I value the precious nature of a heritage or “first” language. I believe parents should never stop speaking that language to their children in their home or at family gatherings. I know that the intimate family connections that tie hearts together are supported by those early communication memories. I know that “old country” and “new country” cultural connections are extremely important to grow a healthy and thriving bilingual family. It’s a richness that cannot be replaced. The respect for communication with elder monolingual relatives must be maintained, or reflect a 2nd class standing of the heritage language to children.
Apparently this view is not typical of citizens and newcomers to our United States, who value assimilation as the goal. I can see that there are social and economic reasons for this choice. It takes effort and discipline to maintain a bilingual household. If you and your child need help with this process, contact me. Public schools do not provide instruction to toddlers/preschoolers learning English as a second language. If your child is school age, instruction through ESOL is usually indirect.
Thank you for posting on this topic! I am a bilingual SLP and I actually use to work in the Baltimore area before moving to PA. Please feel free to check out my new blog for bilingual resources! http://www.sonrisaspeech.wordpress.com
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