First generation, second language: Children of immigrants can struggle with culture

When parents speak their language and their children speak English, many problems can arise. But it the children learn both languages, they will benefit in many ways.   - - Donna Poisl

BY MICHELLE SALEMI

Michelle Kim is 22 and was born in Chicago. She spoke Korean before English. Her parents had her shortly after immigrating to the United States from Korea.

“It was my parent’s first language,” Kim said. “It was a great way for us to communicate, for them to teach me their culture and for me to grow up in that kind of atmosphere.”

Communication plays an important role in the passing of culture between immigrant parents and their first generation American children. These children learn English in different ways, while discovering their respective culture.
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=203969
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