How can I help my child befriend someone who speaks less English? 

Parenting Perspective 

For a child, initiating a friendship with someone who speaks less English may feel somewhat challenging, but it is simultaneously a beautiful chance to practise genuine empathy, patience, and creativity in communication. Guiding your child in these situations helps them learn that true friendship is fundamentally built on kindness, not simply on the ease of conversation. 

Emphasising the Value of Effort 

Reassure your child that the quality of their effort and their intention is more important than achieving perfect communication immediately. 

Tell your child: “You do not need perfect words to be kind. A smile, a wave, and patience can mean a lot to someone who feels shy or left out.” 

This gently reassures them that small, sincere gestures truly matter in human connection. 

Teaching Simple and Clear Language 

Encourage your child to consciously simplify their verbal and non-verbal communication to ensure clarity. 

Encourage your child to use: 

• Short sentences. 

• Clear gestures. 

• A perpetually friendly tone. 

For example: Saying “Come play” accompanied by an open hand gesture can be sufficient to invite someone effectively. 

Encouraging Non-Verbal Acts of Friendship 

Suggest practical ways to establish connection that bypass the need for complex language. 

Suggest practical ways to connect: 

• Share a toy or snack. 

• Sit together during a mealtime, such as at lunch. 

• Invite them directly to join a simple game. 

Remind them that kindness often speaks a universal language, louder than any verbal fluency. 

Practising Role-Play at Home 

Role-playing builds the necessary confidence and comfort to approach someone warmly in real life, making the interaction less intimidating. 

Act it out: Parent as new child: (smiles but says little) Child (guided): “Hi! Want to play?” (gestures to toy/game) 

Praising Attempts at Inclusion 

When your child makes an observable effort to include a new peer, it is vital to affirm this behaviour to reinforce the positive value. 

When your child makes an effort, even if it feels small, affirm it: “I loved how you invited your new classmate to join in. That showed real kindness.” 

By focusing your attention on the effort, not solely on language fluency, you help your child learn that the essence of friendship is making others feel genuinely welcome and valued. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that kindness and brotherhood extend to all people, entirely regardless of their language, cultural background, or social status. A simple smile, an inclusive gesture, or any act of inclusion is considered a form of sadaqah (charity). 

Diversity for Understanding 

The Quran affirms that diversity among peoples and tribes is part of Allah Almighty’s design, intended so that humanity may come to know one another. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other; indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the Omniscient, the all Cognisant.’ 

This verse reminds us that diversity is a blessing and that true honour lies in righteousness, not in language or background. 

Unity Through Compassion 

The Hadith uses the powerful analogy of the body to illustrate the mutual affection and compassion that should exist between believers, demanding that they care for and include one another despite any differences. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2586, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is like the body; when any part of it suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.’ 

This Hadith shows clearly that believers care for and include one another, no matter what their differences may be. 

When children learn to befriend someone who speaks less English, they are practising genuine empathy, mercy, and prophetic manners. These small, inclusive acts teach them that kindness is a universal language, and that true friendship is ultimately built on the goodness of the heart.