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My SO and I were raised respectively in the UK and France. We both speak fluent French and English.

Our plan has been: we each speak our mother-tongue (French for me, English for her), and see what happens.

My first child understands english perfectly, but replies in French, and my second is too young yet to say any word, but she understands both languages.

Now we've moved to France and found ourselves speaking more and more in French to each other, and -unfortunately- our household is now speaking mostly French rather than keeping English in the mix. But this makes me think maybe we should all speak English at home now that French is acquired by my eldest... not sure!




I think a lot also depends on whether the kids are in school or daycare already. Those will take care of advancing one of the languages.

I'd say in your situation it doesn't really matter as long as the skills in English are maintained - should be easy enough nowadays.


I remember reading that for young children if you always speak the non-local language at home, they'll pick up the second language very quickly at daycare/school.




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