In today’s global economy, an increasing number of Slovak companies are expanding internationally. They open branches abroad and send key employees to represent the company overseas, often with their families. For the business, it’s a strategic move. For the employee and their loved ones, it’s the start of a new chapter filled with opportunity, change, and adaptation.
But amid all the excitement, one essential thing is often overlooked – the preservation of the Slovak language in the children of these families. Kids adjust fast to new cities, schools, friends, and, naturally, to the dominant language of their new home. English, German, or another local language becomes their everyday mode of communication. And Slovak? It slowly fades into the background, spoken only with their parents, and less and less over time.
Without structured support, Slovak becomes what we call a “heritage language” – one they understand, but no longer actively use. A few years down the line, the child may no longer speak it at all. And with the loss of language comes something more profound – a weakening of cultural identity, connection to roots, and sense of belonging.
Why Does This Matter to Employers?
Maintaining a child’s mother tongue isn’t just a family concern – it directly impacts the well-being, emotional stability, and long-term satisfaction of your expat employees. When a company provides inclusive, family-friendly support, it fosters loyalty, motivation, and a sense of care that extends beyond the workplace.
Helping children learn Slovak means assisting them:
- Stay connected to Slovak heritage and culture,
- Feel “at home” even far away,
- Build confidence in a multicultural setting,
- Develop bilingual skills that benefit their future.
How to Start?
At Flamingos Slovak School, we specialize in Slovak language education for Slovak children living abroad. Our online programs are taught by trained professionals, tailored to different age groups and skill levels, and run throughout the school year. We focus not only on building vocabulary and grammar but also on fostering a love of language, identity, and cultural continuity.
These are their roots, their identity, and their bridge to home. Help preserve them.