Introduction

As a Malayali parent raising your children miles apart from your home country, it is always a concern that the children will lose touch with their mother tongue. No matter what, even if all the luxury and facilities are available in the place you reside, there is a feeling that, from a parental perspective, children living apart from their homeland will have less connection and sentimental value for their mother tongue. You dream of your child conversing comfortably with their grandparents, understanding the classic songs and films, and being able to enjoy and feel the belongingness when a close family member comes home. Your mother tongue is a deep, authentic connection to their heritage.

But let’s be honest, it is not easy to mold the kids in the way we might hope. The major reasons are the surroundings, the dominance of the local language where they reside, the tight scheduling of the day, including schools, and other extracurricular activities.

It is an overwhelming task for parents, but there are a few common mistakes every parent makes that can hinder the learning process for the tiny tots, worse or create resistance.  

The good news is that you are not alone, and these pitfalls are easily avoidable. Let’s explore the 5 common mistakes to avoid when teaching your kids Malayalam. The team at Akshharam, online Malayalam classes for children, will help you lead your language journey to a joyful success.  

Mistake 1: The textbook-only approach

Malayalam is a language that should come flawlessly to Malayalis. However, for families residing abroad, passing the language on can become difficult. The textbook approach may be effective, but it leads to kids memorizing the alphabet, which can feel too much like schoolwork. For a child who is already juggling multiple subjects, this approach can make Malayalam feel like a chore; the kids will learn the literary aspect, not the conversational aspect. The problem is that the kids will not be living or breathing the language. When it turns out to be a chore, the kids will become more reluctant and resistant to learning the language.

• Actionable tip: Bring the language to life. Don’t see it as a subject. It should blend easily into daily chores. Integrate the language into your daily life; when you spend a weekend at home, try to talk in Malayalam, watch Malayalam songs and films.

Mistake 2: Correcting every single mistake spontaneously

When your kids start speaking Malayalam, or when they try to complete a sentence in Malayalam, and there is a mistake, a parent or guardian should never interrupt or correct it instantly. Try to be more patient and let them make mistakes.

• Actionable tip: Endure and embrace the mistakes. Let them make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean leaving them uncorrected; practice communication over perfection. Mostly, the mistakes will be in sentence structure and grammar. Once they complete a sentence or are asking for a favor, just let them know they have made a mistake instead of pointing it out suddenly.

Mistake 3: Neglecting the “why”

When the kids ask why they are learning the language and refuse to pay attention, giving them an appropriate answer is crucial. When kids ask, "Why do I need to learn this?" if the only answer is, "Because it's our language," it may not be compelling enough for a child growing up in a different cultural context.

• Actionable tip: Slowly and gradually, build a connecting line with your kids to learn and love the Malayalam language. If they love to hear stories, initiate the Malayalam stories and old folktales to them. Let them listen to these stories over weekends, during vacations, while travelling, or at bedtime. Create a playlist of contemporary Malayalam film songs they might enjoy. Show them that Malayalam is a key that unlocks a treasure trove of stories, music, and family history they can’t access any other way.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the power of peer group learning

A child who feels that they are the only one facing this extra work can have their motivation drop immediately. So, it is always better to have a team doing the same work. They can be classmates or family friends. Never give overly detailed instructions, as this can make it feel like a weight on their head.

• Actionable Tip: Create a community. Children are often more inspired when they see peers who share similar goals. This is where structured learning environments shine. Enrolling your child in Akshharam, a Malayalam class for children, can easily connect them with other diaspora children. Suddenly, learning Malayalam becomes a social, fun activity where they can make new friends and feel a sense of belonging to a group.

Mistake 5: The burden is only on you

As a guardian or parent, one should never let the child feel like it is entirely their responsibility to learn and practice their mother tongue. It should be a team activity. Constant support from the family is always appreciated.

Actionable tip: keep practicing at home, and start practicing in a conversational style. Other than practicing at home, leverage technology and professional help. Use apps for vocabulary building, video call grandparents for regular conversation practice, and, most importantly, consider enlisting the help of experts.

Conclusion

Online classes of Akshharam offer the perfect blend of fun and learning, helping kids embrace their heritage through interactive lessons, cultural stories, and engaging activities. Our individualized teaching style helps get more focus and will let students get better attention in the classes. Teaching your child Malayalam is one of the greatest gifts you can give them, a lifelong connection to their identity. By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing a joyful, community-oriented approach, you can transform this journey from a struggle into a beautiful, shared experience.