A TikTok video capturing a young Peruvian girl stepping up as a translator for her family at a U.S. airport has sparked a wave of emotions, discussions, and reflections. The user, known as Estrellita Torres 35, shared a short clip where her seven-year-old daughter skillfully translated for her immigrant family during their flight check-in process. "All the effort was worth it; now my daughter translates English for me," the mother wrote in the video’s description.
The heartwarming moment shows the young girl acting as an interpreter between an airline employee and her family members, who were facing uncertainties about passport requirements and excess baggage fees. With remarkable resolve, little Kiatzumi addressed both the staff's questions and her family's concerns, playing a crucial role amidst the typical chaos of an emergency trip.
The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking a torrent of divided comments. For many viewers, the clip was both inspirational and touching. "Helping those adults out of that bind is amazing. If the parents don't know English, it's because they never had the chance to study, and now they work hard to give their daughter that opportunity," expressed a young man. Others praised the girl's courage and poise, with one woman commenting, "Poor thing, there were things she couldn't interpret well because she's so young, but she's doing great; at least she's not shy and is brave."
However, the video also drew criticism, with some focusing on the fact that such a young child was shouldering a responsibility many believe should be reserved for adults or trained personnel. "This shouldn't be the daughter's job at all; parents need to take the time to learn just like the child does so there are no adaptation barriers," one user remarked. Another added, "The parents have phones but can't use Google Translate or ChatGPT. How embarrassing!"
Some directed their critiques at the airline for lacking bilingual staff. "United Airlines should have someone who speaks Spanish. The child shouldn't be doing their job," said one woman. Others shared similar childhood experiences: "I hated when my parents made me do this as a kid. The pressure of not knowing the exact words to translate and the fear of messing up," confessed a young woman. Another person stated, "I've never liked these kinds of videos. It bothers me when people put so much pressure and responsibility on their kids, especially today, when they could use a translation app."
Beyond the debate, this video has once again highlighted the crucial role many immigrant children play as translators for their families in the United States. This is a common phenomenon in Latino communities where the younger generation quickly learns English through school. The case of this young girl underscores that language barriers, even in 2025, remain a daily challenge faced by millions in the country.
The Role of Children as Translators in Immigrant Families
Why do immigrant children often become translators for their families?
Immigrant children frequently become translators because they learn English quickly through school, while their parents may not have had the same opportunities to learn the language. This dynamic often places children in the role of bridging communication gaps in everyday situations.
What are the potential issues with children acting as translators?
Having children act as translators can put undue pressure on them, as they may lack the emotional and cognitive maturity to handle complex situations. It can also place them in stressful situations where they may not fully understand the context or language nuances.
How can technology assist in overcoming language barriers?
Technology, such as translation apps like Google Translate and AI tools like ChatGPT, can assist in bridging language barriers by providing real-time translations, thus alleviating some of the communication burdens traditionally placed on bilingual children.