By Primeny Oeur
It is difficult to be able to know
two languages, and really understand it. Since growing up in America, I
understand my culture and language, but I am unable to hold a conversation in
Khmer. English comes easily for me when speaking because I was born in America
and exposed to speaking English more. My parents spoke Khmer to me but I
respond mainly in English. I wish I was exposed more to my culture’s language in order to speak to my parents better in Khmer.
My parents understand English but
there are some things I cannot explain well to them because they will not
understand some English they are unfamiliar with. For me to better understand
my culture and language, I decided to take Khmer classes in high school for 4
years. Then, I decided to continue Khmer classes in college. Since high school,
I believe I came a long way in the Khmer language even though it is still not
at its best. I understand how to read and write it better. In order to become
really good in Khmer I have to keep practicing and use it more.
My father said one day he will take
me to Cambodia to know where he and my mother came from. He also wants me to
keep our language and culture alive and keep it passing onto the next
generations. If our language is not being used, then the language can die, and
will be unknown. As for my mother, she wants me to know Khmer more but
makes sure that I understand the American way to live comfortably. I think that
it is hard to learn a language at this age now, but it is easy to lose the
language if it is not being used frequently. If I ever get to visit Cambodia, I
want to make sure I can communicate with the people that share the same
language and culture as I do.
My younger sister barely
understands Khmer but she is taking Khmer class. This is another reason I am
trying to really learn how to speak Khmer better to help my little sister. I
want to be able to help my younger sister speak Khmer better as well. Also, it
would be nice for me to help her on reading and writing Khmer better. Knowing
two languages is helpful in many ways and it is a great skill to have.
Being able to speak two languages
can be useful in translating for people, job skills, and being able to
communicate for you. It is beneficial to not have a language barrier and
can gain a lot just from being bilingual. I still have a language barrier
between my parents and I. Although, having the language barrier between us is
not a big barrier. I just want to completely understand my parents and I also
want them to understand me. If my parents and I understand each other, I think
we can live more comfortably with one another.
When my parent and I do understand
each other I am happy but then again I feel as though I need to understand my
parents more than having them understand me. I always hear my mom say to me in
Khmer that I do not know anything about our culture or she always complains
that I really do not understand our language when she speaks to me. I want to
prove to my mom that I can speak our language and I actually do understand the
type of culture we have. I just want my parents to know that I can work
hard to make them proud and that I can understand what they have gone through
and be there to support them.
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