losing your parents' language
word of mouth bbc radio 4
Julian Lass grew up in England with two German parents, but was never taught their language. His father, wary of raising children caught between cultures, insisted on English at home — leaving German for private conversations, phone calls, and the company of grandparents.
In this edition of BBC Radio 4's Word of Mouth, Julian reflects on the consequences of that choice: the missed opportunity to be bilingual, the strange detachment from his parents’ mother tongue, and the pull to reclaim it as an adult. From arguments in the family car to awkward first attempts at speaking German with his mother, he explores how language shapes identity, belonging, and the ties between generations.
Full programme available here, on BBC website