You should do what makes you most comfortable. However, many adults who gave up their home language as a teenager later regret doing so. Why? Because there are so many benefits to speaking your home language: brain benefits, academic recognition, better job opportunities, and of course a secret language you can speak anytime!
If you maintain your home language, you may be eligible to test for up to four (4) World Language Credits and receive a Seal of Biliteracy, if applicable. These are huge educational benefits that move you closer to graduating high school on time (and World Language Credits are required by most four-year colleges).
Speaking your home language may make it easier for you to learn other languages (including English). More and more people are speaking multiple languages in the United States – over 21% of students are speaking something other than English at home, so speaking your home language is cool again. Don’t miss out!