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The Language Experiment

The Language Experiment

By: Camillo Lakiss and Kaisa Martiskainen
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About this listen

How do I raise a multilingual child? Will exposing my child to multiple languages confuse them? Will their speech be delayed? How can I give them enough exposure to my mother tongue? These were just some of the questions that Kaisa and Camillo had when they were expecting their first child. Originally from Finland and Brazil, now living in the French speaking part of Canada, the couple searched for answers, literature and resources about multilingual upbringing.


When their research turned out unfruitful, they agreed to do what felt most natural to them: practicing their own languages with their daughter while incorporating two local languages on top of that. The Language Experiment is a podcast where Kaisa and Camillo share their journey on multilingual parenting with hopes of helping and encouraging other parents who are looking to raise multilingual children. There will be interviews, practical tips and plenty of real life experiences and perspectives on multilingualism.


You’ll discover how they helped their daughter become quadrilingual before the age of three only by reading, singing, playing and spending time outdoors with her. You’ll learn to recognize and critically assess some of the myths surrounding multilingual parenting. You’ll also hear from other parents and learn what worked for them and what didn’t. If you are a parent raising or wanting to raise children with multiple languages, this podcast is a must-listen. Hit subscribe now and join the community!

© 2025 The Language Experiment Language Learning
Episodes
  • One Year In Portugal: An Unfiltered Recap

    One Year In Portugal: An Unfiltered Recap
    Aug 18 2025

    19 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, Kaisa and Camillo sit down to reflect on their family’s first full year of living in Portugal. From leaving Canada to navigating cultural surprises, adjusting to a new environment, and balancing multiple languages at home, they share the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way.

    Discover what it really feels like to uproot a multilingual family, how language dynamics shift in a new country, and why Portugal turned out to be the right choice for them. Whether you’re curious about expat life, raising bilingual kids, or simply love honest storytelling, this episode offers a refreshing behind-the-scenes look at their journey.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: contact@languageexperiment.com
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast
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    49 mins
  • From Playground to Parenthood: Phil’s Vietnamese-Canadian Language Journey

    From Playground to Parenthood: Phil’s Vietnamese-Canadian Language Journey
    May 19 2025

    18 - In this episode of The Language Experiment, Camillo speaks with Philippe Ha, a Canadian father of Vietnamese heritage raising his children bilingually. Growing up in multicultural Montreal, Phillip experienced a dynamic linguistic environment where Vietnamese, French, and English intertwined in his daily life.

    He reflects on his parents’ immigrant journey, their efforts to preserve Vietnamese at home, and the influence of Quebec’s Bill 101 on his education and cultural identity. With deep personal insight and warmth, Phil shares the challenges and beauty of balancing multiple languages and cultures, both as a child and now as a parent.

    His story resonates with any listener navigating heritage, identity, and the legacy we pass to the next generation.


    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: contact@languageexperiment.com
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Anna-Maria’s Story: Language, Identity and Belonging in Finland

    Anna-Maria’s Story: Language, Identity and Belonging in Finland
    Apr 17 2025

    #17

    In this episode of The Language Experiment, we continue our series on Language and Identity with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Anna Maria, an entrepreneur and job coach who grew up in Finland in a multilingual family. With a Finnish mother, an Italian father, and parents who communicated in German, Anna Maria shares her unique experience of navigating childhood in a largely monolingual Finnish society.

    We discuss what it was like growing up bilingual—and even trilingual—when most of her peers spoke only Finnish, how passive exposure to German shaped her understanding of languages, and the moments of both pride and isolation that came with being different. Anna Maria also reflects on societal attitudes towards language and cultural identity in Finland during the 80s and 90s, and how her own sense of belonging was influenced by these dynamics.

    This conversation offers rich insights for anyone raising multilingual children or reflecting on their own multicultural upbringing.

    Subscribe to our feed and follow us on all podcast platforms. Reach out to us with your questions and topic suggestions. Let's build a community together!

    RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2188357.rss
    Website: www.languageexperiment.com
    E-mail: contact@languageexperiment.com
    Instagram: @language_experiment_podcast
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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