If you’ve talked to other adoptive parents of older children from other countries, you’ve probably heard something like, “You’ll be amazed at how fast your child will learn English! It’s only been six months, and now our daughter understands everything!” I agree with that, and it IS amazing, but six months can also seem like a L-O-N-G time if you aren’t running on all cylinders with your communication! As I’ve said in previous posts, I believe that hampered communication can interfere with the bonding process, and it’s just one more thing you can take steps now to improve down the road. Take the time to learn as much of your child’s language as possible. Not only will it improve your ability to communicate him or her, but if broad enough, your studies will also help you to gain an understanding of the history of the language, idioms and proverbs. This will enhance your overall appreciation and understanding of your child’s birth culture.

If improved communication isn’t a big enough reward for your efforts, consider these additional reasons to learn your child’s language:

1. It’s a good way to spend the wait, and unlike my favorite “retail therapy,” it won’t break the bank and will leave you with a great skill you didn’t have before.

2. Just like a returned missionary from a foreign mission, you can bear your testimony in your child’s language. Whether you choose to actually do so in church or not, it will be meaningful for your child to hear of your testimony of the Gospel using words she can understand. I bore a simple testimony in Creole the first Fast Sunday after our children came home, and I’ll never forget the shy grin Lulu gave me when she realized I was speaking exclusively to her from the pulpit.

3. You can translate for your child. Once home, your child’s life will likely be a whirlwind of doctor appointments, dental appointments, meetings with schools and other “official” visits for which translation will be helpful. You can attend her Primary classes with her and help her understand some of the lessons, rather than leaving her there to flounder alone.

4. As you’re learning, you can help siblings already in the home to learn, as well. The more people who can communicate with your child – even just a little bit – the more comfortable he will feel in his new surroundings.

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