So many Hungarians here! I was born in Budapest but have lived in the US since I was 9. I still understand and read Hungarian pretty well. I do not speak so well though, especially the more formal address that is often used in Hungarian. Yesterday I sang with my mother some of our favorite Hungarian Christmas carols. The brain works in such strange ways! I can still recall the words to most. Deep roots I suppose as these memories are so pleasant and full of love. Right now I would speak very haltingly even to a person with whom I was familiar. However, I believe if I was dropped into Hungary with little or no access to English for a week or so it would all come back.
I know our history.