Counseling for Multilingual Families with a Focus on Czech as a Second Language (online, for free)
Counseling for multilingual families with a special focus on supporting Czech as a second language addresses the unique challenges faced by families where one or more members are learning Czech. In such cases, we place particular emphasis on helping both parents and children navigate the process of language acquisition, offering strategies for improving communication and adapting to the linguistic and cultural landscape of the Czech-speaking environment. For children, special attention is given to balancing the acquisition of Czech with maintaining proficiency in their native language(s), which can impact their identity and sense of belonging. We also provide guidance for parents on how to support their child's language learning journey, including tips for creating a supportive home environment, integrating Czech into daily routines, and addressing common challenges such as language mixing or reluctance to speak Czech. For parents, counseling focuses on helping them gain confidence in using Czech in everyday interactions, both within the family and in broader social contexts such as schools, workplaces, and community settings. This involves not only language support but also an exploration of cultural norms and expectations in the Czech-speaking world, facilitating smoother integration and communication. Ultimately, the counseling process aims to strengthen family relationships by fostering open, empathetic communication and providing practical tools to support the learning of Czech as a second language while respecting and maintaining the family’s original linguistic and cultural identity.
Counsellor: Linda Krahula Doleží
Linda Krahula Doleží, Ph.D., is an expert in the fields of Czech language and linguistics, with extensive experience in both teaching and research. She currently serves as the head of the Department for Life-long Learning and Pan-University Studies at Masaryk University (MU) in Brno, Czech Republic. She specializes in teaching Czech as a foreign/second language, particularly focusing on language acquisition, psycholinguistics, multilingualism, and the methodology of teaching second languages. This includes developing educational tools and approaches tailored to the needs of non-native speakers, refugees, and migrants, helping them integrate linguistically and culturally into Czech society. Her work delves into how individuals acquire and sometimes lose languages (language attrition), which is especially relevant in multilingual settings. She has been involved with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Beirut, Lebanon) and Caritas Lebanon. She contributed to the education and support of refugees by teaching English, as part of broader efforts to assist vulnerable populations. Her humanitarian work aligns with her professional expertise in language education, particularly in teaching non-native speakers, and reflects her commitment to supporting refugees and migrants through language and education.
More information: https://www.muni.cz/en/people/14227-linda-krahula-dolezi
Time: Tuesdays 18-20, and/or after appointment on ZOOM platform
Contact: linda.dolezi@cjv.muni.cz
