“How Can I Stop Heritage Language Loss?” You Might Have the Key All Along.
In fact, you might be the key.
We might overthink about this issue, or perhaps we don’t think about it enough. But, the solution to Heritage Language Loss is may be far simpler than we realise. It’s 2026, and we can no longer say that the resources are out of reach. We can say that we’re lack of motivation and the time to learn one language all over again at this time of age, but pretending resources aren’t at our fingertips? That’s just mere excuse, and we’re not ready to face that yet.
Nowadays, you get to see all the digital tools that can help improve your language.
I. What are some few examples that can Malaysian families maintain heritage languages?
They could be in a form of an app, website, YouTube channel, podcast, social media account. According to this, we have mainly three types:
- Language Learning App
- Online Language Courses
- Language Exchange Platforms
One example:
Bussu is a language learning platform as a website and mobile app that covers 15 different languages. This platform is accessible in Malaysia on both desktop and mobile via IOS App Store and Android Google Play, and rated for users aged 13 and older. It is mostly free, using the basic version to learn vocabulary and language, while the paid version unlocks more features.
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It is known as one of the apps for self-paced learning of foreign languages offering users to develop all four areas of learning: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Tthe app uses images, audio tracks, and sometimes graphic images. If a learner wants, he or she can take the lessons again. At the end of a level a person can take a test on the material he or she has learned and even get a certificate. The app also allows a learner to communicate with other users, listen to native speakers, and help others learn his or her native language. The app tracks one’s and how much of the course a person has already completed. Busuu’s effectiveness has been assessed by 30 people and 77 percent of them said it's highly effective.
II. Challenges of Using Technology for Heritage Language
According to this article, this study shares the certain challenges of learning language using technology.
- Computer Literacy: A lack of basic computer skills can causes the reduce of motivation and slow down the learning process, as they feel discourage.
- Delayed Feedback: In online environments, students may feel frustrated by the inability to have their questions answered immediately.
- Reduced social interaction: Web-based and online learning often lack the face-to-face interactions with instructors and classmates that many students value.
III. Consistency and Motivation
But little reminder that everyones learns differently. Consistency is always the key. You can start off slowly. The consistent actions every day are far more affective than working in spurts.
Let’s sit down and wonder: What’s stopping you from speaking your heritage language today? Perhaps, we can try something new, starting today. Can you commit to speaking your heritage language at dinner, perhaps tonight? Food can always bring people together. It’s the eaist and honest part. One of my favourite phrase during dinner is
“食饭啦！” / sik6 faan6 laa1
Which means start eating. Is a cultural chinese thing, and sometimes we would address to each of the family member before the word as a sign of respect.
In my Thai heritage language, my favourite phrase would be:
“กินข้าวหรือยัง” / gin khao rue yang
Which means “Have you eaten?” I think we can all share the sentiment that when Asians ask you this, very likely is it equivalent to ‘how are you’. I personally think is sweet for someone to ask that. I also think that starting with something you most familiar with or start with something simpler daily life, things could be less intimidating, and I sincerely hope, you, readers, can at least feel a bit motivated after this.
Kindly reminder that that the future of your heritage language is never in a textbook, but your soul, and mostly your home
My Question for You:
So, will you be the key? What, and how would you learn your heritage language?
With gratitude and love, I end here. Thank you so much for reading.
