Reply to Good reasons for kids to learn heritage language & culture

Forum Index » General Parenting Discussion

Reply to "Good reasons for kids to learn heritage language & culture"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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.[/quote]

I think that’s really sad and probably heartbreaking for the family…[/quote]
They could have chosen to remain in their native country if it was so important.[/quote]

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. [/quote]

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[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.[/quote]

It’s a typical ABC attitude [/quote]

Not wanting to learn Chinese is a typical attitude?[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics