By Professor Joseph Lo Bianco*
The most important thing is to be aware that this is common, to young people and to all languages. It is not unique to your child, or to Greek.
Take the time to have a non-stressed and non-pressured discussion with your child about what they think they could use Greek for as they grow up (conversing with family, for example, grandparents or overseas relatives; travelling to Greece or Cyprus; career opportunities), and who in your family knows Greek.
Talk to the teacher at the Greek school about the students and their attitudes, asking them how they can help you to motivate your child more.
What is the main reason for their resistance- too hard, prefers some other activity at the time, wants to sleep in on Saturday? There are many providers, operating at different times during the week, morning or evening or even during the day at the various public and private schools.
Perhaps try some short-term exposure to the language first, maybe the school will let you ‘try’ the class. You might also access good online tools to kick start your child’s Greek learning journey.
Ask them to list what their friends are doing at the time that the Greek school is on and see if you can arrange to connect with those other students.
Generally, try to incorporate fun, meaningful and positive Greek language experiences into your family life, for example, movies, festivals and other activities, so that Greek language has a positive meaning for your child.
*Joseph Lo Bianco is Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. He is also the President of Pharos Alliance, dedicated to preserving Greek language in Australia.
Do you have a question you would like the Pharos Alliance to answer, send your query to editor@foreignlanguage.com.au.
