Growing up, I often heard the sentiment that if we live in North America, (spefically the states) we should speak English. This perspective seemed straightforward at
first, but it wasn't until I witnessed the struggles faced by my own family and
peers, I began to question its validity.
Take, for example, my brother, moved to the states at the age of
13 and came to live with us when he was 16. Arriving in the United States from Taiwan,
he faced immense challenges as he navigated a new culture and language. Despite
his best efforts, English eluded him, he struggled not jsut with langauge but the social emotional effect that came with it. By the age of 16 he had mastered English
but by the time he was 20 he has lost touch with his native language entirely.
Similarly, I have a friend whose husband comes from a Latino
and Native American background. While his father spoke Native American
languages at home, Spanish was predominantly spoken with his mother. When he
entered school, he was forced to choose between Spanish and English, with no
option to preserve his Native American language. As a result, he has lost a
vital connection to his heritage and ancestry.
Even my husband's story is a testament to the consequences of language loss. He discovered he had been adopted at the age of 40, and with this revelation came a profound sense of loss and disconnection because the truth of his story had been falsely told to him. Despite the fact his mother spoke Spanish, the emphasis on English in his household was “we live in North America, we speak English.” Now, as he embarked on a journey to reconnect with bio parents, the barrier of language stands as a formidable obstacle. He will never fully understand his adoption story, or his history. The story of his family, the stories his father tries to share of his life and his father’s parents’ life will never fully be understood because of the breakdown in language.
These personal experiences highlight the detrimental effects
of disregarding and suppressing languages other than English. By prioritizing
English over all else, we risk erasing entire histories and cultures, severing
individuals from their identities and communities.
In reguards to dual langauge learners and social emotional effects. I feel neglecting to foster dual language learners are profound and far-reaching. Without support for their home language and cultural background, these learners may grapple with issues related to identity, self-esteem, social relationships, academic performance, and emotional well-being. They might experience a sense of disconnect from their cultural heritage and struggle to navigate between multiple cultural contexts, leading to feelings of alienation or isolation. Additionally, without opportunities to develop proficiency in their home language, they may face challenges in communicating with family members, peers, or community members who primarily speak that language, hindering their ability to form strong social connections. Furthermore, the lack of recognition or validation of their linguistic and cultural identities can impact their self-esteem and overall sense of belonging. Overall, fostering dual language learners is essential not only for their academic success but also for their social and emotional development, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity
Why are we allowing this to happen? It is a great disservice to humanity if we as a society try to erase someone story. Why are we not valuing
and preserving the rich tapestry of languages and cultures that make up our
society? This neglect is not only detrimental on an individual level but also
poses a significant threat to our collective understanding and appreciation of
diversity.
In failing to preserve languages and cultures, we risk
homogenizing society, robbing future generations of the richness and diversity
that defines us as human beings. It is imperative that we recognize the
importance of language preservation and cultural heritage, not only for the
individuals directly affected but for the enrichment of society as a whole.
