Dbałość o zachowanie języka ojczystego na emigracji (na przykładzie Szkoły Polskiej w Portland, Oregon)

The study presents research showing the possibilities of making the mother tongue/native language available to children whose parents do not know Polish or have minimal knowledge of it. The research was conducted on the basis of the dynamics of development of the Polish School in Portland in the years 2011—2013. Using questionnaires, a survey, community interview, and questions in an interview, comprehensive information was collected from parents, students and teachers. The information concerned, among others, the following issues: the demographic outline and cultural affiliation of parents, the level of knowledge of the Polish language by parents, as well as parents’, teachers’ and students’ beliefs about maintaining the Polish language. On the basis of the results and conclusions from the research, the author tries to indicate ways to improve the educational situation of Polonia children.