Imagine growing up bilingual, speaking both English and Chinese at home. Your parents divorce, and your dad starts dating someone new. You’re just trying to stay connected with your culture and family, but suddenly, your step-mom starts demanding that you only speak English in her presence. Is this fair? One 16-year-old girl found herself in this exact situation, and it’s causing some major drama in her family. Let’s dive into her story.
Bilingual Background

Divorce and Dad’s New Love

Clashing with Step-Mom

Moving In and the Language Barrier

Step-Mom’s Chinese Complaints

Accusations of Inappropriateness

Dad’s Request for Peace ☮️

Dad’s Decision and Step-Mom’s Reaction

Silent Treatment and Lingual Standoff

Dad’s Stress and Self-Doubt

Bilingual Teen vs. Step-Mom: Who’s the Real Troublemaker?
This 16-year-old girl is caught in a whirlwind of family drama, all because she wants to speak Chinese around her step-family. Her step-mom, Jane, is constantly on her case, accusing her of being inappropriate and demanding she only speak English. The girl has tried to compromise, but Jane’s not backing down, causing tension and stress for everyone involved. So, who’s really in the wrong here? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
Stepmom misses chance to teach son new language. NTA wins!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/bb280e7b-39b3-42b8-ba47-4fefa2494267.png)
Step-mom’s language barrier is her problem, not the teen’s. NTA


Calling out racism and colonialism in bilingual family dynamics

Teaching step-brother Mandarin: NTA’s revenge



Step-mom’s cultural insensitivity causes tension in family celebrations

Step-mom tries to control bilingual teen, but NTA prevails


Speaking a different language isn’t the problem, NTA

Step-mom’s language control issues causing stress. NTA.


Step-mom unfairly targeting bilingual teen. NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/3545934d-0e06-4b0b-966b-7569243468ed.png)
Teen stands up to step-mom’s racism
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/2430d3f0-29a5-47a8-8e92-005f9ad85230.png)
Bilingualism is an asset, not a threat. NTA for embracing it!

Step-mom’s jealousy sparks bilingual battle, NTA stands up for self.

Bilingual battle with step-mom? NTA! Keep speaking Mandarin

Step-mom abuses teen, dad enables. Commenter says NTA.

Step-mom’s language ban is NTA’s opportunity to call out bigotry

Bilingual teen faces AH stepmom, dad and indifferent stepbrother

Bilingual teen not the a**hole for speaking Chinese at home

Step-mom’s controlling behavior: NTA needs dad’s support

Step-mom overstepping boundaries? NTA says comment with

Speaking your own language at home? NTA, not even close!

![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/1daf35f6-f774-4493-8b30-f1c7f2ca77ed.png)
Step-mom’s lack of respect and willingness to adjust makes her TA

Embrace your bilingualism! NTA for speaking your family’s primary language



Step-mom tries to erase teen’s heritage. Supportive dad needed.

Speaking a different language is not a**hole behavior

Self-centered step-mom gets called out. NTA wins!

Embrace diversity! Watching foreign language shows is totally okay!

Bilingual teen defends use of native language with NTA verdict

Step-mom should learn Mandarin to understand teen’s culture

Step-mom’s language policing is unreasonable and smacks of insecurity

Standing up to step-mom’s racism with bilingual power move
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/36a1fd0e-24ac-4983-b6f0-9358672ed107.png)
NTA. Dad’s denial and enabling of racism is causing tension

Encouraging OP to support dad in breaking up with racist step-mom. NTA

Empathy and therapy could help step-mom’s control issues

Step-mom eavesdrops on teen’s convo, commenter says NTA

Teaching Chinese swear words to stepbrother? Not the a**hole!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/c65ed874-6d91-489f-ae02-fbcd253cd984.png)
Stepmom vs. Stepdaughter: Adulting Done Right

Bilingual teen defends language against controlling step-mom

Bilingual teen stands up for language rights with step-mom. NTA

Supportive comment defends OP against step-mom’s behavior

Teen receives support for not being at fault in bilingual battle


Step-mom’s discomfort with Chinese language creates tension

Teen stands up against controlling and racist step-mom.

Step-mom gets schooled in bilingualism

Step-mom gets roasted with NTA comment

Dad needs to step up and support his child

Step-mom overstepping boundaries, teen not in the wrong

Standing up against racism: NTA for the win!

Step-mom’s racism causing family tension. NTA for setting boundaries.


Don’t assume bilingual speakers are talking about you NTA

Don’t let anyone erase your identity.

Step-mom’s helicopter parenting pushes teen away. NTA for leaving.

Fighting racism in a bilingual family. NTA wins.

Honesty is key: NTA advises to talk to dad privately

Don’t let your stepmom dictate your heritage. You’re NTA

Step-mom overstepping boundaries in teen’s bilingual life

Stepmom’s racism called out by bilingual teen.

Stand up for your culture! Dad needs to intervene

Stepmom’s selfishness causes bilingual battle, NTA stands up.

Teen stands up to controlling step-mom over bilingualism

Step-mom’s racist behavior towards Chinese step-daughter. NTA.

Translation devices may not work for speech; consider language lessons.

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by Diply Social Team