All In The Mind
Language and loss
Nov 6, 2021
Author and linguist Julie Sedivy shares personal accounts and insights about the process of losing and reclaiming language and self. The consequences of language loss on identity are explored, along with the emotional and cultural implications of language extinction. The chapter also discusses how language can shape one's identity and highlights the impact of bilingualism on emotional connections and memories. The speaker shares their emotional experience of learning a new language and their determination to regain fluency.
29:06
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Quick takeaways
- Language loss can occur in immigrant children due to adopting the dominant language and distancing themselves from their heritage language and culture.
- The loss of indigenous languages has severe consequences for cultural preservation and well-being, and efforts are underway to revitalize these languages.
Deep dives
Language Loss in Immigrant Children
Many immigrant children experience language loss as they adopt the dominant language of their adopted country. They distance themselves from their heritage language and culture, often due to cues from their social environment. This phenomenon is prevalent and can lead to a significant decline in language proficiency. Emotional attachment to the first language also plays a role, as traumatic experiences in the mother tongue can cause individuals to reject and abandon the language.
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