The Ugly Truth Behind Latinxs Losing Their Mother Tongue in the United States

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Language Perspectives (Table 2)

Abstract

Latinx scholars and colleagues explore the value and truth of 21st century bilingualism in the United States of America (USA). Using critical counterstories and testimonios to highlight their individual, and sometimes collective experiences, each Indigenous Latinx author examines the profound and diverse reasons they experience a loss of their Spanish mother tongue. Each author addresses the main objectives of the proposal: (a) to share Latinx motives and purposes needed to assimilate or acculturate in the USA, (b) to reflect on the navigation necessary to be successful within a whitestream education system and job market, and (c) to provide a cautionary story to parents, educators, and all US Americans about the dangers of Spanish language loss.

Authors

• Nilsa J. Thorsos, National University
  Presenting Author

• James Martinez, Valdosta State University
  Presenting Author

• María L. Gabriel, Thompson School District
  Presenting Author