At Speak Marathi, we often hear this from parents across the world:
“My child understands everything we say in Marathi, but always replies in English.”
It’s one of the most common concerns we receive. And if this sounds like your child, you’re definitely not alone.
Here’s what’s happening—and what you can do to change it.
1. Understanding ≠ Speaking
It’s natural for children growing up in an English-dominant environment to develop passive language skills in Marathi. They hear it at home, especially from parents and grandparents, and begin to understand tone, meaning, and basic vocabulary.
But speaking requires confidence, motivation, and repeated use in a setting where they feel they belong. If they don’t hear their peers or teachers speak Marathi, they often don’t see the need to actively use it.
2. Lack of Involvement in Conversations
Imagine this: you’re at the dinner table and the adults are talking about Aatya’s new flat in Pune or Mami’s sabudana vada recipe. Your child hears the words but has no idea who these people are. They feel left out—and tune out.
That’s when Marathi becomes background noise.
To involve them, talk about people they know and events they care about. Use simple phrases and ask them to respond, even with one-word answers. That creates interaction, not just exposure.
3. One-Way Communication Isn’t Enough
Parents often assume that by speaking Marathi regularly, the child will naturally pick it up.
Unfortunately, that’s not how active language production works.
Children need to be invited into the conversation:
- Ask questions that require responses: “Aaj toomhee soccer khelnaar aahat kaa?”
- Let them answer in mixed language, and slowly guide them to use more Marathi words
- Repeat their responses in full Marathi to model correct usage
4. Emotional Disconnect from the Language
If Marathi is only used for instructions (“Lavkar brush kar!”, “patapat jev!”), children associate it with discipline, not joy.
But if you start bedtime stories, silly songs, inside jokes, and festival rituals in Marathi, they build emotional associations that are positive—and memorable.
5. Fear of Being Judged or Corrected
Many children hesitate to speak Marathi because they’re afraid of getting it wrong—or being laughed at.
Encourage them by:
- Never laughing at their mistakes
- Not interrupting mid-sentence to correct
- Praising effort over accuracy
At Speak Marathi, we always say: “Language is not a test, it’s a bridge.” Help your child cross it, slowly and safely.
6. They Don’t See It Being Used Outside the Home
Children notice which languages have “value” in the world around them. If they never see Marathi being used outside of the home—on TV, at school, in playdates—they assume it’s not important.
Introduce content in Marathi that’s fun:
- Festivals with extended family on video calls
- Cartoons/ Easy movies
- Songs
- Short stories
When they see Marathi being used to express joy, curiosity, and playfulness, they’re more likely to engage.
7. How Speak Marathi Helps
Our classes are designed for NRI children. We:
- Create context-based conversation scenarios
- Use interactive games and real-life vocabulary
- Encourage students to speak from Day 1 (not just listen)
We help children bridge the gap from understanding Marathi to speaking it confidently—and even joyfully.