Feel that I am losing my native language

[signetz]

I was brought up in a bilingual household. I learnt only through the minority language until I was 18 when I moved to England to study. My conversational minority language is still good, but I have certainly lost some ability. When listening to the radio and programmes to try and keep it up, I find there are more and more words I'm a bit confused about.

It's scary how a language so ingrained in you as a child can be lost over the years. It feels as if you are losing part of you..

Does anyone have any tips how to keep it going?

Is it a language people want to learn to speak? If so offer to do conversation classes at your local college. You might even get paid!

I agree, maybe offer some tutoring, or look to see if their are others in your area who meet up? It would be a shame to lose such a big part of your heritage

You need to speak it to keep it... But writing it will do very well. Everyday is best.

Make time to read in your mother tongue. I did this with English when living abroad as English words were falling out of my head. It did help.

I've found listening to music in my native language helps to keep me fluent

Is it a language that others locally might speak? My friend set up her own “language group” as she felt the same. There are 6 of them who meet up every week (not all 6 can make it). It’s a bit like a book group - sometimes they all read a book in the language and discuss, sometimes they meet in a pub, whatever takes their fancy.

What's the language?

Yes I am part of a local group and meet up every few weeks. Sometimes bump into people too. Music is a good idea yes, and reading.. if I can find time.

The language is Welsh but didn't want to say incase it influenced people negatively (have seen this on mumsnet a fair bit)

Gosh DEFINITELY consider volunteering at your local college or school.