Use your heritage language to gather family memories

Some months ago, Lena decided to wake up her sleeping Swiss German to better connect with her family in Switzerland, especially with older relatives who don’t speak English but are the ones who can tell her about her father’s childhood and stories from their family’s past.

Lena’s eager to hear about what their life was like: what happened when and why and to whom.

She knows this upcoming visit could be her last chance to talk with very elderly great-aunts as well as aging aunts and uncles.

Lena’s excited and has been preparing.

In our weekly mentoring sessions, we’ve often focused on asking questions because Lena plans to interview her older relatives and record their memories.

But that’s not all.

When she returns home, we’re going to translate the audio of these precious conversations and turn the retellings as well as her notes and photos into a book that will give Lena’s children some connection to their Swiss heritage.

For Lena, reviving her father tongue means she can create a treasure trove of family memories for future generations.

Do you have a family story that needs editing? I can help. 

© Christina Wielgolawski