By Professor Joseph Lo Bianco*
Yes, you can.
You can absolutely raise bilingual children, even if only one parent speaks Greek. Across the world, countless families do so successfully. With a bit of planning, consistency, and an understanding of how children learn language, it’s entirely achievable — and the benefits are immense. Bilingualism supports cognitive development, cultural awareness, emotional connection, and even future economic opportunities.
One Parent, One Language
One widely adopted method in bilingual households is the One Parent, One Language (OPOL) strategy. You speak Greek to your children, while your partner speaks their main language — I assume that is English. Over time, children learn to associate each language with a specific parent, and research shows they can distinguish and navigate these differences from an early age.
It’s not a problem if your partner doesn’t speak Greek. What matters is that you consistently use it with your children. You don’t need to “teach” Greek in the formal sense — just speak it as part of your everyday life: during meals, playtime, bedtime, storytelling, and routines. Children acquire language naturally when it’s used meaningfully and regularly in context.
If your children are also learning Greek at school, that’s a bonus. But don’t turn your home into a classroom. Think of the home as the domain of intimacy, where children build fluency, comfort, and connection in Greek. School, by contrast, is the domain of instruction, where formal accuracy, literacy, and specific academic registers of Greek are developed. These two domains can support each other but serve different purposes.
Since English dominates almost every space beyond the home, favouring Greek at home can help restore balance in your child’s language exposure.
Language Exposure: Input and Intake
Children learn the language they hear and need to use. The key elements here are input, exposure, and intake. The more you use Greek with your children — and the more that language is embedded in meaningful interaction — the more it will become part of their natural repertoire.
Here are some ways to enrich their exposure:
- Speak Greek from birth or as early as possible.
- Use Greek during everyday activities—shopping, eating, playing.
- Read books aloud in Greek every day.
- Play Greek music, lullabies, and audio stories.
- Join Greek-speaking playgroups or families.
- Involve grandparents or friends who speak Greek.
- Connect with Greek culture through festivals, events, or online.
If your partner is willing, they can occasionally join in as a co-learner alongside your children. More importantly, their support should be visible and consistent — praising your children’s bilingual progress and backing your use of Greek, especially if children push back and default to English.
Children may resist using Greek in public, like at shopping centres or sports fields. Don’t worry — this is common. Let family and friends know that your household is bilingual. Over time, your children will grow comfortable navigating both languages in different settings.
Even if your partner doesn’t participate directly in Greek-language activities, it’s crucial that the children know they support your efforts. When both parents value the language, children are more likely to stick with it. The more input children receive in Greek, especially linked to real-life activities, the more they internalise it and convert input into intake — that is, into usable, active language.
Facing challenges
Bilingual parenting requires cooperation, respect for both languages, and a practical plan. Once your children begin school, their exposure to English will increase rapidly. This is natural — but it means Greek might start to feel less “essential.” Your role is to ensure Greek remains a valued and visible part of your family’s life.
Let your children’s friends visit your home, so they become used to the bilingual environment. When you speak Greek to your children and English to their friends, they’ll quickly see that both languages can coexist. Normalising bilingualism in this way strengthens your children’s confidence and pride.
If Greek isn’t taught at school, the home becomes even more important as a source of input. Use media, community events, or online resources to supplement what happens at home.
Remember: even partial bilingualism is valuable. Your goal doesn’t have to be perfect fluency or native-like accuracy. Aim instead to make Greek a normal part of daily life — something your children associate with nurturing and love, extended family, meals, and meaning. Formal education can build on this base later, with opportunities to expand vocabulary, refine grammar, or pursue Greek in school, university, or travel.
Adolescence and Motivation
Language learning is not always smooth. Children go through phases — spurts of progress and periods of resistance. This is especially common in adolescence, when peer influence is strong and convenience often outweighs family goals.
Be prepared for this. Organise enjoyable, immersive experiences where Greek is central: cooking, excursions, games, sports, or creative projects. You can pre-teach some useful words or phrases, but keep the focus on fun and connection. These are not lessons — they are opportunities for real communication in Greek.
Some children will understand much more than they speak. A period of silent comprehension is normal, especially if they begin exposure later. Keep using Greek consistently, even if your children respond in English. Their passive understanding can convert into active use over time.
What matters most
Raising bilingual children is not about perfection. It’s about consistency, encouragement, and connection. It’s about valuing both languages, showing patience when challenges arise, and celebrating small wins along the way.
Greek at home can provide cultural richness, emotional intimacy, and a strong sense of belonging. These foundations will support your children throughout their lives, whether they choose to pursue further study of the language later on.
A lifelong gift
Bilingualism is a lifelong asset. It opens doors — to identity, community, history, creativity, and opportunity. Even if only you speak Greek, your commitment, supported by your partner’s encouragement, can enable your child to grow up confidently at home in more than one language and culture.
So yes—you can raise bilingual kids, even if your partner doesn’t know Greek.
*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.
FULL PHAROS TIPS SERIES:
TIP 1: My child doesn’t want to go to Greek school. What can I do?
TIP 2: Help! After 7 years of Greek School, my child still doesn’t know the alphabet
TIP 3: How can I support my child’s Greek language learning at home?
TIP 4: I failed Greek as a kid, can I learn Greek as an adult?
TIP 5: How to make sure kids get language learning on their Greek holiday
TIP 6: I try to use Greek, but they always reply in English…
