"Don't Lose the Lao Tongue" by Sengthiene Bosavanh It is very disheartening for me to see some of my Lao peers not (be able to) communicate with their parents in the same tongue. No one is strictly to be blamed for this clashing of languages, although parents are suppose to be role models for the young ones and be responsible for instilling values and beliefs in the children. With this in mind, some parents do not require nor encourage the young ones to know how to speak Lao. They may attempt to justify this action by saying that we are in America now, not laos, therefore we must learn to speak English and practice American ways in order to prosper and become successful like them. I understand and respect this explanation but opt to speak against it. True, we are no longer living in Pathet Lao, but that does not mean that we must reject and disown our country, its ways, culture, traditions, and language in order to live well in this country. As we and our children get established and adapted to our new surroundings (some immigrants are still in the process of settling down, since we are one of the youngest group of refugees to take up residence here), we need to be able to build a successful network of Lao connections, providing help, assistance, services, and much more for Laotians living in the United States. If we do not ake the initiative to help our own people, who will? The words "federal government" might have jumped up from some of your heads, but I suggest that you go rethink because the government can and will only do so much. If anything, government policies will hurt more than it will help us. For instance, take a look at the notorious welfare debates and reforms. I'm sure that some of these (welfare) policies have touched many Laotian lives and families. Maybe this can be an incentive for some to get off government aide and independently find ways to better our own lives as well as the lives of our families and people. Easier said than done, I know, but this is just something for us to think about. Especially since we do not plan to leave this country any time soon, Laotians of all cohorts need to wake up, get over the refugee syndromes, once and for all, take initiative, and do the very best to enhance and better the lives of our people and culture within this new society. In order to do this, it is not necessary to disown our country and neglect the Lao ways, but on the contrary, we need to embrace our culture and enhance its beautiful heritage, traditions, and most important, its language. We can begin by educating the youths, since they are our future and will be the ones taking care of us, in our late ages, as well as of the Lao culture, heritage, and language. We are in need of Lao teachers and professors to teach students in all grade levels of the Lao language and culture (parents may also participate here by helping their children with their homework since it will be concerning Lao. I know how frustrating it was for me and my parents when they were unable to help me with my homework or answer questions that I would have regarding school, in grade school, due to language and cultural barriers). Not only are teachers crucial in the steps towards successful-living of the Laotian community in this country, but professionals of every area, field, and interest are in high demand to assist in the development, from social workers, to policemen, to politicians, to doctors. The list goes on. The cooperation of all Laotians of every educational background and experience is essential to the prosperity of our people in America. The first move towards success and to eventually be nationally recognized and respected is to build a strong Lao foundation. Before we can change the world, we must start with ourselves. Hence, why don't we begin by educating the youths of tomorrow. We must encourage and teach the children how to speak, read, and write Lao in order to preserve our culture and so that they will be able to communicate with the elderly in the future and as well as be competent in assisting and providing services for the Lao population. The preservation of our language presently lies within all of our hands. If we educate our children of Lao and its language, they can pass on the knowledge to their children, and their children to their offsprings, and so on. Through this procedure and everyone's cooperation, we can gradually prevent the extinction of our culture in America. In Los Angeles (as well as in many other parts of the U.S.) there is a China Town, a Korean Town, Thai Town, Little Tokyo, and Little Saigon. Maybe one day we can establish our very own Lao Land or Town. We can negotiate on the name on a later date. :) Best wishes and see you at the top! :) Huk phang, Sengthiene Bosavanh (Candle) email: bosavanh@scf.usc.edu