ABSTRACT
This study addresses the concerning issue of the gradual loss of mother tongue among immigrants, with a specific focus on second-generation Chinese immigrants in the United States. Various factors contribute to this language loss, including the pursuit of social acceptance and integration into the United States education system. The first generation also influences the language loss of the second generation. However, preserving and learning the immigrant's native language yields numerous benefits, such as enhancing intergenerational communication, strengthening family bonds, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering self-identity development. To tackle this common issue in the United States, this study proposes solutions from two key perspectives: the family and the school context. In the family context, encouraging parents to maintain and speak native language at home can be crucial in language preservation. This can be achieved through promoting bilingualism and creating an environment that values and supports the mother tongue. In the school context, implementing comprehensive language programs that support and reinforce the learning of the native language can be highly beneficial. This includes offering language classes, cultural exchange programs, and resources for language learning. Collaborations between schools and immigrant communities can create a supportive environment for language maintenance. These efforts can contribute to preserving cultural diversity, intergenerational connections, and the overall well-being of immigrant communities.
