The children of immigrants are in a unique position. They are stuck between two worlds; they communicate in their parents’ language at home, and they use the host country’s language at school. Usually, those children of immigrants appear to be fluent in the heritage language, but if you dig a little deeper, it becomes obvious that they do not have a perfect control of the language. They might misunderstand sophisticated language, or they could use a lot of Anglicisms (or bits of the host country’s language within their heritage language). This makes sense considering these “no sabo” kids had never done any formal education in this language, and therefore they tend to be illiterate.
The word “no sabo kid” has stuck to this type of person, especially in a Spanish-speaking context in the US. This refers to kids of Spanish-speaking immigrants who respond to questions in Spanish with “no sabo,” an incorrect conjugation to say “I don’t know.” People online have started using this expression to refer to Hispanic kids who speak perfect English but heavily accented or broken Spanish. This expression usually refers to Spanish-speaking immigrants in the US, but this topic can be expanded to include any first or second generation descendants of immigrants who are more fluent in the language of the host country.
Are these children of immigrants destined to be imperfect in their heritage language? What are some things that “no sabo” kids can do to improve their heritage language?
1. Defamiliarize yourself and question everything you know
One issue for children of immigrants is that they are very confident with their language to the point of refusing to recognize where they are misusing the language. More often than one would like to acknowledge, a “no sabo” kid will misuse some structures in the heritage language based on the influence of their native language. Someone might use some words or structures like they do in their native language while this could be entirely incorrect. Overconfidence is a real problem. Immigrant children always compare their language skills as a way to prove “who is closer to the motherland.” However, it is important to accept that you have some misconceptions about the language, especially if you did not learn the language formally at a school.
In this way, the language learner who learned from scratch has an advantage over the “no sabo” kid. At least the self-studier never misunderstood language structures. What can be truly helpful is that “no sabo” kids question their knowledge. If you cannot immediately explain what a word is, you might not truly know it. If you don’t know why you used a certain verb tense or grammar structure, do not have any shame in researching how this structure works. In a way, it will help to pretend like you know nothing. “I think I know what this means, but let me check just in case I have been using it wrong.”
2. Treat the language like a school subject
It would be better to suck up your pride and use the same resources that learners use for your heritage language. Many children of immigrants don’t associate their heritage language with learning. Most likely, they received education in another language. Because of this, a lot of people who we could call a “no sabo” kid have difficulty exactly with the more formal and precise parts of their heritage language. They might be able to explain how to cook their favorite dish, but they will not be able to understand a grammar book on the language. To fix this issue, you need to encounter those grammar points and explanations that may seem overly complicated.
Although it may seem unnecessary, find a textbook. Download learner’s material. Find a tutor. Use flash cards. Test yourself from time to time. There is not shame in treating yourself like a student. This is not even a choice for most language learners, particularly the ones that have no connection to the target language. However, the children of immigrants need to change their habits to treat the language like those learners with no blood connection. That’s how we learn any new skill: by studying.
3. Try to avoid codeswitching for a short time
Even if it’s for one conversation with your family, try to stop yourself from switching to English. Set a date where you will speak purely in your heritage language. If it’s not for a whole day, tell yourself that you will not mix languages at the dinner table. The point is to create some time where you are trying to use words that you normally do not use in the heritage language because the native language is more comfortable.
You will want to just use the English word for a simple object. Even if the heritage language is not coming to mind, push yourself for at least one conversation to stick with the target language. Although codeswitching is an entirely legitimate means of communication and not a speech defect, avoiding it will definitely give your brain the exercise it needs.
4. Use the language in circumstances you are not used to
Most likely, “no sabo” kids are used to discussing domestic topics. Speaking or listening skills are definitely strongest. In that case, exercise those “atrophied muscles” by using those other “muscles.” This can be by writing a note to your parents. Perhaps you could try texting your friends who speak the language. You can even post on social media in this language. You should be encountering situations that you do not feel comfortable with in this heritage language. This is the only way you can see what words you do not know and therefore find the missing knowledge for your heritage language.
Just like a muscle that you don’t use can atrophy, certain topics in your heritage language can atrophy. You probably talk about laundry, dinner, or using the bathroom in your heritage language. However, try to avoid your native language when talking about the formal things that you definitely learned from school and friends such as government, school, or car insurance.
5. Read, read, read!
Like all things, reading is power. By introducing yourself to novels or other books, you can encounter more advanced expressions. Children of immigrants are in a unique position because they can easily understand the main topic but have a difficult time small pieces. This is a perfect scenario for a book, which has lots of context that can help parse a passage. Most likely, you can understand the gist of the book while encountering a comfortable amount of new structures and words.
It’s not so overwhelming to the point of being frustrating, but it’s not so boring to the point of being useless. Books, as compared to movies and TV shows or games, which contain colloquial language, are full of deep and meaningful expressions that can help someone be able to find some sophisticated language that are missing from their language. Books are the only way to find that sweet spot of comfort and sophistication. While the average language learner needs to make a conscious effort to leave the textbooks and use materials that have the language as used by the common people, the “no sabo” kids need to do the opposite. They must leave the everyday language behind and try to encounter the polished language.
“No sabo” kids need special attention
Every language learner has unique needs that we should be aware of. Usually, we focus on starting from scratch. However, those who already have a grasp of the language that want to hone their skills are equally valid and need unique attention. There are psychological barriers to overcome and some legitimate matters of resources that a child of an immigrant needs to consider when going from a C1 with a heavy accent to a C2 with a slightly lighter accent.
You can find more language explanations on my website for English among other languages. This can be helpful for some of the “no sabo” kids. You can also see some videos on my YouTube channel about language learning, whether you know your target language already or not.
