Parenting
In light of recent developments regarding immigration policies, particularly the proposal from President Trump that favors English-speaking immigrants, I find myself increasingly alarmed by the growing xenophobia emanating from my own government. This plan not only promotes an unsettling bias against non-English speakers but also neglects the very essence of what America stands for: inclusivity.
Reflecting on my own experience as an immigrant, I realize that 33 years ago, I would not have been able to meet the proposed criteria. Research clearly indicates that genuine language acquisition occurs through immersion, making this criteria discriminatory against those who are least likely to have had exposure to English—those who are most in need of opportunities to thrive.
Unfortunately, the current political climate has made it seem almost unpatriotic to embrace bilingualism, as if speaking another language diminishes one’s American identity. We must remember that the desire to come to America stems from a longing for opportunity, and our strength lies in our diversity.
Growing up in a bilingual household, I was immersed in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, at home while learning English at school in Chicago. However, as I navigated my own parenting journey, I realized my children were missing out on the advantages of being bilingual; we primarily spoke English. It hit me when I noticed my kids thinking emoji was a foreign language! I had assumed they would naturally pick up Urdu without any intentional effort on my part.
While over half of the global population is bilingual, only about 20% of Americans claim the same. Alarmingly, statistics show that a mere 1% of Americans achieve proficiency in the foreign languages they study, despite the fact that 93% of high schools still require foreign language classes. I was determined that my children would not fall victim to these statistics, especially considering the numerous cognitive benefits associated with bilingualism.
Research suggests that being bilingual can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by several years. Bilingual individuals are also shown to be better at processing information and resolving conflicts, as their brains are adept at interpreting both verbal and nonverbal cues. Additionally, knowing a second language enhances concentration, multitasking abilities, and overall executive function.
During my search for summer programs, I discovered the Indus Arts Council, which offers a free three-week Urdu immersion camp funded by StarTalk—a National Security Language Initiative under the NSA. Established in 2006, this program aims to encourage American students to master critical foreign languages, thereby fostering better international relationships and bolstering national security.
In my quest to teach my son Urdu, I found unexpected support from the Department of Defense and the Department of Education. This is a striking contradiction to the government’s current stance on bilingualism. For over a decade, these language-immersion programs have sought to equip Americans with vital language skills, including Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, and Urdu.
It’s fascinating how these initiatives stand in stark contrast to the plans being championed by President Trump. My son has greatly benefited from his time at the immersion camp over the past two summers. Not only has he learned conversational Urdu, but his confidence in using the language has soared. He now takes pride in being bilingual, transforming Urdu from a code used by his parents into a valuable skill of his own.
In response to the heightened focus on our differences during the Trump presidency, I have committed to speaking Urdu with my children more frequently. I recognize the importance of embracing my identity as a Pakistani-American and fostering cultural connections.
Raising a bilingual child does require effort, but it’s manageable even if you don’t speak a second language yourself. Finding local summer programs, utilizing helpful apps, and consistently immersing your child in the new language are key steps. With more than half of the world’s population being bilingual and the benefits continually growing, I feel empowered to invest my time and energy into providing my son with an enriching bilingual experience. It’s rewarding to see my government play a role in cultivating another bilingual American.
To echo the insightful Khaled Hosseini, “if culture is a house, then language was the key to the front door.” Let’s strive to open as many doors as possible for our children, ensuring they are equipped for a diverse world.
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In summary, the support from the U.S. government through initiatives like StarTalk is helping my son and many others thrive in bilingualism, despite the prevailing political rhetoric against it. Embracing our cultural identities and promoting bilingualism is vital for our children’s futures.