In light of recent news about the Trump administration’s efforts to limit immigration, I am once again struck by the alarming xenophobic attitudes emanating from our government. One of the proposed guidelines suggests giving preference to English-speaking immigrants, a notion that deeply unsettles me. As an immigrant myself, I recall how just over three decades ago, I would have struggled to meet such a requirement while pursuing a better life here. Research clearly indicates that true language acquisition happens through immersion, and this biased policy unfairly disadvantages those immigrants who have limited exposure to English, particularly those most in need of opportunities.
It’s disheartening to see the government fostering a negative view of bilingualism, as if knowing another language somehow detracts from one’s American identity. We must remember that the allure of the United States has always been its inclusivity—a core value that defines us.
Growing up in a bilingual household where Urdu was spoken at home and English in school, I realized that my own children were not receiving the benefits of learning multiple languages. As I settled into parenthood, I found it alarming that my kids were being raised in a primarily English-speaking environment. It became evident when they jokingly referred to emojis as a foreign language! I had assumed they would naturally absorb Urdu without any special effort on my part.
While over half of the global population is bilingual, only about 20% of Americans identify as such. This is concerning, especially since studies show that a mere 1% of Americans become proficient in foreign languages they study in school, despite the fact that 93% of high schools maintain foreign language requirements. I didn’t want my children to fall into this statistic, fully aware of the numerous advantages that come with being bilingual.
Research indicates that bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by several years. Bilingual individuals tend to process information more efficiently and are better at conflict resolution, thanks to their enhanced ability to interpret verbal and nonverbal cues. Moreover, knowing a second language can improve concentration, multitasking skills, and executive function.
Last summer, while searching for summer camps, I discovered the Indus Arts Council, a local organization offering a three-week full-day immersion camp in Urdu—completely free of charge! This initiative is funded by StarTalk, a program under the National Security Language Initiative, which aims to promote the learning of “critical-need” foreign languages to enhance international relations and bolster national security.
In my quest to teach my son Urdu, I received unexpected support from the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. This is particularly ironic given the current political climate, which often seems unsupportive of bilingualism. Nevertheless, the U.S. government has been backing these language immersion programs for over a decade, helping Americans learn languages such as Turkish, Arabic, Chinese, and Urdu.
My son has thoroughly enjoyed the immersion camp for the past two summers. His ability to converse in Urdu has blossomed, and he takes pride in knowing a language that is no longer just a secret code for my husband and me. I am now making a more conscious effort to speak Urdu at home, as the divisive atmosphere of the Trump presidency has prompted me to embrace my Pakistani-American identity with renewed vigor.
Raising bilingual children requires some effort, but it isn’t as daunting as it seems, even for those who don’t speak a second language. Besides seeking out local programs and utilizing helpful apps, consistent immersion in the new language is key.
Given that more than half of the global population is bilingual, and the benefits of bilingualism continue to grow, I feel optimistic about investing the time each summer to provide my son with this immersive experience. It’s an added bonus that my government has played a role in creating another bilingual American. To quote Khaled Hosseini, “if culture is a house, then language is the key to the front door.” Let’s work to open as many doors as possible for our children.
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Summary
This article reflects on the support provided by U.S. government programs for bilingual education, particularly relating to the author’s experience with her son learning Urdu. Despite current political sentiments that may seem anti-bilingual, initiatives like the Indus Arts Council’s Urdu immersion camp showcase a commitment to language learning that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. The author emphasizes the cognitive, social, and cultural advantages of being bilingual and encourages families to actively promote language acquisition in their children.