Comments on: Will My Grandchildren Speak Spanish?

By: Carnival Time! « German in the Afternoon

Carnival Time! « German in the Afternoon — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:26:05 +0000

[...] over at Spanglish Baby wonders not only if her children will embrace their bilingualism, but also if her grandchildren [...]

By: Roxana A. Soto

Roxana A. Soto — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:43:46 +0000

I love the comment about Pocoyo because it’s so true! My son does the exact same thing!

I think you’re totally right about technology changing the landscape. That really makes a huge difference….

By: Roxana A. Soto

Roxana A. Soto — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:42:32 +0000

Mina, I’m convinced that where you live in the U.S. goes a way to how much Spanish you’re exposed to and able to retain. My niece, who was born and raised in Miami, recently told me that she’s convinced that the reason why she’s bilingual and bicultural is because of Miami. She feels that if she had been raised somewhere without as much Latino influence, things would’ve been totally different.

I guess the main issue for me is that, all bilingual, my parents and I are all immigrants, meaning that my children are really the first ones in our family being raised in the U.S. and I often wonder how much our native language and culture will dilute by the time it gets to their kids.

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I know a lot of people just like you here in Colorado.

By: January Carnival: It’s time for an injection of cultural color & fun! | Multilingual Mama

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:17:40 +0000

[...] from Spanglish Baby shares her concerns in Will My Grandchildren Speak Spanish after reading a recent Pew report with surprising numbers illustrating the decline in language [...]

By: Beth Ortuno

Beth Ortuno — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:37:35 +0000

I think hopefully things do seem to be changing. It wasn’t long ago Hispanic people were considered under Jim Crow – type laws here. Also, immigration and migration only seem to increase and increase, do not seem to slow down really, ever. Then, there’s technology and transportation. Kids today have more global perspective than even 1 generation ago. My 3-year-old is constantly wanting to be on YouTube watching Pocoyo and he cares not a fig if the narration is in some language I cannot even figure out what it is. I do think some narrow mindedness is just gonna go out of style… And people want the best for their kids, and being able to function in two or more languages is so beneficial.

By: Beth Ortuno

Beth Ortuno — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:17:31 +0000

Tracy,
I think you have your own answer within your story… So much depends on willingness and attitude. Just this dynamic, that people CAN lose a language, proves my point. Your son sounds like he has no problem understanding that speaking a second language is cool, and good. That is not only half the battle– it’s maybe 90%, if you ask me. I was in my 30′s before I even started learning Spanish and now, people ask me how did I become fluent? My answer: I wanted it. Doesn’t sound like your son has any trouble with that part either.

By: Mina Star

Mina Star — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:54:06 +0000

As a seventh generation Tejana who has lived all of her adult life in California, I would say that the Spanish certainly does get lost on down the generational road. I grew up English only, often hearing Spanish but never participating in conversations as I felt lots of ambivalence toward my Mexican heritage. My Mexican-American parents spoke completely in English with one another. Yet my mother is completely bilingual as was my grandmother. But I guess that is because they lived in the very bilingual city of San Antonio. The only reason that I now have any knowledge of working Spanish is because I teach in a 90% Latino immigrant community in Los Angeles. I had to acquire Spanish for my job. The only chance I get to speak Spanish is with parents and with occasional domestic help.
My sister still lives in Texas and speaks no Spanish. Nor do many of the multi-generational Mexican-American peers I grew up with. I feel if anything that the attitude of the outside community which is often negative, coupled with little chance to speak Spanish in our daily lives, even here in Los Angeles (which is socially and linguistically stratified) contributes to incredibly fast Spanish language loss.

By: Roxana A. Soto

Roxana A. Soto — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:39:50 +0000

Hey, Lisa!

Thanks for chiming in! As I’ve said many times before, I’m in awe of people who are raising bilingual kids against all odds!! What an amazing feat and gift!

Tu puedes, amiga!

By: Roxana A. Soto

Roxana A. Soto — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:38:00 +0000

Muy interesante, Mayra.

I don’t think I’d ever worry about the kids learning a country’s dominante language because truthfully that’s what they will be surrounded with most of the time to the point that it make become overwhelming.

I’m glad to hear your kids’ English acquisition has been successful. And there’s nothing like having a bicultural or multicultural view of the world!

Adelante!

By: Roxana A. Soto

Roxana A. Soto — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:34:45 +0000

Ay, Tracy! Thanks for sharing that story. I can’t believe your son said that, but it’s not uncommon. Many times, kids grow up and realize they could’ve been brought up bilingual, but they weren’t and they want an explanation.

I think you and Carlos are doing the right thing. No need to feel guilty, I’m sure both your kids will be bilingual and taking them to El Salvador as often as possible will surely help make that a reality.

I love that your son is so intent on not making mistakes. Shows how important the language is for him too!

I totally get what you’re saying about all the languages your family spoke that were lost. I can only hope that because the amount of Latinos will only continue to grow in this country, there will always be a strong influx of Spanish here!