Being a bilingual book author myself I am extremely passionate about this language learning resource. On my blog I will be running a number of guest blog posts from bilingual and bilingual related book authors from around the world.
They will be sharing their experiences and also their reasonings behind writing their bilingual books.
So let us meet our first Bilingual Book Guest Blogger Gina Paul!
Ginas books are written in various languages and are focussed on the child being/becoming bilingual and some of the obstacles that are faced, especially when a child has moved to new country.
So Gina, do you want to give us a quick introduction?
I was born in Haiti and came to the USA at the age of 10 years old. My first language was Haitian Creole, which I learned from home.
The second language that I learned was French, which I learned at school; However, as the saying goes “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” I am no longer fluent in French. The third language that I learned was English. I speak English more than Haitian Creole, however, I am fluent in both.
How do you currently use languages?
I use language to communicate with family and friends, express myself, pass on information, write books and I also teach English to bilingual students.
What made you decide to write a bilingual related book?
As someone who is bilingual and teaches bilingual students, I understand the struggles that both sides face.
I wanted to create a book that teaches children to be empathic, culturally sensitive, socially & emotionally aware of others, and to learn responsible decision making when interacting with someone of different culture, language, etc.
I love traveling, listening to different languages, and interacting with people of different cultures.
Therefore, after writing my first book, I wanted to translate the book in as many languages as I can. I want children to read and appreciate my books in their own languages. So far, my first book is in English, Haitian Creole and will soon be in Spanish.
What benefits do you see in bilingual books?
Languages are part of our cultures!
I believe that when children see and can read books in their own native languages it is beneficial to them in helping them to retain their native languages and preserve part of their cultures. It also encourages them to appreciate their languages and cultures.
Tell us a little bit about your bilingual book /books
“Georgette is new to the country. She is starting the fifth grade and does not speak any English.
She is trying to participate and make friends in class, but it is not going well. No one speaks her language. However, she is determined and eager to show everyone that she is not lazy, she just doesn’t understand. Follow Georgette as she fights through her fears and fumbles with her words on her journey to learn English and make friends.”
In order to get your hands on Ginas book follow either click on the pictures in order to be taken to an Amazon site, or they are available at the following places:
1. IngramSpark
2. Online: Barnes and Nobles, Target, Walmart
If you wish to connect to Gina you can follow her on the following platforms.
TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK WEBSITE
Join us next week when we will be introducing you to Natalia Sepulveda from Bilingual Lifestyle and she will be talking about her bilingual experiences and her book ‘Kai The Missionary Sea Turtle | Kai la tortuga marina misionera’: Bilingual Children’s Book English Spanish for kids ages 3-7
See you all next week!!
Happy language learning! And if you are looking for some free language learning resources in english/german then head on over to The Resource Library
Rachel x
