Bilingual children

[Turkophagos]

Greeks with a non greek parent who were raised in Greece would have never been described as "half-Greek" (this would have been extremely rude and oxymoron, you're either Greek or not) or even worse, in our case, "american from his/her mother". Instead, one would describe the situation as "his/her mother is American".

This may help on understanding what is considered Greek here.

[Turkophagos]

lol at the poll results.

[Austin]

Greeks with a non greek parent who were raised in Greece would have never been described as "half-Greek" (this would have been extremely rude and oxymoron, you're either Greek or not) or even worse, in our case, "american from his/her mother". Instead, one would describe the situation as "his/her mother is American".

This may help on understanding what is considered Greek here.

Yes I know I am talking about in a purely racial/nationalist type sense. Of course I and most see them as being Greek if they are raised in that culture and live there and are both European descent. I meant that a purist type individual might not see it as such seeing as one is American hence not full Greek and one is Greek.

[poiuytrewq0987]

Greeks with a non greek parent who were raised in Greece would have never been described as "half-Greek" (this would have been extremely rude and oxymoron, you're either Greek or not) or even worse, in our case, "american from his/her mother". Instead, one would describe the situation as "his/her mother is American".

This may help on understanding what is considered Greek here.

Oh yes, the Greeks and their culture of Hellenization. Ultimately, the kid would be half-Greek, English and German. Also, it's nothing personal but I wouldn't jump in bed with an Englishwoman or a chick of half-English descent for that matter.

[Austin]

Ultimately, the kid would be half-Greek, English and German.

See this is all I mean. Not 100% Greek but still obviously European. Perhaps 100% Greek in mind/spirit/culture though.

[The Ripper]

lol at the poll results.

You lose.

[Tolleson]

How do you feel about children with parents of different ethnicities growing up bilingually? By bilingual I am referring to being able to speak two languages at the native level from a young age/birth. Since language is an extension of culture (or considered the core or foundation of culture by some), would it be like the child growing up with two cultures? Would this negatively affect the child? Is it beneficial to the child?

I've been having a discussion with a particular Greek (no names mentioned), and he is vehemently opposed to his children learning English before school. I, however, speak English natively. I'm half German and can speak German, and he is, for whatever reason, less opposed to them learning German, but my German is nowhere near the level that I can speak English

It's my belief that you should raise kids according to the culture you live in. Since we will live in Greece, I believe our kids should be raised as such, none of this mixed culture stuff. The "dilemma" here though is that no matter how "Hellenized" or assimilated to a culture one can become, they still retain certain aspects of their previous culture. I will never be loud, I will never speak and laugh with my mouth full of food, I will still think it's rude to be late, I will think it's extremely disrespectful to smoke in a non-smokers house, etc. And no matter how well I learn to speak Greek, my native language with be English.

I personally will want to speak to my kids in my native language and have them speak back to me with the same level I can speak it. Contrary to a particular Greek's belief, this doesn't mean I'm trying to make his kids "American". If I spoke both Greek and English fluently from a young age, I would happily choose Greek over English, but that's not the case. When I have a baby, I will be its mother and there will be a bond there that exists between the both of us, and I just feel like I should be able to communicate to it in what comes from me most naturally. I realize there is a huge connection between culture and language, but I don't necessarily think me teaching my children English from birth will take away from their "Greekness", especially considering Greeks aren't the most modest people on this earth and you can't exactly escape the Greekness in Greece

It is wonderful to see adults being responsible and discussing these important matters prior to be sexually active and potentially bringing a child into an environment that may be later filled with resentment and disappointment. Better to know now than later the strong feelings of either parent on various topics. A mature decision can be made to continue the relationship or not.

I hope everything works out for the both of you. up

[Comte Arnau]

The poll results are just a slap of common sense. You must admit, Eduardo.

[Bobby Martnen]

Bilingualism leads to multiculturalism. My children will be raised monolingual.