Songs from taboo tongues: Experiencing first language loss

Abstract

This article illustrates the issues surrounding and consequences of losing a minority first language in the process of acquiring the politically dominant language of the cultural milieu (English). There are no "conclusions" in this article; however, references are made to the literature on language loss and maintenance, and to practices in teacher education programs which discourage additive bilingualism, asking teachers and teacher educators alike to reflect on some of their own pedagogical practices.