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İLMİRA
  Posted   Reply with quote  #1 
Hello!
We are live in Bashkorotstan (one of republics within Russian Federation).
There are three official language – Bashkir, Russian and Tatar. In our city Russian language is absoultly dominate.
My native languages are Tatar and Russian. My husband’s native language is Russian.
In family we speak Russian only.
My child 2 years old. He don’t speak yet. And I speak with him by Russian and Tatar.
Is it right? Maybe I must speak only Tatar?
 
Maral
  Posted   Reply with quote  #2 
Ilmira,

Since all three languages are important today. I would advise that you practise all three at home. However, make sure that you speak with him standard language with proper pronounciation, vocabulary and grammar. Your child should be able to succeed.
 
ILMIRA
  Posted   Reply with quote  #3 
It’s me. Maral, thanks a lot for advice.
Now my child no speak “mother” or “father”. He say “ayda” only. It’s common word to Tatar, Bashkir and Russian. I am afraid that my child should be “mix” languages.
I am practice standard Tatar and standard Russian. Bashkir language is very similar Tatar (for example, as British English and American English).
 
Daira
  Posted   Reply with quote  #4 
Good day, Ilmara!
I am living in the USA where the English language dominates. I speak only Latvian with my child, and her father speaks only English to her. My speaking Latvian only with her is the primary reason she continues to speak it and be fluent and bilingual. In my opinion you should do the same: speak Tatar only.  If Russian dominates, and if your husband speaks Russian to the child and this is his native language, then I do not see any reason that you should also speak the same language with her. If your concern is for giving her exposure to Tatar, and perhaps dually Bashkir, then I think you must take it upon yourself to speak to her in Tatar only and leave the Russian, which he will get from everyone else.  It isn’t easy, and I suggest you look for playgroups or dates, or other families where one or both parents speak Tatar or even Bashkir and try to spend time with them, so that your child sees, hears, and understands that some people do communicate in ways other than Russian. Now, having said that, I understand that certain cultures are less tolerant of cultural or linguistic deviation, so I think you must be prepared to be strong and resilient in the face of people who may disagree or turn their noses up to you. Also, you don’t mention what opinion your husband has, but any significant change in family dynamics may require an adjustment period. Your child will get the Russian, don’t worry. You must provide her the gift of Tatar, if that is your desire. It will be a lovely gift to bestow upon your child, and he will one day appreciate this. Good luck!   

 
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