At Speak Marathi, we often hear this concern from parents:
“We speak Marathi at home, but our kids still don’t speak it back. Why is that?”
The answer often lies beyond just vocabulary or grammar. It’s about connection.
Disconnection Leads to Disinterest
Most NRI children grow up far from their extended family. They don’t attend family pujas, they’re not there for Ganpati celebrations, and they rarely meet their uncles, aunts, and cousins. So when a dinner table conversation turns to Kaka, Mami, or Ajoba, they feel left out. They don’t know who you’re talking about.
And when children don’t feel included in the conversation, they naturally tune out—no matter what language it’s in.
Make the Family Tree a Story
One powerful way to bridge this gap? Explain your family tree to your kids.
Tell them who their kaku (aunt) is, who their maushi (mom’s sister) is, and how their cousin Rohan dada is related. Use photos. Use funny anecdotes. Make it playful and visual. The moment a child can match a name to a face, to a voice, to a story—they’re curious.
Let them in on some harmless family gossip. Say things like:
- “Do you know Kaka once tried to fry puris and set off the fire alarm?”
- “Ajoba always hides the last peda in the fridge—like a secret!”
This gets them invested. And guess what? They’ll want to be part of the next conversation.
From Peppa Pig to Pooja Table
Your child knows every character in Peppa Pig, and they can explain the complicated relations in Harry Potter. But they may not know that Manasi tai is your niece, or that Raghav mama is the one who sends gifts every Diwali.
Why? Because you haven’t made it engaging for them.
By not anchoring language in people, festivals, and emotion, we miss the golden opportunity to make Marathi meaningful.
Why Speaking at Home Isn’t Enough
Speaking Marathi at home is important—but not enough. If your child doesn’t feel included in the conversation, they won’t engage. They may hear the language, but it becomes background noise—something their parents speak when they’re not paying attention.
What You Can Do Today
- Create a Marathi family tree with your child, including names, photos, and fun facts.
- At dinner, start by saying, “Today I’ll tell you about your kaka who used to…”
- Involve them in festive calls with family—even if it’s just waving and saying “Namaste!”
- Encourage your family back in India to speak slowly and clearly to your child during calls.
- Let them teach you a Marathi word or two. Make it a two-way learning game.
At Speak Marathi, We Help Build This Bond
Our classes don’t just teach grammar—we bring families closer. We include topics like introducing family members, talking to Ajoba-Aaji, and celebrating festivals in Marathi.
We’ve seen kids go from silent observers to active storytellers in Marathi—just because they felt connected.