Good reasons for kids to learn heritage language & culture

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

He is. His parent's heritage is foreign to him.

He is missing out on so much and is definitely poorer (not financially) than he would be if he embraced both cultures at the same time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tangent question: if your child or grandchild are involved in your heritage customs in the US maybe visit family abroad but don’t speak your heritage language — do they identify with your heritage? Or do you consider them strictly American? Can they call themselves Indian-, Chinese-, or Italian-American?

My kids are mixed but I teach them to classify as Chinese-American. Partly because I've lived in many places in the world, people look at you and make an assumption. It's better to have some knowledge of heritage/culture for those places even in the US where someone looks and thinks, not one of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's great to know all of these languages but what practical use do they have? My parents tried to teach us the language growing up but on a day to day basis, I NEVER use it. I can watch tv shows and understand the language but I don't talk to my American friends in my "heritage" language. If you did something using it, then it makes sense.

True.

Europeans love to brag about knowing other “mainstream “ European languages/ bilingualism.

But, they actually need to be bilingual, because their countries are tiny with small populations compared to us. They all need English, whereas we do not “need” for example, Hungarian.

Why do all Europeans need to speak English? The majority don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some reasons:
- value of second language which allows you to see how our words frame our world. Different languages shape perspective differently
- connection to heritage
- diversity

I am second generation and was very interested in later years in mastering Chinese.
I am investing in at least laying a foundation for my kids now. They can decide if they want to really delve into it in later years but at least in the elementary years I am committed to giving them a solid beginning.

Dollars to donuts fool

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It’s a typical ABC attitude

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's great to know all of these languages but what practical use do they have? My parents tried to teach us the language growing up but on a day to day basis, I NEVER use it. I can watch tv shows and understand the language but I don't talk to my American friends in my "heritage" language. If you did something using it, then it makes sense.

True.

Europeans love to brag about knowing other “mainstream “ European languages/ bilingualism.

But, they actually need to be bilingual, because their countries are tiny with small populations compared to us. They all need English, whereas we do not “need” for example, Hungarian.

Why do all Europeans need to speak English? The majority don't.

All the educated ones do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It’s a typical ABC attitude

Not wanting to learn Chinese is a typical attitude?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's great to know all of these languages but what practical use do they have? My parents tried to teach us the language growing up but on a day to day basis, I NEVER use it. I can watch tv shows and understand the language but I don't talk to my American friends in my "heritage" language. If you did something using it, then it makes sense.

True.

Europeans love to brag about knowing other “mainstream “ European languages/ bilingualism.

But, they actually need to be bilingual, because their countries are tiny with small populations compared to us. They all need English, whereas we do not “need” for example, Hungarian.

Why do all Europeans need to speak English? The majority don't.

All the educated ones do.

This is not true. In southern Europe (including France) not all educated people speak English. My dad is a doctor and my mom Ahmad an MBA and they can get by in the US, but their English is far from good. Great for my kids because they have to speak our language with my parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's great to know all of these languages but what practical use do they have? My parents tried to teach us the language growing up but on a day to day basis, I NEVER use it. I can watch tv shows and understand the language but I don't talk to my American friends in my "heritage" language. If you did something using it, then it makes sense.

True.

Europeans love to brag about knowing other “mainstream “ European languages/ bilingualism.

But, they actually need to be bilingual, because their countries are tiny with small populations compared to us. They all need English, whereas we do not “need” for example, Hungarian.

Why do all Europeans need to speak English? The majority don't.

The majority of educated Europeans speak English because it is advantageous for career advancement, travel, etc. If you are German, for example, and want to travel to Italy, Spain, France or Scandinavia, you’ll be fairly hard pressed to find people who can communicate with you in your native language. Instead of trying to learn dozens of other European languages to get around the continent you can simply learn English and at minimum in most urban areas you’ll be fine. Similarly many international meetings/business conferences, etc are conducted predominantly in English.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It sounds like OP’s kids aren’t proud of their heritage, perhaps? The question is what to do when your kids aren’t into learning your language or about your heritage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It sounds like OP’s kids aren’t proud of their heritage, perhaps? The question is what to do when your kids aren’t into learning your language or about your heritage.

It’s non negotiable like school, shower, homework, etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It sounds like OP’s kids aren’t proud of their heritage, perhaps? The question is what to do when your kids aren’t into learning your language or about your heritage.

It’s non negotiable like school, shower, homework, etc

Indian way or the highway?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The second gen kid I knew told his parents forcing the heritage language that he was American and had no interest in learning their heritage language. His priority was in being an American only.

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…

They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.

Agree. Whether someone moves to the US or somewhere else that speak another language, it is bound to happen. Otherwise we’d all be speaking Old English, or Latin or some other ancient language.

I 100% disagree. They will speak perfect English and be American AND know their heritage language and culture. These kids are missing out in so much if they don’t. I guess We don’t all get it

Sorry but you sound kind of of obnoxious. I’m guessing you’re the European person who forces their kids to learn? Unfortunately not all cultures are viewed equally in the US. When I was growing up I didn’t want to learn Chinese, I wanted to learn French. I never felt superior to anyone because I knew the language or understood the culture. Lots of Chinese kids I knew who grew up in places with few Asians had identity crises. They wanted to be more American, not be proud Chinese people. So don’t just assume that it’s in every kids’ best interest for their parents to impose their culture/language on their kid or otherwise are “lax”. Just shows your lack of empathy and understanding for things actually work in this country.

I am not, but I am European. My husband is from a country in Latin America and feels exactly the same way. My kids are not forced to learn anything and are super proud of having 3 passports and speaking 3 languages (mostly fluently). We/our friends/schools/place of work all celebrate different heritages (including Chinese). My daughters go to school with a few Asian kids (second generation) and are all proud of their heritage (though I am not sure if they speak the language.

While 100 years ago “my people” only wanted to be American when they moved here, today speaking multiple languages and having multiple heritages is seen as something to be proud of. I definitely see it as an added quality.

The PP choice of word “superior” was wrong in my opinion, but I think she meant “superior to what they would be if they did not embrace their heritage”.
I agree with PP that even if you need to force them a bit it’s a good idea. We force our kids to do many things I donMt see why learning a language is different.

It sounds like OP’s kids aren’t proud of their heritage, perhaps? The question is what to do when your kids aren’t into learning your language or about your heritage.

It’s non negotiable like school, shower, homework, etc

Indian way or the highway?

European again. It’s ok if you want to let your kids do whatever they want and make bad decision. I want different and better for mine.