Do I belong in Multilingual Mums?
Yes, if you’re still here, you are in the right place!
Both the words “multilingual” and “mum” throw everyone for a loop, full of insecurities.
Whatever your language story is, whatever your stage of life, you are welcome here!
I want you to feel confident in multilingualism and motherhood.
You are enough and are doing enough.
But in case you’re still wondering,
here are some of the questions I’ve been asked….
Do I belong if…
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I consider bilingual to be multilingual. I take a broad definition.
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You can still participate if you don’t have multiple languages or cultures.
That’s why I also say identities. Motherhood itself brings up a mix of identities.
Just expect that you will be in the minority. =)
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There is no expectation that as a mother you or your kids are using the language.
It may be a part of your family life or it may not.
We are here to support you through whatever it looks like.
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Any stage of life is welcome here. The majority of people here have younger children but maybe you don’t have children yet or maybe you’re a grandmother.
I often say any woman is welcome - or anyone who identifies as a woman or as a mother figure.
I assure you that…
No family looks the same.
There is no one profile.
And things change.
Your mix of identities, cultures and languages may come about in many different ways.
Here are some of the factors that may be a part of your journey.
What does your family look like?
Maybe the mix in cultures/languages is your own story.
Maybe it’s something your partner brings to your family.
Maybe your children are the source.
Maybe it’s outside your family, in your community.
Maybe it’s someone else.
It may be something you have in common that you can share and/or it may be a difference setting you apart.
What stage of motherhood are you in?
Your children may be young.
They may be school age.
Maybe they’re grown and out of the house.
Maybe you have grandchildren.
Or maybe you don’t have children yet but anticipate it.
It is always changing and we are always adjusting.
We can all benefit from each other.
It takes a village. Or in our case, a global village!
What are your places of influence?
Maybe the mix of language/culture is in your home.
Maybe it is introduced through school.
Maybe it’s from your different communities.
Maybe the contact is from the broader world.
How has your journey unfolded?
Maybe your mix is a result of immigration by a previous generation. Maybe it’s a heritage language.
Maybe you have moved, are moving or are planning a move.
Maybe you’re staying and it’s someone else who is moving. Or maybe there’s another reason for contact.
Maybe it’s about travel: whether studying or working abroad, or traveling to visit family or for pleasure.
These changes in places can be shared experiences
and are ways of finding common ground between us.
What do you need and want?
Maybe you are trying to connect more with yourself.
Maybe you want tools to connect with your family
so that everyone feels valued and that they belong.
Maybe you are looking to feel more connected
and at home in your local community.
Maybe you dream of connecting with a larger,
global network of women who support each other.
There’s a place for all of these desires
and they can feed each other as we create our stories.
Why are you here?
Maybe you’re particularly interested in connecting with others.
Maybe you’re questioning your identity as a mother or as a whole person.
Maybe you’re trying to connect more with a culture that is new to you or that feels distant in some way.
Maybe it’s language that draws you here, whether its about your own practice or a family member’s. Maybe you’re learning a new language, reviving a language or letting go of one.
There’s no one right way to do any of this and whatever happens in your family’s story, we are here to support you.
