Life by the park

Russians have always had great respect for literacy and education. Some immigrants, out of nostalgia for the old country, have tried to delay the assimilation of their offspring in the new environment by organizing after-hours schools, musical recitals, and other educational and cultural activities in which their offspring would mingle with fellow Russians. As a result of being thus shielded, some children knew little English when they went to school and experienced hardship and even disciplinary problems. Other parents, who were more practical, have required their families to speak Russian at home but have not hindered their using English beyond its boundaries, especially when participating in non-Russian activities. Still others, usually with less education, have made no attempt to foster a knowledge of the language. As a result, their children have probably lost their mother tongue more quickly. The efforts of the older generation to preserve traditional values and instil esteem for the homeland, however well meant, have usually failed. The after-hours schools, relying on volunteer help for instruction, have usually been unsuccessful because of the limited means available and declining interest. Only a little of the first generation’s language and customs has carried over to the second generation, and virtually nothing is handed down to the third…
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