How much is Japanese language tied to Nikkei communities?

I grew up in Los Angeles with parents and relatives who spoke a mix of Japanese and English. Amongst themselves, it's primarily Japanese. To us 'kids', it's mostly English with some Japanese thrown in.

Growing up listening to them talk and watching Japanese subtitled programs on TV, I usually manage to comprehend more than the average Nikkei I think. My mom grew up in Japan, so her primary language is Japanese. When we were young, she would teach me and my sister some basics - hiragana and katakana. She even made us charts, flash cards, and practice sheets. Though we didn't really appreciate the summer homework then, I'm really glad that she took the time.

In college, I took some Japanese language classes, but I don't think I've managed to retain much. The problem was that I didn't actually learn much in those beginner level classes. I already knew most of the vocabulary, and unfortunately the grammar and kanji characters that I learned haven't stuck. Most of what I know now is what I learned from my mom all those years ago.

Personally, I think that in order for Japanese American communities to survive, they will need to accept that they need to evolve. We need to find common goals and bonds to tie and bring back the younger generations of Nikkei. For the Issei, the communities were important for their survival in their new lands. The Nisei had the common experiences of WWII to draw them together. What is there to unite the Sansei, Yonsei, Gosei, and beyond?

Language is an important tie in bridging newer immigrants and the established communities, but I think it's just one component. I think more important than the actual words used is what they can convey...the history, culture, and traditions. Sharing the knowledge and enthusiasm of how each festival, matsuri, or obon is put on each year. Showing younger generations how to cook the foods, dance the ondo, play the taiko, sing the songs. These are ways that we can pass on our cultures and communities. The tough part is getting people to listen...to participate...to care.

Anyway, those are my thoughts...what do you think? What has been tried in your communities?

I didn't grow up speaking Japanese but learned later, as a third language. My parents, who are bilingual, never tried to teach me Japanese and still won't speak to me in Japanese -- for some reason they seem embarrassed.

For me, learning the Japanese language and about the culture were instrumental in my coming to terms with being a Japanese American. I needed to understand which parts of me were Japanese and which parts were American. Growing up was problematic as I had a very American childhood, yet there was always my Japanese face. I was always going to be associated with being Japanese whether I liked it or not. Back then, I didn't want to be mistaken for being Japanese, but now I'm far less concerned.

For the Japanese, it isn't just the language, but also what isn't said is part of communicating. The way I communicate is quite American -- everything is expressed, spelt out, whereas the Japanese rely much more on unspoken assumptions and expectations. As such, Japanese culture is quite different from Japanese American culture.

On the other hand, I have certain tendencies that are typically Japanese, eg being obsessive and high strung, liking experimental jazz, etc.

Knowing the language has enabled me to see some major similarities and differences. And of course there are other, physical aspects, eg my health is better if I maintain a Japanese diet, at least in composition.

I don't know that speaking Japanese strengthens my ties with the Nikkei communities. Rather, it strengthens my ties with the Japanese, as I can actually hang out with them. And I have other influences -- I grew up in close proximity to Mexico, and started to pick up a fourth language hearing Spanish every day on the street. So there are ties to other communities. And it comes in handy reading the Spanish entries on this site.

My interest in Nikkei communities lies, I suppose, in seeing the many ways others deal with being different from the dominant culture. I think yonsei and gosei still have to come to terms with the difference, and the community can be a reference point.