There are no accurate statistics on the number of people who have lost the ability to speak their first language. But it is likely a growing number, with the rise in global migration and the loss of thousands of minority languages. For people in this situation, is relearning their native tongue a realistic goal? Can they tap into childhood memories? Or is it better to just move on? Patrick Cox has the story of Julie Devy, author of “Memory Speaks,” who learned Czech growing up, moved to Canada, lost her ability to use the language, and then decided to relearn Czech as an adult.
The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!