They become incredibly excited just by hearing their mother tongue. It simply makes me very happy “said Deqa Muhidin, a local Somali author of children’s books.
In the first of a month of weekly activities called Somali Stories, Muhidin is reading children’s books to the group in their native tongue. Since many young Somali children were born in the United States and only speak English, Muhidin says she started the programme last spring to help them learn to read in their own language.
“A void that results from a child’s heritage language not being used in public settings, such as schools or libraries, could cause that child to lose confidence, and we already know what research says about children who lack confidence. Drug use or behavioural issues are more likely to occur in them “Muhidin said.
In an effort to give the 4,000 students in the district who self-identify as Somali a better opportunity to learn their language, Muhidin assisted in the establishment of a Somali Heritage Language Program in Minneapolis Public Schools last year.
She is currently engaging with kids as young as 3 to introduce them to Somali in a way that keeps their interest.
“It’s crucial that my nephew realises how significant his culture is. to witness it with members of his neighbourhood and outside of his home. to observe a Somali teacher with whom he truly connects, “said Qorsho Hassan, who attended the event on Monday night with her 2-year-old nephew.
Muhidin thinks that everyone involved will have a happy ending if the Somali language and culture are preserved.
“I want them to ask their parents to read to them as they go around their homes carrying books. I want the parents to be aware that their native language-written resources are available in public libraries and bookstores so they can use those resources with their children “Muhidin said.