My project will be rooted in my experience as a first generation person in this country and as a mother. I will be researching what its like to raise a bilingual person in a country where English is most commonly spoken. What challenges do folks run into? I know for me its that all the toys, books, games, shows, lullabies that are common are all in English. My daughter is only spoken to in Spanish, in an attempt to help keep the native language alive. What does data show about that? Are there complications that can arise? Is this better for them in terms of grasping the native language because they will learn english any way?
I'm taking this opportunity to learn and explore this area. I would like to observe bilingual families and their interactions. Do children tend to favor one language? Do they constantly flip between the two? Do emotions make one language come out to convey expression? Is there a power dynamic when one speaks a language that the other doesn't? Does it switch?
In the end, I would like to put all of my data and present it and create children's book that can be read to children all over. Incorporating multiple languages so that all kids feel seen, heard, and connected. I'd like this book to encourage parents to teach their kids multiple languages and to keep native tongues, dialects and writings alive for generations to come.
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