Spanish-Speaking Immigrants and the English language: what to do?

Question

Polish and Middle Eastern immigrants have to learn English when they come to the United States so they have to learn English.

So why not Spanish immigrants? They decide to move to the United States to make a better life for themselves, but then never learn the English language. I'm not saying that learning English makes life better, but in terms of communicating with people I just feel that we make it too easy for Spanish-speaking people to learn to speak English when there are signs in so many stores in Spanish. They have no reason to learn English when their neighborhoods make it easy for them to communicate within themselves and only within themselves. This is hurting them because they cannot communicate with people outside of their circles (example: a non-English speaking woman had her six year old daughter order for her at a Dunkin' Donuts in front of me the other day). Is there any way to influence Spanish immigrants to understand the importance of learning English in the US?

No, no I'm not generalizing spanish-speaking immigrants. I'm sorry, I should have emphasized that. I know plenty of spanish-speaking immigrants who learned english (my father, for example). I'm talking about those that could learn to speak English but decide not to.

Answer 1

Well, since this country still has not declared an official language, it leaves a huge loop hole. Some individual cities have dubbed English as the official language. This is why you can get a DL in CA in 15 different languages (who pays for all thoses tests to be printed in 15 different languages), this is why there is actually ESL classes in public schools (who pays for that). In almost every major city that has an area of predominantly Hispanic populations, the billboard advertising is in Spanish (and check in the stores, directions and information will be in Spanish first, English second).

Hell, when I take a VACATION to another country, I make an effort to communicate in that country's language. I attempt at the very least, the basics (thank you, numbers, please, where is, taxi, beer, wine, you know). If I would plan to MOVE there, you can bet your a** that I am going to learn the language of the country I am going to live in. I went to Spain on three different occasions and was surrounded by Germans (I speak German), but when I delt with the local merchants, I didn't ASSUME that they could speak English or German. I tried my damn-dest to speak Spanish.

To me, it's just being lazy. Unless you are learning impaired, it's just laziness. Anyone can learn how to say please, thank you, how much, numbers, taxi, do you speak "insert language here" and police in any language to at least show an effort no matter what country you are in.

Answer 2

I understand where you're coming from. My parents immigrated to the US about 22 years ago and have become citizens since then. Their English is not so good. I however, am a second generation and prefer English over Spanish.

I guess that it's more of a generational issue. I know of Hispanic people living in Ohio that speak English only and have "forgotten" their Spanish language. This always surprises me, but then again, it almost happened to me.

While living in Chicago, my brothers and I communicated to my parents in English and they communicated back in Spanish. To make a long story short, after several years we moved to Michigan... oh what an experience. I couldn't speak Spanish correctly, but I've learned and have become fully Bilingual.

New immigrants might never show an interest for learning the English Language, but the generations that follow don't really have a choice (think about when they go to school/college/work, etc.)

The only other thing I can think of is offering free ESL (English as a second Language) classes, which is what has worked here where I live.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Its sad you've worked for a company for twenty years speaking English and are only now being asked to learn another language. Sadder still that you know another language but not the right one. I dont think it's discrimination, though. Businesses have to move forward with the times, and as unfair as it might seem, we live in a time now where there are millions of Spanish speaking potential customers living among us. I would have done exactly as you, but keep an open mind and live as if you were to die tomorrow and learn as if you'd live forever! Good luck!

Answer 4

I'm kind of confused! It seems to me that you are 'generalizing' Spanish speaking immigrants! I have many spanish speaking friends & the majority of them either went to high school or took a college class to learn english! Nothing in your question says anything about a majority or a precent of these people! I also work in retail and I understand that a lot of people...( non spanish speaking customers & other employees)... get upset or irrated when someone comes in and needs help & is having a hard time trying to get their need across! But as a human I feel sympathic towards them & try to help them the best I can, because I try to put myself in their shoes!! There are soooo many different reasons why people migrate to the US, but what I think we all need to remember is that this is AMERICA!... that's what America is, a lot of different nationalities and types of people in one place!!!Maybe we should all take a deep breath & do our best to help these people who may not have had the resources that are now availble to them now that they are here!.... but remember, learning another language(espically english) takes time! Peace Out!!

Answer 5

Is not hard to see the difference of circumstances of a Mexican immigrant and an immigrant from different country,most of immigrants i would call them Spanish's because there is from different countries and not only from Mexico are aliens without legal documents of residency,persons who's are looking for better opportunities without more tools than the decision for work hard,but is different when they get a citizenship in this country, then they need to learn the language to qualify

Answer 6

I deal with them daily and I don't get it.

But I have noticed that legal immigrants are of a totally different mindset than illegal aliens. Those who immigrate here legally almost universally arrive prepared to learn English or already speaking English and assimilating into the culture.

Until I began dealing with the issue on a daily basis, seeing the growing devestation and noticing that half or more of these people are NOT going to work but standing around the apartment complex, outside, stepping up to cars for a minute, then back; after all this, I, my wife (Asian, I helped her immigrate) my parents and friends, pretty much every one I know have all turned 180 degrees.

If you're not living daily in the thick of such a community, trust me: we are NOT seeing the realities of this issue represented in the news.

If you'll recall, in 1986, our govt. granted amnesty for those already here. Many did. Did it fix anything?

The populations of Mexico and Central American nations have more than doubled since then, growing much faster than GDP's, making it impossible for job growth to keep up. So, for jobs, they pour northward breeding a sub-culture of unnerving anti-U.S. sentiment, and "Latino Pride" (a term most Hispanics despise as shameful to their culture) has grown like a corraled & well fed herd that has never seen daylight.

Answer 7

Back during new wave immigration in the 1800s many immigrants continued to speak and work in their native tongue. They had resources available to them in their L1 and chose to do that.

What do you mean by convince them? I'm sure that woman knows. I'm also sure that she is struggling to raise a child in poverty and keep a roof over her head. If she is from Latin America it is extremely likely that she is grossly undereducated. Language fossilization in the brain begins at 14 and couple that with a lack of formal education and literacy it thus becomes incredibly difficult to learn a new language.

If you feel strongly. Go volunteer with immigrants, they could use your help to learn English.

Answer 8

Its funny, i have been around this little world of ours a few times, and no matter where i go, from Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy and even many places in the countryside of Japan, people speak english. Crazy huh? But why do we have to press 1 to hear english in our own country? Makes no sense if you ask me, but i guess i'm a racist now.

Answer 9

IF YOU WENT TO ANY EUROPEAN COUNTRY YOU WOULD EITHER HAVE TO SPEAK/READ THAT LANGUAGE OR SOMETIMES ENGLISH IS USED. IT SEEMS THAT ENGLISH IS SLOWLY BECOMING THE WORLD'S LANGUAGE. IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF THE PROXIMITY OF MEXICO TO THE USA THAT WE HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
IF YOU'RE FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY, IT IS A PRIDE OF KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION THAT SEPARATES THE ONES WHO DECIDE TO MAKE THEMSELVES INTO BETTER PEOPLE BY LEARNING MORE VS.THOSE WHO JUST LIKE THE STATUS QUO.
TO QUOTE FORREST GUMP, "WELL, MY MOMMA ALWAYS SAID, 'STUPID IS, IS STUPID DOES."
FEDERAL LEGISLATION HAS TO MAKE ENGLISH THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE UNITED STATES.

Answer 10

well they dont feel like learning the laungage. besides why wouldnt other people want to know spanish or any other language? americans are making english to be the languange that everyone should speak!