When a person leaves his or her homeland behind and moves into another country, it is generally accepted by that person that he or she will have to function in the new country. Knowledge of the language is of foremost importance.
Learning another language is not such an impossible task. There should be possibilities presented to receive help. Any form of education is delightful, even if difficult at first. Assimilation into the new country and its lifestyle is far more preferable than to feel like a stranger.
Immigrants who insist on staying within their own culture are closing themselves off from assimilation and are losing out. Wives and mothers often get stuck in this category. How much more would these women like to be involved in the activities of church, school, cultural activities, reading, mingling with neighbors, having a chance in forming an opinion about recent events, than to sit lonesome at home, without the chance of expansion of their mind.
The native culture and language will generally be maintained at home and among friends. The children will have the advantage of being bilingual. When English is required as the general language, it cannot ever dictate which language is spoken at home or among friends.
Eve Wilkinson
Salt Lake City