How to have a heritage-language conversation with family
Ask a relative about a photo, meal or trip you both know. Tell them you’d like to try using the family language and may need them to pause or explain a phrase.
Agree when to change languagesStart with a memory you can point to
Try “Who took this photo, and what happened after it?” A known detail gives you something to hold onto when you miss words. Let the relative answer in the language that tells the story best, then repeat what you understood in whichever language works.
Agree how you want help
Ask them to wait while you finish a thought and tell you one expression they use for it. If you want to record or share the story, ask first and respect their answer. You can keep a phrase for yourself or simply return to the story another day.