Re “I treasure how my school made Vietnamese refugee kids feel welcome” (May 2): How fortunate that there was a person who spoke French who could communicate with the Vietnamese children. When I was at an orientation for volunteers to aid Vietnamese refugees, I was told that in no case was I to use French. There seems to be a popular opinion among some teachers and parents that maintaining a native language would keep students back in their schooling. I grew up with bilingual students, many who went on to become professionals who were not impeded in their English ability. Because we desperately need understanding among people, it is a shame to eliminate a language ability in anyone.
— Daina Krigens, Encinitas
