The term linguistically and culturally diverse is used by the U.S. Department of Education and other educators to identify children from homes and communities where the primary language used for communication is other than English. Head Start programs throughout the United States enroll children and families who are linguistically and culturally diverse. When Head Start staff acknowledge and support this diversity, children are encouraged to retain skills in their home language, while learning to understand and use a second language at Head Start. Whether the home language is English or another, it is the language children have learned since birth. Children use their home language to establish relationships with family and friends, to express their ideas and feelings, and to think and make sense of their world.
Families pass on cultural values, beliefs, and traditions using their home language.
Clearly, each child's home language is an important part of his or her identity and abilities. It is most likely the language the family uses to communicate complex ideas and feelings. Some parents are afraid that using their home language with their child will get in the way of their child's mastery of a second language. Actually, it is one of the best ways to support a child who is learning a second language. When children have strong skills in one language, they can use these skills to become proficient in a second language.