When a Child Rejects a Language: Navigating Language Refusal in Multilingual Families This is an authentic conversation (entirely in Italian), transcribed word for word, that I had with Lou when she was 2 years and 10 months old. It was a lighthearted exchange with no intention of abandoning any of her languages. It seemed like she wanted to test her control over language choice. However, in the end, she continued using Italian as if we had never had that conversation. Although I don't currently have concerns about it, this issue may arise at some point, and it's undoubtedly something that many parents are experiencing. Io - Tu parli quattro lingue. Lou - No, io parlo due lingue . Io - Due? Quali sono queste due ligue? Lou - Catalano e tedesh... tedesk... Io - Tedesco? Lou - Sì, catalano e tedesco. Io- E italiano. Lou - No, io non parlo italiano. Me - You speak four languages. Lou - No, I speak two languages. Me - Two? What are the...