I was born in India and I speak Hindi. My family only speaks Hindi. And learning a different language is a big asset in their future development. Sundaram and Malvika Mishra have learned to speak both Hindi and English at home. Many parents who don't share a native language hope to pass their respective traditions on to children.
Educators are generally supportive of the effort, citing family and even professional benefits.
But they warn of challenges. Children may face teasing or isolation from peers, making them more reluctant to use a parent's native language. And parents must be alert to ensure that their children master English. Mishra says that while his children understand Hindi, they are still reluctant to speak the language, despite his and his wife's relentless efforts. Perseverance is a key issue.