Language diversity is a unique South African gift - help children explore

LANGUAGE DIVERSITY AT HOME

- how everyday moments shape confident communicators

Language is more than words. It’s how children express feelings, understand the world, and connect with others. Dibber International Preschools says a home that embraces language diversity powerfully supports a child’s development.

“Children are naturally curious about words, sounds and meaning,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools South Africa. “When families nurture language diversity at home—through storytelling, songs, or simple conversation—children grow up more confident, empathetic, and open to the world around them.”

Homes are often a child’s first classroom, and supporting language diversity doesn’t require formal lessons or fluency. Rather, it happens through small, meaningful moments interlaced into daily life.

From chatting in multiple languages during routines to reading bilingual books or singing nursery rhymes from different cultures, these everyday practices help children develop flexibility in thinking, stronger memory, and an expanded emotional vocabulary. According to Dibber, the goal is not perfection but exposure - and joyful engagement.

“Using your home languages freely and naturally helps children make important brain connections,” Assis explains. “And it also tells them: who you are, where you come from, and how you express yourself matters deeply.”

Play-based approaches work especially well. Labelling household items in different languages, using pretend play to introduce new vocabulary, and turning learning into games or songs keep the process fun and pressure-free. Dibber’s Nordic-rooted philosophy encourages families to celebrate their cultural roots and make language a shared, emotional experience - whether it’s counting in isiXhosa, singing in Afrikaans, or reading bedtime stories in English.

Dibber also highlights the importance of patience. “Children develop at their own pace. Some might mix languages or pause before responding, and that’s absolutely normal,” Assis reassures. “The key is to stay supportive and engaged without rushing them.”

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping how children experience language. By modelling curiosity and respect - greeting neighbours in their home language, learning a few new words together, or showing interest in other cultures - families can help children develop a lifelong love of language.

“Nurturing language diversity is about far more than communication,” says Assis. “It’s about raising confident children who can connect with others, understand different perspectives, and thrive in a multicultural world.”

With more than 600 high-quality preschools across nine countries, Dibber is a global leader in early childhood education. In South Africa, its campuses in Gauteng and the Western Cape offer holistic, heart-led learning environments that reflect and celebrate diversity, including language and culture.

For parents wondering where to start, Dibber’s advice is simple: talk, read, sing, and play. Children may not remember every word, but they will remember how language made them feel: curious, connected, and seen.

About Dibber International Preschools:

Dibber International Preschools is a global leader in early childhood education, with a commitment to providing high-quality preschool experiences that foster children's holistic development - with over six hundred high-quality preschools across nine countries and with a focus on the Dibber Heart Culture and customised learning approaches, Dibber aims to nurture the potential of every child, ensuring they receive the best start in their educational journey.