About 5.7 million Australians speak a language other than English at home. Most multilingual children spend their school days speaking English and during term-time, home languages often take a back seat. So holidays – particularly the long summer break – offer a chance to hear and speak their heritage languages more often.

Research shows home languages matter for identity, belonging and cultural connection. With relaxed routines and extra time, families can use low-stress, creative methods to strengthen heritage-language use and build confidence.

Here are five practical, research-informed tips to help families make the most of this holiday time.

Research shows small, meaningful exchanges can be more effective than long, formal sessions.

So schedule short bursts of home-language use. For example, a ten-minute chat over breakfast, a board game in the home language, or a quick........

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