Word of Mouth: Losing Your Parents' Language

Instead of reading a blog post, why don't you listen to this program from the BBC Radio 4 (Word of Mouth). This is a fascinating half hour programme on languages that raises so many interesting questions concerning the concept of a mother tongue, loss and shift.

I found the beginning quite emotional and sad. I completely agreed with Jan's shift of personality (depending on what language you speak) too.
I thoroughly recommend a listen. Not sure how long it is going to be available for, so listen to it now! 

I loved Dean Atta's poem: 

I can’t tell you why she would wilfully deny

Her daughter and her son

But she has swallowed it

And we are struck dumb

Our mother has swallowed her tongue.

 The full version is here.