalan, and Marta’s family sends videos and audio stories. We haven’t felt any resistance — just curiosity and support.

Got a funny or unexpected story from your bilingual journey? We’d love to hear it.
One day she said “T’estimo, papá” — combining Catalan and Mexican Spanish — and Luis said “That’s not even fair, you’ve weaponised cuteness!”

Have you ever felt pressure (internal or external) about your bilingual goals?
Yes — mostly self-imposed. Marta sometimes worries Catalan won’t be “useful” in Mexico. But we remind ourselves that usefulness isn’t the point — connection is.

Do you feel like your child connects emotionally or culturally to both languages?
Absolutely. She dances to Luis’ childhood cumbias and listens wide-eyed when Marta tells stories about Sant Jordi and the dragon. She identifies with both.

What’s been the most unexpected challenge?
Finding quality Catalan children’s content outside of Spain. It takes work to curate songs and shows that keep her engaged.

What has surprised you most in a positive way?
How intuitive she is with switching based on who she’s talking to. With Marta it’s Catalan, with Luis it’s Mexican Spanish. No confusion, just confidence.

What technology or other resources do you use to support language learning?
YouTube Kids (with supervision), Spotify playlists for Catalan lullabies, WhatsApp voice notes from family, and dual-language storybooks.

Have schooling or childcare settings helped or hindered the process?
Her nursery is monolingual Spanish, but they’ve been open. They invited Marta to read a Catalan story for International Mother Language Day. That was special.

If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
Start Catalan video calls earlier. We underestimated how quickly toddlers tune in to accents and expressions when it’s regular and visual.

What advice would you give to other parents just starting out?
Don’t overthink it. Just start. Make language part of your daily rhythm — songs, books, cuddles — and let your child feel the joy of both cultures. Consistency and warmth matter more than perfection.

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