Why Introducing Somali to Children Early Matters
For many Somali families, language is about much more than simply knowing how to say a few words.
It's how we communicate with family. It's part of our culture, our identity and the connection between generations.
And for little ones growing up surrounded by English, keeping Somali present in everyday life can sometimes take a little more intention.
Somali starts at home
The most natural way for children to learn Somali is simply to hear it and speak it regularly.
Conversations at home, time with family, Somali songs and everyday exchanges give children something no book can replace: real exposure to the language.
It doesn't need to feel like a lesson either. Somali can simply be part of breakfast, playtime, getting dressed, car journeys and bedtime.
The more children hear the language naturally around them, the more familiar it becomes.
More than just words
Keeping Somali alive for our little ones isn't only about vocabulary.
Language connects children to people, family and culture.
It can help them communicate with grandparents and extended family, understand conversations and stories, and grow up with another connection to their heritage.
That's what makes introducing Somali early so meaningful.
Let them see Somali too
Alongside hearing and speaking Somali, there's something special about children being able to see their language in their everyday world too.
English is everywhere — in their books, toys, nursery and television. So why shouldn't Somali have a place on their bookshelf too?
That idea became part of the inspiration behind L&S Adventures.
My First Box of Somali Words
I wanted to create something simple and beautiful that could sit alongside the Somali already being spoken at home.
My First Box of Somali Words contains three board books based around familiar early-learning topics:
- Reerkayga — family members
- Jirkayga — body parts
- Tirooyinka — numbers 1–10
The books aren't there to replace speaking Somali at home. They're simply another way to bring the language into a little one's everyday world and reinforce some of the words they're already hearing.
Because ultimately, that's what L&S Adventures is about:
Helping little learners discover Somali. 💛