Why Bilingual Books Matter – Especially for Our Children

Language is so much more than just vocabulary; it’s a vital bridge. It connects children to their parents, grandparents, and the generations that came before. It’s a bridge to our culture, carrying within it our stories, traditions, songs, and a unique way of seeing the world. And often, for those of us living between cultures, it’s a bridge within ourselves, linking who we are today to the rich heritage we come from. My parents were so proud of our language, and I want my son to feel that same connection, to not lose this precious part of our identity.

For many Kurdish families living in countries outside of Kurdistan, building and maintaining this linguistic bridge for our children can present unique challenges. Our kids are often immersed in the dominant language of their surroundings. While this is a natural part of their lives, it can mean fewer daily opportunities to engage deeply with Kurdish. Without dedicated resources and conscious effort, our mother tongue can sometimes fade, becoming a language they might understand passively but hesitate to speak confidently.

This is precisely where bilingual books can play such a special and supportive role. They are more than just educational tools; they are gateways to connection and cultural continuity. I’ve learned so many new skills in the process of creating these books myself – from design to understanding the publishing world – all driven by the desire to provide such a resource.

Bilingual books offer our children several key benefits:

• They present familiar objects and concepts through vibrant images, bringing Kurdish words into their everyday world in a way that is both engaging and relatable.

• The side-by-side English and Kurmanji translations make it easier for parents to share the language, even if they themselves are not fully fluent or are perhaps learning alongside their children. It creates a shared, low-pressure learning environment.

• They subtly convey the message that Kurdish is a living, relevant part of their world, not a language confined only to specific family interactions.

• They can nurture a quiet, growing sense of belonging and pride in their unique Kurdish heritage, showing them that their language and culture have value and a place in the books they read.

For us as parents, these books are more than just stories; they are practical tools. They can be conversation starters. They offer a gentle way to introduce or reinforce Kurdish, saying implicitly, “This part of us matters. This language is precious.”

No single book can carry the weight of a language. But every bilingual book can do something truly powerful: it helps keep the connection to our language and culture alive – gently, joyfully, one shared page at a time.