Bilingual and struggling

Parents who want their children to speak their language at home and English outside and at school, must work hard to keep their children bilingual. English often wins out. - - Donna Poisl

A bilingual parent tries to keep a native tongue alive at home, a problem faced by many immigrants.

By Fariba Nawa

NEWARK, CALIF. -- My daughter Bonoo Zahra, age 3, began preschool in August, and my worst fear about her education in the United States is coming true – English is invading her speech.

Before she began school, she exclusively spoke Farsi, our native Afghan language, but now she shuts the door to her room and prattles in English with her imaginary friends. She prefers to watch cartoons in English and wants me to read her books in English.
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