Language is a universal constant among all people; after all, there is a reason why the phrase “communication is key” exists. However, in America, where many immigrant children learn English in schools and develop their native language less, it lags in improvement and may be ignored in favor of more “common” languages like Spanish taught in school. This unfortunate phenomenon is called “Shared Language Erosion,” where adolescents improve their English, but often at the sacrifice of their heritage language.

As a reiteration of the importance of native languages, Sage Li (11) expresses that, “A native language carries ways of thinking that cannot be translated into another language, and the lack of practice can lead to the fading of traditions, stories, and customs.” The National Library of Medicine notes that Shared Language Erosion is common among second- and third-generation immigrant families. Because of its widespread effect, it has been linked as a plausible explanation for declines in mental, physical, and behavioral health often observed in second- and third-generation immigrants.

In the familial setting, this often causes increased parent-child conflict as English becomes the child’s primary language, and the parent may struggle to adopt English as a primary language if not already fluent. This rift in understanding leaves the family vulnerable to more aggravated speech and the child more vulnerable to negative peer influences. With one’s communication with their parents severed in a sense, the child is also disconnected from their culture. The combination of damaged communication, more exposure to American media, and less exposure to their heritage creates a divide that only grows bigger as these factors amplify.

As such, the importance of practicing one’s native language is not just a matter of literacy or bilingualism; it is a matter of maintaining a connection with traditions and family. A newsletter from Oklahoma State University further emphasizes the damaging effect of Shared Language Erosion, noting that the nation’s growth is highly dependent on immigrants, with 88% of the country’s population growth in the next five decades expected to come from immigrant families. With the declining pattern of mental and physical health in immigrants as a result of this erosion, it is clear that maintaining a native language may actually be the key to the successful future of the entire United States.

Students on campus can relate to this, with a personal anecdote from Sage Li (11), who shares, “A simple way I practice my native language is by switching captions and language options on any media I’m enjoying, like manga and anime series. Incorporating my mother tongue into my hobbies not only makes me feel more connected to my culture but also allows me to discover new interests.” Speaking one’s native language can also act as a metaphorical bridge when one’s country is not accessible for the time being. Julia Thein (11), for example, voices that “My mom, cousins, and I usually converse in Burmese. I haven’t visited in almost a decade because of the war happening, but it still makes me feel connected to a place out of my reach.”

As a personal note, there is also a different sense of pride that results from successful communication in that “secondary language.” While it may be the language someone is raised in, the ability to sustain that when all odds are against it is an achievement. Even if it feels like there is no improvement, staying steady at the same level of literacy is better than slowly losing it entirely.

Ultimately, as a country whose population is greatly composed of immigrants, the acknowledgement of the severity that the threat of Shared Language Erosion poses is critical. It highlights the necessity of practicing one’s native language to preserve communication, heritage, and culture. These seemingly minor aggressions that start at a familial level can easily snowball into generational issues, and maybe just practicing a native language can be enough to alleviate that crisis.