Migrant parents encouraged to speak their native language
Dr Francesca La Morgia is hoping to expand the services across South Dublin County

Migrant parents encouraged to speak their native language

MIGRANT parents are increasingly making good use of a programme in Tallaght that encourages them to speak their native language with their children.

Mother Tongues, an organisation based out of Rua Red, promotes linguistic diversity and multilingualism via the medium of arts and education through numerous platforms.

Established in 2017 by social entrepreneur Dr Francesca La Morgia, the programme plans to expand its services across Tallaght and South Dublin County in the months ahead.

Speaking to The Echo, Dr Francesca, an Italian, said the initiative has been a “feel-good story” in that it helps new arrivals to integrate, gain confidence and not be afraid of losing their native tongue.

“For a lot of parents it is a tricky time. So many parents told us they were told they shouldn’t be speaking their own language,” said Dr Francesca.

“Since we started, nearly every parent had been told this by public health nurses, teachers, GPs. This is not across the board, it is not all GP’s, sometimes family members ask them ‘are you sure you are doing the right thing’, concerned the child will not thrive.

“Especially newcomers, and there are a lot of newcomers in Ireland, for example Ukranians, will follow the advice. It is not easy for a migrant parent, away from family, a lot believe it is better to speak English.

“Children then miss the opportunity to relate to extended family. We see a lot of children that can’t speak to their grandparents. Polish people are more likely to have their children speak Polish, but for Africans, many would stop speaking their native language by the second generation.”

Mother Tongues received a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact award last week.

It was one of five organisations to win a place on the SEI Impact Programme in August 2021 after the programme drew more than 110 applications from all corners of Ireland.

In 2022 alone, Francesca and her team reached over 2,000 children and their families through their programme of events in Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre.

The Mother Tongue schools programme Language Explorers was awarded a European Language Label.

Meanwhile, the Mother Tongues Festival takes place every year in February on Intternational Mother Language Day, a Unesco celebration.

Currently employing three staff, Dr Francesca said they hope to hire four more artists by September, subject to funding.

“Potentially, the more workshops the more artists we can hire,” she said.

“All our workshops at the moment are full, they sell out straight away.”

For details on the free workshops, which require a ticket, and other activities offered by the group, visit mothertongues.ie

TAGS
Share This