"Different countries
have different mother tongues.
When you come to a new country,
you may not understand its language
at first.
Your ears may get tired of listening
to the new language."
Countless people who emigrate from their home countries to a country where the language is different have much to learn before they can communicate effectively with those who live there. In this new and playful look at language learning, Yevgenia Nayberg takes on the task of helping preschoolers and adults alike begin to understand the ins and outs of learning a second language.
In simple text, sporting eye-catching artwork, she explains that the mother tongue is the first language learned. The words you hear as a baby, and the words used to make sense of the world around you. Often, those words can be difficult and will need to be heard again and again. Despite the complexity and long list of words needed to communicate, the language becomes your own. Mother tongues are different, according to where you live.
Moving to a new country where another language is spoken is hard. There is no understanding of what is being said; ears get tired of listening to unfamiliar words. Some words may seem familiar, while others have never been heard. With context, the task is easier; seeing a chicken and being told it's a chicken imprints on your brain.
It does take time and patience to continue learning. Speaking with others will begin to change. Soon, you will be bilingual ... what a feat!
An author's note is of great interest as readers learn just how difficult it was for Yevgenia to understand, then speak English following emigration. Even for her today, it has its obstacles. Just wait for the conversation when the reading is done!
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