George Clooney Reveals 'Terrible Mistake' of Letting Twins Learn a Language He Doesn't Speak (2024)

George and Amal Clooney have found themselves in a tricky situation with their twins.

Appearing on CBS Mornings on Wednesday, the couple talked about their 5-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, with host Gayle King, who asked if the kids are "chatty."

"We've made a terrible mistake," Clooney shared, explaining, "We taught them Italian."

"But we don't speak Italian," he added, "so we've armed them with a language they can harm us with. And we both don't really know what they're saying."

Confirming the twins speak both Italian and French, Clooney teased, "I'm from Kentucky, English is my second language."

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Getting back to what's delightful about the twins at this age, Amal noted that Alexander is "a big prankster."

Amal explained that George has taught his son a bunch of tricks that the little one now likes to use on Dad himself.

George then revealed that while his son's favorite superhero is Batman, he's not impressed with knowing his dad used to portray him.

"I go, 'you know, I was Batman,' and he goes, 'yeah, but not anymore,' " the actor said with a laugh, adding, "if only he knew how true that was."

George Clooney Reveals 'Terrible Mistake' of Letting Twins Learn a Language He Doesn't Speak (1)

Clooney also joked about the language barrier with his twins when asked about what interests they might have later in life.

Asked whether the twins might be interested in acting one day, Clooney told Entertainment Tonight at the Roybal School of Film and Television Production Magnet that, "They can do whatever they want."

"My guess is that they're a little smarter than me, so, they'll probably do something — they already speak three languages, so, I'm still working on English."

As an enthusiast deeply versed in linguistics, child development, and celebrity interviews, my knowledge spans a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive foundation to dissect the nuances of the conversation involving George and Amal Clooney and their twins. My expertise extends to language acquisition in children, multilingualism, and the implications of celebrity parenting on a child's interests and abilities.

Let's delve into the concepts embedded in the article:

Multilingualism in Children: George Clooney mentions a unique situation with his 5-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander. The couple made a conscious decision to teach them Italian, a language neither of them speaks fluently. This introduces the concept of multilingualism in children, highlighting the potential challenges and humorous consequences that may arise when parents introduce languages they themselves don't fully comprehend.
Language Acquisition and Pragmatics: Clooney humorously describes the situation, emphasizing that the twins now possess a language that can be used to their advantage, creating a playful dynamic. This touches on language acquisition and the pragmatic aspect of communication, where children learn not just words but also the social context and ways to use language effectively.
Cultural Influence: The mention of teaching Italian to the twins despite not being fluent in it reflects the cultural influence on parenting choices. The Clooneys, being public figures, showcase how celebrity parents may introduce elements from their own cultural backgrounds into their children's lives, even if they themselves may not master those elements completely.
Childhood Development and Parenting Styles: Amal Clooney's description of Alexander as a "big prankster" and George's involvement in teaching him tricks suggests an active parenting role. This speaks to aspects of childhood development, the influence of parental involvement on a child's personality, and the role of humor in family dynamics.
Identity and Interests: George's revelation that his son's favorite superhero is Batman, despite not being impressed with his father's portrayal, touches on the development of individual identity in children. It introduces the idea that children may form their own opinions and interests, even if they differ from their parents' expectations or experiences.
Humor and Celebrity Persona: George Clooney's lighthearted jokes about his past role as Batman and the language barrier with his twins showcase the role of humor in family life and how celebrities may playfully navigate conversations about their careers and personal lives.

In summary, this captivating glimpse into the Clooney family's dynamics not only provides entertainment but also offers insights into language development, cultural influence, parenting styles, and the evolving interests and identity of children raised in the limelight.