We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jocelyn Francisco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jocelyn, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Being able to speak more than one language is a gift. My parents spoke to me in their first language. By doing so, it not only preserved the language, but it provided me with a deeper understanding of who I am and the culture that I came from. As a first generation Filipina-American, speaking Filipino helped strengthen ties with my family.
It is not common for me to meet first generation Filipinos who speak, let alone understand the language. Most people who come to live in the United States learn English quickly, even while retaining their first language, but relatively few pass along multilingual abilities to their children. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, only about half of the 1.4 million Filipinos in California speak Tagalog, Ilocano or Visayan.
Sadly, we are living at the point in human history where, within two generations, most languages in the world will die out. Over the next three generations, the number of speakers declines sharply as this last fluent generation becomes parents, grandparents, and finally, the last generation of fluent elders. American colonialism, whereby Filipinos were taught to believe (many by the educational system) that the acquisition of the English language is imperative for successful integration into U.S. society.
Being bilingual has inspired me in two ways:
– Creating a children’s book series that teaches children (and adults) basic Filipino in an effort to preserve the language.
– As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am passionate about helping the Filipinx community by providing a space in which vulnerability, mental health, healthy boundaries, and self-compassion are normalized. With support in identifying and disrupting distorted response patterns (which may be heavily influenced by generational trauma), it is my hope to help find healing and forgiveness around past hurts and restore appropriate self-worth, realistic optimism, relational health and the courage to act from love.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
When I became a parent, it was important that I share about the people, places, and stories of our families as being unique to who my children are. I believe that knowing about their family history and ancestors will help strengthen their connection to their culture.
Little Yellow Jeepney initially started as the first Filipino children’s book I wrote and evolved into an independent publishing company in which several other books grew from – including the language series that teaches children basic Filipino: Oh My Kulay! Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo Ito Ay Obalo, Abakada, Pamilya Ko, Hay Bahay, and the newest release Damdaman.
Little Yellow Jeepney aims to provide book access by being available at the San Diego Public Library, San Diego County Library, Chula Vista Public Library, National City Public Library, Oakland Public Library, and Daly City Public Library. In addition, when possible I donate to Little Free Libraries when I can.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
The initial capital was self-invested. The money earned from the sales of these books go directly into the production of future projects or the reprint of current books. Oh My Kulay! Is in its 3rd reprint, with Abakada, Pamilya Ko, and Hay Bahay in its second reprint. Little Yellow Jeepney has sold over 5,000 books. It is heartwarming to see the impact of our books and the important role it plays in cultural appreciation and promoting the preservation of the Filipino language.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Connections matter. Strong ties with family, friends and the community provided me with security, support, a sense of purpose and happiness.
Since this journey began, I have not only had the support of family and friends; I have also been blessed to have crossed paths and made connections with individuals who share the same passion of preserving the native language and culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.littleyellowjeepney.com
- Instagram: @littleyellowjeepney
- Facebook: facebook.com/littleyellowjeepney