When I first went to live in France in 1973, I had two small children (above). Kimbo must have been about 3, and Tenpin about 1. At that age they didn't really know that they were in a different country.
All they knew was they had a lovely big house to live in, with plenty of old straw-filled barns and land. Along with Hamlet, our dog, they were in paradise.
Lady Magnon had moved around a lot when she was young, from Moscow, to Caracas, to Washington DC, to Porto Rico, etc; but maybe not in that order. She later returned to school in England.
The children soon settled in, and it wasn't long before they started at the nearby Maternelle (Infants school). At first the mini Kimbo spoke in Gibberish, that's how he heard them speaking, so he replied in the same way. However, it wasn't too long before he began to speak fluent French, and soon became confident in being bilingual. My daughter did much the same a couple of years later.
Our local roofer's wife was the school cook, and both children really enjoyed their lunchtime meals. I often asked Kimbo what he'd eaten, and invariable he'd reply "Flat meat". I imagine this was any form of thinly sliced meat.
They stayed at school in France for several years, before returning to continue in England.
My third child was born in France but never got to immerse himself into the French school system. He speaks various languages, including French, but none was learned in the same way as his siblings.
I think their early upbringing was wonderful, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
For a youngster, growing up in a foreign country is a wonderful way to become fluent in another language. For an adult it's not so easy, unless you gave an aptitude for languages, which sadly I don't.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I went to France (either Calais or Bolougne not sure which) - was on a day trip from somewhere along the English south coast. I think I was about 7, and thought it a great adventure. Though I do remember complaining to my grandmother afterwards that the people there didn't speak English!
For children it's all a big adventure. They loved their childhoods.
DeleteMy children began flourishing when we moved to a small village in Crete. From a city apartment to the freedom of fields, friends and exploring the village. They began to speak greek once they were in the schools there. We were all lucky with Ks transfer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful start ot life your chidlren had
The freedom of living out in the countryside stays with them for ever.
DeleteWe have a dear neighbor who was moved from Houston Texas to the South of France at about 7 years old, and placed in the local schools, she still speaks fluent French (and learned Russian as an adult for work.)
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