Bilingualism in Migrants: My Bridge, My Wings

Imagine a child growing up in a bilingual home. At home, they listen to their grandparents tell stories in Spanish, legends from their homeland, recipes with ingredients that hold generations of history, rhymes and songs that have soothed children for centuries. But as soon as they step outside, the language shifts: at school, with friends, and in new experiences, English takes center stage.

A bilingual child doesn’t just speak two languages, they live in two worlds. For them, home expands, there is more space. Without bilingualism, those cultural ties often weaken. How many second- or third-generation children have lost the ability to communicate with their grandparents, depriving themselves of their wisdom and legacy? Language is more than just a tool for communication; it is the essence of our identity, a link to our roots.

That’s why we must read in our languages, sing our songs, celebrate our traditions, and promote access to bilingual programs for our children and youth. Being bilingual is not just a cultural matter; it is also an advantage in the modern world. Knowing how to read, write, and express oneself in two languages opens doors in both the job market and in life because communication is power. The more people who can hear our voice, the farther our ideas and thoughts will reach.

English and Spanish are an essential part of my identity as a migrant. They are a shield that protects my history, my culture, and my future. They are the bridge that connects me to my roots and the wings that propel me to “change my stars.”