If you're a parent hoping your child will grow up speaking your family's heritage language alongside English, you've probably wondered: does it actually work? A recent study gives encouraging news. Researchers in Australia looked at a Vietnamese language program in a preschool and discovered something important: when children have structured, regular opportunities to hear and use another language, they become more confident and talkative in that language over time.
What the Research Found
The study tracked 176 language sessions across 29 weeks. Researchers carefully recorded and measured how much the teacher spoke in English versus Vietnamese, and how much the children responded in each language. The key finding? Children's speech output doubled compared to similar programs studied before. Even more encouraging, as the program went on, children spoke more and more—showing they were getting more comfortable and engaged.
Interestingly, the teacher started off using more Vietnamese but gradually shifted to more English as the term progressed. This happened partly because the preschool had only ever used English before, and changing that takes time. However, even with this shift, children's Vietnamese output still showed signs of increasing. This tells us something powerful: children pick up on the language input they receive, even when it's not dominant in the wider school environment.
What This Means for Singapore and Asian Families
Singapore's multilingual context makes this research especially relevant for you. Many Singapore families speak Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or other languages at home but worry that preschool will push children toward English only. This study suggests that structured, intentional programs—whether at school or through community centers—can help children maintain their heritage language while learning English fluently.
The research also shows that children need consistency and time. The program ran 176 sessions over nearly 30 weeks. That's not a one-off cultural event or a monthly class—it's regular, dedicated exposure. For Singapore parents, this means that if heritage language development matters to your family, you might need to commit to regular, structured input beyond just home conversations.
Additionally, this study used the "Little Multilingual Minds" method, which emphasizes active participation rather than passive listening. In the Singapore context, where many enrichment programs exist, this highlights the importance of choosing programs where children actually practice speaking, not just sit and listen.
Three Practical Steps for Your Family
- Look for structured, regular programs—not one-off events. Whether it's a heritage language class, community center program, or home-based routine, consistency matters more than intensity. Aim for at least weekly sessions if possible, and stick with it for several months to see real progress.
- Prioritize programs where children actively speak. Ask whether your child will have chances to talk, sing, and practice—not just listen to a teacher or watch videos. Active participation is what doubles children's language output, according to this research.
- Be patient with the transition phase. When children first encounter a new language in a structured way, they may respond initially in their dominant language (usually English in Singapore). This is normal. Keep providing input, and their output in the heritage language will gradually increase as they gain confidence.