Comments on: Loss of the Heritage Language

By: Krisna E

Krisna E — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:18:38 +0000

I agree deeply that the effects of hertiage language loss are far reaching. I have been conducting research for my thesis on just this very topic, what are the effects to one’s identity when heritage language loss is experienced. I agree that past generations have experienced extreme punsihments many non visable, as a means to hinder the speaking of the Spanish language. As a forth generation Mexican-American I am not a fluent speaker only learning the language as an adult and believe this loss had impacted me as a member of the mexican-american community. I desire to learn more about others experiences with such a loss….
What I have uncovered however is where an individual lives greatly impacts their experiences. Ana Lilian bought up a great point about the cross cultural exchanges that occur today and how this impacts these experiences, or lack thereof.

By: Marie Castillo de Perkins

Marie Castillo de Perkins — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:52:29 +0000

I agree with Teresa U. We need to endourage our people to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural.
I come into contact with Spanish-speaking parents, everyday. At each meeting, I encourage them to talk to their children in Spanish and to have their children answer them in Spanish. I give them information where, they can take their child to hear books being read in English and Spanish.

By: Cecy

Cecy — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:15:33 +0000

Hola,
This is a wonderful post. I’m going to make an effort to not lose my Language and my Heritage with me. I hope to pass my mother’s and grandmother’s EVERYTHING to my Izzy.

Gracias!

By: Maria H

Maria H — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:33:40 +0000

So sad, but so true. But, that said I count myself lucky to be raising my children in a time and place where embracing and supporting the Spanish speaking part of their culture and heritage does not invite judgement or exclusion from their peers. My parents and grandparents were not so lucky.

By: AnaGloria Rodriguez

AnaGloria Rodriguez — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:08:25 +0000

I agree with AnaLilian. I hope the trend is that more families are reviving the heritage language. Of course, my parents only have two out of five grandchildren who are bilingual, mis hijos.

By: Teresa U

Teresa U — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Also, learning to speak the language really isn’t enough. We need to encourage them to be bilingual/biliterate to be successful now.

By: Ana Lilian

Ana Lilian — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:42:53 +0000

It would be a shame for this to be a trend on the rise. I feel, based on no scientific evidence or research, that thanks to this new era of abundance of information, cross-cultural exchanges and interracial marriages that language has become a source of identity. A flag to define who you are.
This is just one more reason why what we are all doing to raise bi and multi-lingual children is so important.