If you’ve found yourself asking the question – “Why won’t my child speak in Marathi?”, you’re not alone!

For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), ensuring that their children stay connected to their cultural roots is a priority. However, teaching their mother tongue, such as Marathi, to children raised abroad often poses several challenges. While the intention is noble, many NRI parents face difficulties in imparting their language to the next generation. Let’s explore some of the key reasons why teaching Marathi to children can be challenging for NRIs:

Lack of Linguistic Environment

Language thrives when there is a supportive environment. Living abroad, NRI families are often surrounded by English or other dominant languages, which are the primary modes of communication in schools, social settings, and even at home. Marathi, in contrast, is limited to conversations within the family or during trips to India. The lack of regular exposure to Marathi in everyday interactions makes it hard for children to pick up and practice the language.

Competing Priorities

For children living abroad, learning the local language and excelling academically takes precedence. English, for instance, becomes the focus for both communication and education. Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and learning another language like Marathi can feel overwhelming, making it a lower priority for children and parents alike.

Inconsistent Practice

Learning any language requires consistent practice. In NRI households, children often interact with their parents in Marathi, but the conversations are usually limited to basic instructions or routine communication. This limited exposure isn’t enough for children to develop fluency, especially when Marathi isn’t reinforced by friends, teachers, or community activities.

Absence of Formal Learning Materials

While many major languages have structured curricula and teaching aids, finding high-quality, engaging learning materials for Marathi can be difficult for NRI parents. Although there are some resources online, they may not be as comprehensive or tailored to the needs of children growing up in foreign countries. Without formal instruction or engaging content, children may lose interest in learning the language.

Parental Language Proficiency

In some cases, NRI parents may not be fully proficient in Marathi themselves, particularly if they grew up in a predominantly English-speaking environment. These parents may struggle to explain complex grammar rules or correct pronunciation errors, making it even harder for their children to grasp the nuances of the language.

Peer Influence

Children are naturally influenced by their peers, and when the dominant language among friends is English or another local language, children may feel less inclined to speak Marathi. In multicultural societies, maintaining a minority language can feel isolating, and children may shy away from using Marathi for fear of being “different” or feeling out of place.

Limited Opportunities for Cultural Immersion

While families can celebrate festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali to reinforce Marathi culture, these events are often insufficient for full linguistic immersion. Without immersion in a Marathi-speaking community, where children can see the language being used in diverse contexts, it becomes difficult for them to develop a deep understanding or appreciation for it.

Generational Disconnect

Children born abroad may not always feel a strong connection to their ancestral roots. As a result, learning Marathi may not feel like a priority for them. In contrast, parents often have a stronger emotional attachment to their language and culture, creating a potential disconnect between the generations when it comes to language learning.

Tech-Driven World

In today’s digital age, children are constantly consuming content from various platforms, most of which are dominated by English or other global languages. Whether it’s YouTube, Netflix, or gaming, the content is rarely available in regional languages like Marathi, further reducing the opportunities for children to learn and use Marathi.

Lack of Structured Language Programs

Unlike more widely spoken languages like Spanish or French, Marathi does not have the same level of institutional support in foreign countries. There are few, if any, Marathi language schools, and parents must often rely on ad-hoc methods of teaching, such as family conversations or online resources, which may not provide the comprehensive, systematic instruction needed to develop proficiency.

How Can NRIs Overcome These Challenges?

Despite these difficulties, there are steps NRI parents can take to make Marathi language learning easier and more enjoyable for their children:

Create a Marathi-Friendly Home Environment

Encourage conversations in Marathi, introduce Marathi books, or even watch Marathi films or TV shows together.

Leverage Technology

Use language learning apps or online platforms that offer Marathi content, games, or interactive lessons.

At Speak Marathi, we offer customised one-on-one online classes that your child can attend from the comfort of home. Scheduled as per your convenience, with a dedicated tutor that modifies the course content and pace to meet the needs of your child. We believe in offering a fun interactive learning experience to all our learners through the use of occasional games and songs to help children retain the language. If you’d like to learn more feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp OR register for our Free Demo session.

Celebrate Cultural Events

Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Gudi Padwa offer great opportunities to reinforce Marathi through songs, rituals, and traditions.

Engage the Community

Look for local Marathi-speaking groups or create language clubs where children can interact with other Marathi-speaking families.

Consistency is Key

Set aside dedicated time for Marathi learning and encourage regular practice, whether through reading, writing, or speaking.

By making Marathi a natural and enjoyable part of their children’s daily lives, NRI parents can help foster both language skills and a deep connection to their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, while teaching Marathi to children raised abroad presents many challenges, with some creativity and effort, NRI parents can overcome these hurdles. By using a variety of resources and engaging methods, they can help their children not only learn the language but also appreciate the rich cultural legacy that comes with it.

See if Speak Marathi is the right fit for your child.