Embracing Linguistic Diversity at an International School in Jakarta
How ISJ supports multilingual learners in the early years
Many young children in Jakarta grow up surrounded by more than one language. At The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ), we see this multilingualism as a powerful advantage, not a complication. Children bring their home languages, cultures, and ways of communicating into the classroom, and these form an essential part of who they are. As a leading British international school in Jakarta, we place great value on linguistic diversity and create learning environments where every child’s language is recognised, respected, and actively supported. When children feel proud of the languages they speak, they become more confident learners in English and beyond.
Erik Boswinkel, Early Years Teacher at ISJ, explains it simply: “A child’s language is part of their identity. When we honour it, we honour the whole child.”
Valuing every child’s language and identity
In the early years, many children at ISJ hear and speak multiple languages at home. We view these languages as strengths that deepen learning and build a sense of belonging. When children see their home languages reflected in the classroom—through conversation, books, or simple labels—they recognise that their identity matters. Their first language becomes a source of pride rather than something to set aside.
“A child who feels understood is a child who feels ready to learn,” says Erik Boswinkel. “Language is the bridge that makes this possible.”
Understanding multilingual learners
A multilingual learner is a child who is developing two or more languages at the same time. Research shows that this early exposure supports cognitive growth, flexible thinking, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. At ISJ, we support children in maintaining their home languages while developing English proficiency. This approach leads to stronger long-term outcomes than encouraging children to focus on English alone.
Creating a language-rich environment
Children learn language from the world around them, especially during everyday play and routines. Educators describe objects, actions, and ideas in rich, clear language. They encourage children to use descriptive words for colours, shapes, textures, and quantities—both in English and in their home languages.
This natural blending of languages, sometimes called translanguaging, helps children express ideas using the full range of linguistic knowledge they already have. A child might describe a red block as rojo or merah before naming it in English. These connections strengthen vocabulary and deepen comprehension.
Encouraging meaningful conversations
Conversation drives language development. Educators ask open questions that invite children to think and explain, such as:
“How did you make your tower so tall?”
“What did you notice about your picture?”
These prompts create longer, richer responses that build confidence and extend vocabulary.
Visuals, gestures, modelling, and warm encouragement help children communicate even when they are still acquiring English. Teachers do not need to speak every home language to support it. Showing curiosity—learning a few key words or asking about a phrase a child uses—tells children their languages are welcome.
Making languages visible in the environment
Environmental print—labels, signs, and familiar words—plays a powerful role in early literacy. In ISJ classrooms, everyday items such as “door,” “window,” or “bookshelf” may appear in English alongside other languages represented in the class. This simple practice helps children connect letters and sounds while seeing their languages reflected in the learning space.
It also sparks curiosity about different scripts and alphabets, helping all children appreciate linguistic diversity.
Using art, play, and real experiences to develop language
Creative experiences offer strong opportunities for language development. In art, children describe colours, textures, shapes, and patterns. Teachers model rich vocabulary and invite children to explain their work in any language they choose.
Cooking activities are particularly effective. As children mix, pour, knead, and taste, they learn new verbs and descriptive words that make language learning active and enjoyable.
Storytelling also bridges languages. A book read in English at school can be read again at home in the child’s first language, strengthening comprehension and creating shared family experiences.
Building inclusive and equitable practice
Supporting multilingual children is part of ISJ’s commitment to inclusion. When classrooms celebrate linguistic diversity, children feel seen, heard, and valued. This sense of belonging encourages participation, builds confidence, and strengthens emotional wellbeing.
By embracing multilingualism, teachers help children develop empathy and cultural awareness. They learn that each voice matters—and that their own voice has value in every language they speak.
Conclusion
Multilingual learners bring rich knowledge, culture, and communication skills to the early years. At ISJ, we nurture these strengths through language-rich environments, thoughtful teaching, and genuine respect for every child’s identity. By valuing each child’s languages—as Erik Boswinkel notes—we help them grow into confident communicators in English while staying connected to the language and culture that matter most to them.
The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ) is Jakarta's leading British international school for children aged 2–13, delivering the gold-standard English National Curriculum. Driven by our hand-picked teachers from top UK independent schools, our pupils consistently achieve remarkably high academic results.
To see how Jakarta’s leading British school for children aged 2 to 13 supports multilingual learners through a rich, inclusive, and culturally responsive early years environment, book a private tour.