6 상황 묘사로 아이에게 영어를 주입하자
상황 ① - Feeding, Nutrition & Hygiene
스무 살 즈음에 도서관에서 읽었던 책 중에서, 신생아가 언어의 규칙을 깨닫기까지 특정 언어에 노출되어야 하는 시간이 약 3,000 시간이라는 내용이 아직도 기억에 난다.
이미 언어에 대한 개념이 있는 성인의 경우는, 외국어를 배울 때 1,500 시간 정도를 특정 외국어에 노출되어야 문장 규칙을 깨달을 수 있다고 했다. 그래서 스무 살 때부터 1,500 시간을 채우기 위해 꽤나 노력을 했던 경험이 있었고(3년 걸렸다), 3년 차에 영어로 잠꼬대를 하면서 영어적 뇌가 자리했음을 깨달았다. 내가 직접 체득한 이론이니 18년이 지난 지금도 기억이 날 수밖에.
그런데 요새 다시 인터넷을 찾아보니, 뭐가 바뀌었는지 언어에 노출되어야 하는 시간이 4,000 시간은 넘어야 한다고 한다. (챗GPT 는 5,000 시간까지 얘기하더라)
정말 넉잡아 5,000이라고 치고, 유창하게 말하려면 20,000 시간은 노출되어야 하니, 내가 퇴근 후 하루에 2시간씩 이야기를 들려주고 주말에 8시간씩 영어로 이야기를 해준다고 가정했을 때
2시간 x 5일 + 8시간 x 2일 = 26시간 / 주
로 한 주에 26시간 정도를 영어에 노출시켜 줄 수 있고,
언어의 규칙을 깨닫는 최초 5천 시간을 달성하는 것은
5,000 / 26 = 192주 = 3.7 년
아이가 만 4세가 되는 해가 되어야 가능하다.
유창하게 말하기 위한 2만 시간은, 단순 계산상으로는 14.8년가량이 걸리지만, 중간부터는 디즈니나 픽사와 같은 영어 애니메이션 보조를 받아 가르칠 것이므로 걱정할 필요는 없겠다.
즉 4년 안에 주 26시간의 인풋을 때려 넣어야(?) 한다는 이야기인데, 아무리 생각해 봐도 하루에 2시간씩 떠들기는 보통 일이 아니라는 생각이 들었다. 그런데 와이프가 해줬던 이야기 중에, 아이가 처한 상황을 계속해서 설명하면서 개념과 언어를 연결시키는 훈련이 있다는 사실이 떠올랐다. 그래, 신생아 때 아이가 처할 수 있는 상황은 한정되어 있으니(밥 먹기, 자기, 트림하기, 기저귀 채우기 등) 이런 상황을 계속해서 영어로 묘사하고, 거기에 영어동화를 계속 읽어주면서 5천 시간을 주입하자.
여기서 바로 챗GPT 등장.
우선 수유 또는 기저귀를 갈아주는 상황에 대한 영어 스크립트를 짜달라고 했다.
태담시에도 아래 문장을 연습하면서, 종래에는 아이 수유를 하는 시점에 자연스럽게 영어가 흘러나올 수 있도록 준비해야겠다. 5천 시간 까짓 거 금방 채워주마.
참고로 스크립트는 한번씩 읽어보고 어색한 표현들을 수정하고 있다.
요즘 시대가 좋아져서, 스크립트를 생산하는 시간이 검수하는 시간보다 짧게 걸리니 참 감개무량하다. (내 젊었을 때 이런게 있었으면 지금의 영어실력보다 훨씬 진보했을듯 한데 아쉬운 마음도 약간)
기본적으로 상황묘사, 올라가는 동화들은 한번씩 읽어보고 계속 수정하고 있다.
(혹시 더 자연스러운 표현이 있으면 가르침을 부탁드립니다.)
상황 ① - Feeding, Nutrition & Hygiene
"It’s time for your meal. You must be feeling hungry. I can see your little hands moving, and your mouth is opening wide. You know what’s coming!"
"Here’s your milk, nice and warm, just the way you like it. Let’s make sure you’re in a comfortable position. I’ll hold you close, just like this. Your head rests in my arm, and my hand supports your back. You feel safe and snug."
"Now, let’s help you latch. Open your mouth nice and wide. That’s it! Your lips are wrapping around perfectly. You're drinking slowly, one sip at a time. I can hear the little sounds you make as you swallow."
"The milk is flowing into your tummy, giving you energy to grow big and strong. Your tiny fingers are curling around my shirt, holding on while you drink. You’re feeling calm and happy while having your meal."
(For bottle-feeding) "Look at your bottle. See the milk inside? It’s ready for you. Let’s hold it carefully so it doesn’t spill. Here, bite the tip gently so the milk comes out just right. That’s perfect!"
"You're sucking slowly, and the milk is flowing smoothly into your mouth. It tastes warm and comforting. As you drink, I can see your little eyes getting sleepy. Drinking milk makes you feel cozy and safe."
"You're almost done. Just a little more. Now, the bottle is empty, and your tummy is full. Let’s take a little break before we help you burp."
Burping the Baby
"Now that your tummy is full, we need to help you let out any little bubbles. Let’s lift you up gently. Your head rests on my shoulder, and I’ll hold your back nice and steady."
"Pat, pat, pat. I’m giving you soft little taps on your back to help the air come out. You might feel a little tickle in your tummy as the bubble moves up."
"You’re taking a deep breath. I can feel your body relaxing. A little more… There it is! That was a big burp! You must feel better now. No more air stuck in your tummy. Now you can rest comfortably."
"I’ll hold you for a little while longer so you can digest your milk. Your little head is resting on my shoulder, and you feel so warm and peaceful."
Cleaning Bottles & Nipples
"Now that you’ve finished your milk, we need to clean your bottle so it’s fresh for the next time you’re hungry. Let’s take it apart. First, the cap comes off. Now, we take out the nipple. See? It’s all covered in milk. We need to wash it really well."
"Here comes the warm water. Can you hear the splashing? It’s washing away the milk. Now, we add a little soap. Tiny bubbles are forming all around. I’m using the brush to clean inside. Swish, swish, swish. The bottle is getting shinier."
"Now, let’s rinse it with fresh water. The milk is all gone, and your bottle is completely clean. Let’s put it in the sterilizer to make sure there are no germs. See the steam rising? That means it’s getting nice and safe for you to use again."
"Everything is dry now. Your bottle is ready for your next meal."
Introducing Solid Foods (Around 6 Months)
"Today is a special day! You’re going to try real food for the first time. Until now, you’ve only had milk, but now your tummy is ready for something new."
"Look at this little spoon. It’s just the right size for you. On the spoon is a little bit of soft food. It smells different from milk, doesn’t it? Let’s see what you think!"
"Here comes the first bite. Open your mouth nice and wide. There you go! You’ve got some food on your tongue. It feels different, right? It’s a little bit mushy, a little bit sweet."
"You’re moving your tongue, trying to understand the new taste. It’s something new, but you’re doing so well. Let’s try another bite. Scoop, scoop. Here comes the spoon again. In it goes!"
"You’re making such funny faces! You’re not sure about this new food yet, but that’s okay. It takes time to get used to different flavors."
"Little by little, you’ll start to like new foods. One day, you’ll eat all kinds of yummy meals, just like grown-ups do!"
Dealing with Spit-up
"Uh-oh! Some milk came back out. That’s okay, it happens. Your tummy is still learning how to hold all the milk inside."
"Let’s wipe it off gently. I have a soft cloth right here. Wipe, wipe. Now your chin is clean again."
"I’ll hold you upright for a little while so your tummy can settle. That way, the milk will stay inside, and you’ll feel nice and comfortable."
"Your tummy is making little sounds, working hard to digest your milk. Soon, you’ll be ready for a nice nap."
Tracking Feeding Schedules
"Now, let’s write down when you had your meal. You drank your milk at 10 o’clock. That’s a good time for a full tummy!"
"We need to keep track of all your feedings so we know when you’ll be hungry again. In a few hours, it will be time for another meal. Every time you eat, you grow a little bit more!"
"Tomorrow, we’ll do it all again. You’ll drink your milk, maybe try a new food, and I’ll be here to take care of you."
"You’re growing so fast, and I love watching you learn new things every day."
Changing Diapers
"It’s time for a fresh diaper! Let’s check… oh yes, your diaper is full. We don’t want you to feel wet or uncomfortable, so let’s get you nice and clean."
"First, I’ll lay you down on your soft changing mat. Your little arms are wiggling, and your legs are kicking—you're ready for a change!"
"Let’s undo these little tabs. One side… now the other. Open wide! Ohhh, look at that! You really needed a fresh diaper!"
"Now, let’s take a soft wipe and clean you up. Wipe, wipe! One leg up, now the other. You’re so patient while I clean you."
"All fresh! Let’s slide a clean diaper under you. It’s soft and dry, just the way you like it. Now we fold it up and secure the little tabs. One side… then the other… all done! You’re all clean and ready to play again!"
Cleaning Up Diaper Blowouts
"Oh my, we have a big mess here! That’s okay, these things happen. Let’s take a deep breath and clean you up step by step."
"First, let’s unfasten the diaper very carefully. We don’t want to spread the mess! I’ll lift your little legs gently so we can keep everything tidy."
"Now, let’s use lots of wipes. Wipe, wipe, wipe. There’s a lot to clean, but that’s okay! You’re being so patient while I take care of you."
"Now that your bottom is clean, let’s get you out of these messy clothes. One arm, then the other… over your head… and into the laundry it goes!"
"I think a quick rinse is needed! Let’s bring you to the sink and wash away the last little bits. Feel the warm water? That’s much better, isn’t it?"
"Now, let’s get you into a fresh diaper and some clean clothes. All done! You’re clean, cozy, and ready for cuddles!"
Applying Diaper Cream
"Before we close up your diaper, let’s make sure your skin stays soft and happy."
"I have this special cream just for you. It’s cool and smooth, and it helps protect your skin from getting red."
"Let’s take a tiny bit on my finger and gently spread it on your skin. A little here… a little there… nice and soft!"
"Now we’re all set! The cream will help keep you comfortable, and your skin will stay healthy and happy."
"Let’s close up your diaper, and you’re ready to go!"
Giving a Bath
"It’s bath time! You’ve been busy playing and eating, and now it’s time to get nice and clean."
"First, let’s check the water. It should be just warm, not too hot, not too cold. Perfect! Now, I’ll take off your clothes, and in you go!"
"Ooooh, do you feel the water? It’s soft and warm, just like a hug. Your tiny feet are kicking, and your hands are splashing!"
"Let’s start with your hair. I’ll take a little water and pour it over your head, nice and gentle. Now, some baby shampoo. Rub, rub, rub. Tiny bubbles everywhere! Now we rinse it all out. No more bubbles!"
"Next, we wash your arms. A little soap, and we scrub, scrub, scrub! Now your tummy—tickle, tickle! Your legs and feet, too. Now you’re all clean!"
"Let’s rinse you off with fresh water. See? The soap is all gone, and now you’re as fresh as a little flower!"
"Time to wrap you up in a soft towel. Snuggle, snuggle! You feel warm and cozy, just like a little bundle."
Cleaning Baby’s Face
"Look at your little cheeks! I see some milk here, and a little drool over there. Let’s clean you up!"
"I have a soft cloth, nice and warm. Let’s start with your chin. Wipe, wipe. Now your cheeks—so soft and round! And your tiny nose—boop! All clean."
"A little drool on your neck? No problem! Let’s wipe under your chin so you stay fresh."
"Now your face is all clean. You look so bright and happy! Fresh and ready for more cuddles."
Trimming Baby’s Nails
"Your tiny fingers are growing so fast! Look at these little nails. They are getting long, and we don’t want them to scratch your soft skin."
"Let’s sit in a comfy spot where I can see your hands clearly. I’ll hold your little fingers gently, one at a time. Your hand is so small in mine!"
"Here comes the nail clipper. It’s tiny, just like your fingers. We’ll take it slow, one nail at a time. Snip! There goes the first one. You didn’t even notice, did you?"
"Now the next one… Snip! Your little nails are getting shorter and smoother."
"All done with one hand! Now we do the other. One, two, three, snip! No more sharp nails!"
"Now your hands are soft and safe. No scratches for you! You did such a great job staying still."
Cleaning the Umbilical Stump
"Your belly button is very special! Right now, you still have a tiny piece of your umbilical cord. It will fall off soon, but until then, we need to keep it clean and dry."
"Let’s check your tummy. I’ll gently lift your shirt so we can see. The stump looks good! No redness, no swelling—that’s perfect."
"Now, I’ll take a clean cotton swab and dip it in warm water. It feels nice and gentle on your skin."
"Dab, dab, dab. We’re wiping away any little bits of dirt so your belly button stays fresh."
"We won’t touch it too much, just a little clean-up. Now, we’ll let it air dry. That way, it will heal nicely all on its own."
"All done! Your belly is clean, and soon, you’ll have a perfect little belly button!"
Wiping the Baby’s Gums
"Your mouth is so tiny, but it’s already learning how to eat and drink! Even though you don’t have teeth yet, we need to keep your gums nice and clean."
"I have a soft cloth here, and it’s just a little damp with warm water. No soap, just nice and fresh!"
"Let’s open your mouth, just a little. There we go! I’ll gently wipe your top gums first. Swipe, swipe. Now the bottom gums—so smooth and pink!"
"Now let’s clean your little tongue. A quick wipe, and everything is fresh and clean!"
"You’re doing great! Your mouth feels nice and fresh, and one day, your first little teeth will start to show!"
Washing Baby Clothes
"Look at all these tiny clothes! Your little shirts, your soft socks, and your pajamas—they all need a good wash so they stay soft and clean for you."
"Let’s put them in the basket. One by one, into the washer they go! Now, we add a little bit of baby-safe soap. It smells so fresh!"
"Here comes the water—swish, swish! The clothes are dancing in the machine, getting all nice and clean."
"Now, we take them out and hang them up to dry. Can you feel the warm air? Soon, they’ll be soft and cozy again."
"All done! Now your clothes are fresh, just like you. Time to fold them up and put them away for next time!"
Changing Baby’s Clothes
"Time for a new outfit! Your clothes got a little messy, so let’s put on something fresh."
"First, we take off your shirt. One arm out, now the other… over your head, and there it goes! Now, let’s take off your little pants. Wiggle, wiggle… all done!"
"Now, let’s put on your new shirt. I’ll stretch the collar so it’s easy to slip over your head. There we go! Now one arm through… and the other! Perfect!"
"Next, we slide your legs into these cozy pants. One foot in, now the other. Pull, pull, all the way up!"
"Look at you! Fresh clothes, soft and comfy, ready for the day!"
와이프에게 5천 시간 동안 이런 식으로 영어를 주입할 거라고 했더니, 한참 웃으며 아이가 질려서 아빠 들어오는 소리 들리면 자는 척하겠다고 한다.
어릴 때 아이를 재우는 게 꽤나 힘든 일이라고 하는데, 뭐 그렇게 해서라도 일찍 재울 수 있으면 잘된 거 아닌가 싶기도 하고. 한편으로는 너무 주입식으로 해서 아이가 영어에 경기를 일으키지는 않을지 하는 걱정도 생긴다.
위의 상황묘사를 통한 영어주입은 곁가지 테마이고, 재미있는 영어 동화책을 읽어주며 아이가 흥미를 느낄 수 있도록 하는 것이 원래 이 브런치의 목적이었다. 상황묘사 스크립트는 몇 가지 상황만 추가로 만들고 마무리하도록 하겠다.
