“Preserving Multiculturalism: The Struggle to Keep Language and Culture Alive in Canada
Canada prides itself on its multiculturalism, but for many second and third generation families of immigrant backgrounds, there is a noticeable struggle to maintain their family’s language and culture. The issue of language retention becomes a prominent concern, as the generations progress farther away from their country of origin.
Cristina Valdez, a first-generation Canadian from the Dominican Republic, shares her experience of growing up in a bilingual household. She credits her mother for prioritizing Spanish in their home, allowing her to maintain fluency in the language. Now, as a mother herself, Valdez sees the importance of passing on her mother tongue to her daughter, Keylin. However, she acknowledges the challenges of ensuring that the language and culture are not lost through the generations.
The Decline in Multilingualism Over Generations
Statistics Canada reports a significant decline in the retention of mother tongues among second and third-generation Canadians. While roughly 6.3 million immigrants had a non-French or English mother tongue between 2016 and 2021, the number significantly reduces to 1.2 million among second-generation Canadians and further drops to 250,000 by the third generation.
The Pressure to Preserve Heritage
Dan Berges, the Managing Director of the Berges Institute, notes an increasing interest among people of Latin American heritage in learning their native language to reconnect with their culture. However, he highlights a sense of shame and embarrassment that can hinder language retention among younger generations. The pressure from the community to speak the native language often leads to criticism and fatigue among the youth.
The Challenge in Urban Centers like Toronto
In metropolitan cities like Toronto, where over 42% of residents have a mother tongue other than English or French, the decline in language retention is evident. Despite the city’s diverse linguistic landscape, the regular use of non-official languages at home is decreasing. For instance, Cantonese speakers have seen a 10% decline in recent years.
The Need for Preservation and Support
Assistant Professor Amil Kalan emphasizes the importance of preserving diaspora languages in a country like Canada, which celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. He warns of the potential loss of these languages, leaving grandparents saddened by the prospect of their grandchildren no longer speaking their mother tongue.
Valdez echoes the sentiment, highlighting the significance of preserving culture for future generations. While government incentives and grants in the arts could support multilingualism preservation, Valdez believes it ultimately falls on families to maintain their cultural heritage.
Conclusion:
The preservation of language and culture among immigrant families in Canada poses a unique challenge that requires collective effort from both individuals and institutions. While the country’s multiculturalism is celebrated, the struggle to keep languages alive reflects the ongoing tension between assimilation and cultural retention. It is imperative for society to recognize the value of multilingualism and take proactive measures to support its preservation, ensuring that future generations can embrace their heritage and contribute to Canada’s diverse tapestry.”
Reference
