Intercultural Families

[Globalmom2]

I wonder how many families who have adopted older children from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Guatemala, and African countries have helped their children keep their mother language as well as learn English? And, in the bigger picture, do you think it is important for the child to keep that connection to their roots?

[kima]

I am from South Africa where we have eleven official languages plus a number of unofficial languages, such as those spoken by immigrant communities Europeans such as Portuguese, Italian, German, and those from other African countries such as Zimbabwe, DRC, Mocambique etc.
Everyone speaks English plus at least one other language. Official communications are usually in English plus two other locally dominant languages. In the Western Province or example it is English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. Everyone seems to get along fine, although there is some Cultural Suspicion by local Black people of those from North of the Border, now numbering in the region of 3.5 Million in a total population of 49 million. Adopted kids from other cultures will inevitably lose that identity unless it is a mixed-culture marriage.
I agree that understanding another's culture is vital for peace.
Best wishes
Kima