Pre-fatherhood: Your Language

Dear little one, your name was finally chosen. It would be a combination of Mommy's and Daddy's. You're going to like it. Well, we hope so.

Not it either~

Things about you have mostly been kept a low profile. Although it isn't a secret, Mommy and Daddy wanted to avoid all the nonsense people may likely throw at us. Nonsense such as...

"Was it(you) an accident?"

You have to know this. Daddy has all the love in the world; Mommy has all the love in the world for you, but we don't like people very much. People are inconsiderate and self-centered. It isn't anyone's fault. We are as well. That's why listening is more important than speaking. You will grow up in a multi-lingual family. Daddy speaks in English, Mommy in Korean, others in Chinese and Taiwanese. Many of us talk but not many speak to a point. Therefore, it isn't so much about knowing many languages but about how you listen well to understand. It is our responsibility to make sure you learn to be a good listener before you speak.

"What language is your child going to use?"

"Isn't it confusing to the child learning so many languages at an early age?"

These are the questions people ask. Although they should be about showing their care, questions like those really are questions to Daddy. Remember? Daddy's very arbitrary. Issues with languages are in fact issues about understanding. Everyone talks the same language but still, people misunderstand or refuse to. The key is your willingness, compassion, and sympathy. In short, Daddy's asking you to have love; Daddy's going to fill you up with love.

It doesn't matter if people outside the house use Chinese. It doesn't even matter if your parents speak different languages. What matters is you see beyond what we speak. Words don't even mean themselves sometimes. If Mommy says she's fine, she may not be. 😅 There are expressions and nuances that books don't teach. Without your communication skills, you're no different than a robot at best, or just another annoying person. It's not going to happen because Daddy says so.

People seem to believe that they can go to class once or a few times a week to learn a language. As an English teacher who doesn't teach English, Daddy doesn't believe English can be taught or learned. While finding a good teacher would help, languages should be part of your life and that's what a good teacher does. Yes, Daddy's self-promoting because it's true. Why do you think this website exists? Why do you think Daddy give up working stable jobs? Money can't buy happiness but happiness makes you rich. Daddy's rich... with ideas and emotions...! 😎

Don't worry. Whatever you speak, we love you.

#fatherhood