Gujarati is one of the most spoken languages in India, and many people from Gujarat migrate to various parts of the world, including the USA. However, the younger generation of Gujarati community kids who grow up in the USA are facing a linguistic disconnect from their culture and its roots. They are struggling to learn and speak Gujarati, which can lead to difficulties in communicating with their family, tradition, and history.
Firstly, English is the dominant language in the USA. Thus, kids tend to communicate in English and quickly blend themselves with the English speaking crowd. The lack of an environment for speaking Gujarati in schools or the community also hinders their language skills. As a result, they lag behind in speaking & writing the Gujarati language.
Secondly, the inter-generational gap between parents, grandparents, and children also plays a role in the language barrier. The older generation in the family may speak only Gujarati and pass on values and traditions through the language. However, the younger generation struggles to understand those values when they cannot communicate in that language.
Lastly, kids may feel ashamed of speaking Gujarati in public. They may fear ridicule and bullying from others due to their language difficulties. This perception needs to change, and a sense of pride must be installed within them to appreciate their language and culture.
In conclusion, it is vital to take a serious approach towards teaching Gujarati language to community kids in the USA. Schools or community organizations should work towards building a supportive and nurturing environment for kids to learn and speak Gujarati. This effort will not only help the children connect with their roots but also foster a sense of connection and pride in their culture.
