MY TURN

Saying ‘Adios’ To Spanglish

Growing up, I wanted nothing to do with my heritage. My kids made me see how wrong that was.

NEWSWEEK

From the magazine issue dated Dec 17, 2007

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Posted By: libertad_vargas @ 02/12/2008 10:43:21 AM

Comment: I was born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic. Learned to speak, read, and write Spanish at home and learned to speak, read, and write English at school. I will forever be greatful to my mother for that instruction and gift. I had pretty much mastered the Spanish language by age 10 and began learning Italian as well. Watching how my peers in school struggled with Spanish made me very sad. As I continued to learn other languages, I became a spanish tutor to my friends and peers.
As a professional in the corporate world, my being bilingual has not only opened many doors for me but has allowed me to assist others in having more opportunities as well.
All that to say, no one has a right to limit the possibilites that are available to others, even thier children. I'm glad you saw the error of your ways.
Posted By: CARLITOSBROWN77 @ 02/12/2008 9:08:08 AM

Comment: I was born in America and I speak spanish perfectly, shame on you lady.
Posted By: erikas381 @ 02/07/2008 4:46:25 PM

Comment: As a Mexican American, I must say, this article did nothing but irritate me. Most of my early childhood was spent in a part of Texas that was predominantly ???white??? and many Mexican Americans living there were, as Leticia was, embarrassed to speak Spanish. I remember most of my childhood Mexican American friends either pretending not to understand or speak Spanish or truly didn???t know how. In a town where Mexican Americans were discriminated against and considered ???wetbacks??? regardless of their legal status, I was never ashamed of my heritage and proudly stated I was born in Mexico when asked. Even though my school mates teased me, I was never embarrassed of who I am and despite trying to humiliate me, I remained proud and the teasing stopped. Although I am fluent in both English and Spanish (I thank my parents for that) I never think of Spanish as a ???secret language???. My family is of fair complexion and on a few occasions, fellow Mexican Americans assume I don???t understand Spanish and I???ve heard comments made about me. Using Spanish to ???secretly??? talk about people around you is rude and disrespectful. In my opinion, everyone should be proud of their heritage regardless of what that is. Shame on those that are ashamed of theirs and don???t care to learn about it and embrace it! This article proves nothing but the foolishness I despise in uneducated, close-minded people.
Posted By: 203est @ 12/29/2007 1:57:07 AM

Comment: I grew up in Chula Vista, California which is only a few miles from the Mexican border. Being white, but also realizing many Californians are bilingual, I made a point of picking up as much Spanish as I could in school and in adult classes later on. I had correctly predicted it would come in handy to know Spanish in California.

I enjoyed this essay by Letica Salais. However, I was surprised by Leticia's comment about another way of seeing Spanish "...as a secret language my husband and I share when we don't want those around us to understand what we are saying..."

I recall one of my first jobs was working in a factory in Chula Vista where I was literally the only non-hispanic person working there. Everyone was friendly and politely spoke to me in English as best they could. I was too shy to let on that I knew Spanish. I hadn't had much experience practicing it. Over several months, I often overheard coworkers talking about me in Spanish ("in secret"). I never heard an unkind word. One day, a supervisor commented in Spanish to a girl who worked next to me that I had misplaced an item of piece-work. I politely explained IN SPANISH to the supervisor that I had repaired the item at her request (it was someone else's mistake) and I had set the item aside waiting for her to pick it up. I spoke clearly and with such an authentic regional accent that several people stopped working to witness the conversation. The matter was comfortably resolved after a lively discussion and much laughter at my having revealed my "secret". After that, they only spoke to me in Spanish. I loved it and my Spanish skills improved daily.

About speaking a foreign language in the presence of others in order to be secretive, I don't think it's such a good idea. You never know who might be listening. Also, some people might take offense. I can tell you this: Without exception, any time I have spoken Spanish to a person who's first language is Spanish and who only expects a young, white, male to speak English, it has always been graciously welcomed even when I occasionally got lost for words. The Mexican people, in particular, are the most generous and gracious. They take a non-Mexican speaking Spanish as a wonderful compliment.

Spanish is a beautiful language and it is easier to learn than one might think. I had a lot of friends growing up who were in the exact same position as Leticia. Sometimes my friends who didn't learn Spanish from their parents were embarrassed when I conversed with their parents in Spanish. I was trying to make a point and be polite too. It's funny. Those friends often became some of my closest friends because I had made such a good impression on their parents. As long as their son was hanging out with "guero" (the blonde kid), it was okay.

Funny. The girl that worked next to me in the factory was also named, Leticia.
Posted By: 203est @ 12/29/2007 1:54:56 AM

Comment: I grew up in Chula Vista, California which is only a few miles from the Mexican border. Being white, but also realizing many Californians are bilingual, I made a point of picking up as much Spanish as I could in school and in adult classes later on. I had correctly predicted it would come in handy to know Spanish in California.

I enjoyed this essay by Letica Salais. However, I was surprised by Leticia's comment about another way of seeing Spanish "...as a secret language my husband and I share when we don't want those around us to understand what we are saying..."

I recall one of my first jobs was working in a factory in Chula Vista where I was literally the only non-hispanic person working there. Everyone was friendly and politely spoke to me in English as best they could. I was too shy to let on that I knew Spanish. I hadn't had much experience practicing it. Over several months, I often overheard coworkers talking about me in Spanish ("in secret"). I never heard an unkind word. One day, a supervisor commented in Spanish to a girl who worked next to me that I had misplaced an item of piece-work. I politely explained IN SPANISH to the supervisor that I had repaired the item at her request (it was someone else's mistake) and I had set the item aside waiting for her to pick it up. I spoke clearly and with such an authentic regional accent that several people stopped working to witness the conversation. The matter was comfortably resolved after a lively discussion and much laughter at my having revealed my "secret". After that, they only spoke to me in Spanish. I loved it and my Spanish skills improved daily.

About speaking a foreign language in the presence of others in order to be secretive, I don't think it's such a good idea. You never know who might be listening. Also, some people might take offense. I can tell you this: Without exception, any time I have spoken Spanish to a person who's first language is Spanish and who only expects a young, white, male to speak English, it has always been graciously welcomed even when I occasionally got lost for words. The Mexican people, in particular, are the most generous and gracious. They take a non-Mexican speaking Spanish as a wonderful compliment.

Spanish is a beautiful language and it is easier to learn than one might think. I had a lot of friends growing up who were in the exact same position as Leticia. Sometimes my friends who didn't learn Spanish from their parents were embarrassed when I conversed with their parents in Spanish. I was trying to make a point and be polite too. It's funny. Those friends often became some of my closest friends because I had made such a good impression on their parents. As long as their son was hanging out with "guero" (the blonde kid), it was okay.

Very nice essay, Leticia. It's funny, the girl who worked next to me in the factory was also named Leticia.
Posted By: jdkremer @ 12/23/2007 9:27:10 AM

Comment: People who are bilingual need to be cautious with the though pattern expressed in this article, "I see it as a secret language my husband and I share when we don't want those around us to understand what we are saying. " My wife looks as "white" as can be with some Polish and Swedish background. If you???re standing next to her in a store line and decide to speak Spanish making the assumption she can???t understand you ??? you???re in for a surprise ??? she???s bi-lingual in Spanish too! Do I wish I had strived to get A???s in Spanish class in high school and college, Yes, it would have been much easier to work on the west side of Chicago. Now I work in the northwest side and it would be great if I could speak Polish, Russian, and Ukranian.
Posted By: woodiedw @ 12/18/2007 2:41:59 PM

Comment: Same story, different language. My father grew up in south Chicago in the early 1900's - a dangerous time to be Italian on the south side. he spoke fluent Italian but would not teach us. I grew up envious of that place he could go where I could not. Despite many attempts, I can not speak the language. And I regret that - I regret that I could not share something like language which was so much a part of who my father was with him, and I regret that he had been so bothered by the slurs that he didn't want us to learn Italian. Teach your children every opportunity you get. That's what being American is all about - the freedom to learn and share.
Posted By: woodiedw @ 12/18/2007 2:37:33 PM

Comment: Same story, different language. My father grew up in South Chicago, the oldest son of Italian immigrants, and though he spoke Italian fluently, he would not teach it to us. We were Americans and part of protecting us was making sure we were hassled because of the heritage of our Fathers. As a result, I was never able to share that part of his life with him, and that's a huge regret of mine. He died when I was 19 and despiate many attempts, I will never be as fluent as I could have been. Don't hesitate to teach your children any language you know fluentlyl. You will share something very, very special with them that no one can take away.
Posted By: pastorsam @ 12/17/2007 10:59:38 AM

Comment: I envy her. I am a Nigerian and i speak the English language like it is my mother tongue because i have a university degree in it and have been teaching it for a long time. Now, i live in Madrid, Spain and see the need to understand and use the spanish language almost as much. Having gone through a basic Spanish language programme, i fell in love with the language. Bilingualism or multilingualism is a great gift. Samuel Izekor

rich language
Posted By: Sumitat @ 12/14/2007 5:35:38 AM

Comment: Language is culture and I think depriving a child of his mother tongue is depriving him of his true voice. Learn a new language and you learn a new way of seeing the world. I live in India and we have so many regional languages. Every language has its own music and beauty. My experience is that pride in our language is an integral part of general well being.
Posted By: camile @ 12/13/2007 6:26:58 PM

Comment: It is unfortunate that we still live in a world which displays contempt for those of us who are fortunate to be bilingual. I was proud and at the same time disheartened upon reading Salais article. I am also trying to teach my twins Spanish. They are eleven and are so curious and willing to learn a second language. We need to be proud of our culture and the next generation needs to be immersed in all of it including the richness of it's language. It is painful to hear others speak against learning a second language because we are in America and need to speak only English. Those of us who live in America need to know that the Hispanic population is growing in such a rate that in the near future our children will need to know Spanish in order to be productive individuals! Congratulations Salais!
Posted By: Booklover @ 12/13/2007 10:59:44 AM

Comment: As an immigrant from another country, I always question which language to teach my children first. My approach is that they have to know both languages very well. Being bilingual does not necessarily mean you have to use the "other" language in front of the people who do not know it. That is not about being bilingual, it is about being considerate of others. I do hope all parents teach their children manners and to be considerate to others. I agree that it would be "rude" to use the langauge in public places but it is also a disservice to your second generation to deprive them of their own heritage as langugae is a sole carrier of any culture, I believe.
Posted By: John Luma @ 12/11/2007 7:13:29 PM

Comment: Salais writes an inspiring story about the power of multiple languages to enhance one's life and one's heritage. All children should be supported to learn the language of their country and the language of their ancestors. After all, our educational system spends billions nationally teaching foreign languages -- skills that are often acquired with great effort and then get very little use in life.

At the same time, let us never forget the importance of teaching English first here in the U.S. and the importance of English literacy to their future success. English has become the international language because America's culture is preeminent throughout the world.

So I salute Salais' newfound pride, and hope she will advise her children to use their bilingual skills to teach others the power of language and ideas.
Posted By: jojoc10 @ 12/10/2007 11:50:18 AM

Comment: To oftenripped: who are you talking to? "Your" continue use of the aforementioned word makes it appear as if you are lecturing someone? First off, less is more. I read very little substance in your comments. Please give a bottom line up front (BLUF) as your writing is very vague.

Secondly, readers come here to read the articles from real journalists, not from you. Anyways, just a suggestion, happy holidays.
Posted By: oftenripped @ 12/10/2007 10:46:37 AM

Comment: The beauty of the French, the German, Celtic, Spanish, or any tongue need not be diminished or lost to future generations, however using the non-prevalent language (and/or a pronounced accent) will distinguish the user as possibly unreliable in understanding or someone who may not respond as expected. The perception of those who do not understand your language, or, suspect you may not understand theirs, usually is not one of superior intellect, more often, it is viewed as divisive and secretive. So if you intend to raise your children in America, and provide them with every opportunity that is available to them, the romantic accent of an Indonesian tongue or a Celtic lilt to your voice, won???t be much of an advantage outside of those who recognize your province???s dialect. In Spanish speaking countries, an American speaking Spanish is welcomed, but not readily selectable to govern, nor necessarily on the fast track in many companies. When your children speak publicly in a language or with a distinctive accent other than the regional norm you may pride yourself on their respect for their heritage, however, you must recognize the societal response more likely will be one of suspicion and resentment.
The Spanish speaking community also has a large membership of temporary residents, separated from their families by a personal decision to gain access to the wealth of this country and return to their homes. Understandably, and unfortunately, many who speak Spanish publicly or display a Spanish accent are viewed as having a predisposition to return to their ancestral region, not intending to permanently belong to the group, or help it prosper and grow. The derogatory or stereotypical prejudices that grow out of these conflicts are certainly an impediment to the well being those whose allegiances are to their home, this country. To separate yourself, your children, and subsequent generations by non-conforming language and choosing to segregate your associations by choice is to perpetually forestall the integration and growth available to all who choose to participate fully in our culture of diversity and opportunity.
Posted By: Second_Opinion @ 12/10/2007 4:40:13 AM

Comment: There is nothing wrong with Ms. Salais rediscovering her heritage and her native language. That is a wonderful thing.

However, when the foreign language speaker lacks any other language skills, everyone suffers. When people speak two different languages the only dialog possible between them is interpretation. Once both speak the same language communication becomes possible.

For tourists, interpretation is typically more than enough. But when a person immigrates to another country and insists on retaining his native tongue, then that person becomes an impediment. This is true whether the immigrant speaks Spanish, Danish, French, Russian, or Chinese. The simple truth is this: productivity goes out the window if we cannot understand each other.

Moreover, it does not matter which country we happen to be discussing. If we are discussing America, we should speak English. Period. If we are in France, we should make every effort to speak French. Period.

The worst blow history dealt Mexico is that it was colonized by Spain, who brought its language. Mexico would have been much better off if it had been colonized by Great Britain. If it had, it would be an English speaking country today with laws predicated on Great Britain's - the same as America. If you think the colonizing country plays no role in the outcomes of its colonies, answer the following question: Where are thousands of American jobs being outsourced to?

I work in sales in the technology sector in the Bay Area. You can walk down almost any street here and not hear a word of English. But you will hear almost every other language on the planet. When you are trying to convey an abstract concept and no one speaks the same language, it is almost impossible to get your ideas across. When you are trying to leave a message and the person on the other end of the line does not speak English, what do you do?

For those who are bi-lingual or multi-lingual, including Ms. Salais, you can speak your native tongue all day long in your own home. However, it has absolutely no place in the workplace. And when people use their language skills so that those around them will not "understand what we are saying", there is only one word for that: rude. I have had it happen to me and it is a highly uncomfortable experience. So much so, that I categorically refuse to indulge in the practice.

I was born in Mexico. I immigrated here legally. I received my education here. And I am bi-lingual. My English is second to none and better than most. When I was a high school freshman of fourteen, I realized I would have to be more All American than the All American Kid to succeed. Guess what? I am and I have succeeded. I refuse to speak Spanish where English is appropriate, as in restaurants. Why should I? I am not doing the other person any favor by addressing them in Spanish. All I am doing is delaying their full understanding of English and the day when they can become full participants in American culture.
Posted By: Second_Opinion @ 12/10/2007 4:39:40 AM

Comment: There is nothing wrong with Ms. Salais rediscovering her heritage and her native language. That is a wonderful thing.

However, when the foreign language speaker lacks any other language skills, everyone suffers. When people speak two different languages the only dialog possible between them is interpretation. Once both speak the same language communication becomes possible.

For tourists, interpretation is typically more than enough. But when a person immigrates to another country and insists on retaining his native tongue, then that person becomes an impediment. This is true whether the immigrant speaks Spanish, Danish, French, Russian, or Chinese. The simple truth is this: productivity goes out the window if we cannot understand each other.

Moreover, it does not matter which country we happen to be discussing. If we are discussing America, we should speak English. Period. If we are in France, we should make every effort to speak French. Period.

The worst blow history dealt Mexico is that it was colonized by Spain, who brought its language. Mexico would have been much better off if it had been colonized by Great Britain. If it had, it would be an English speaking country today with laws predicated on Great Britain's - the same as America. If you think the colonizing country plays no role in the outcomes of its colonies, answer the following question: Where are thousands of American jobs being outsourced to?

I work in sales in the technology sector in the Bay Area. You can walk down almost any street here and not hear a word of English. But you will hear almost every other language on the planet. When you are trying to convey an abstract concept and no one speaks the same language, it is almost impossible to get your ideas across. When you are trying to leave a message and the person on the other end of the line does not speak English, what do you do?

For those who are bi-lingual or multi-lingual, including Ms. Salais, you can speak your native tongue all day long in your own home. However, it has absolutely no place in the workplace. And when people use their language skills so that those around them will not "understand what we are saying", there is only one word for that: rude. I have had it happen to me and it is a highly uncomfortable experience. So much so, that I categorically refuse to indulge in the practice.

I was born in Mexico. I immigrated here legally. I received my education here. And I am bi-lingual. My English is second to none and better than most. When I was a high school freshman of fourteen, I realized I would have to be more All American than the All American Kid to succeed. Guess what? I am and I have succeeded. I refuse to speak Spanish where English is appropriate, as in restaurants. Why should I? I am not doing the other person any favor by addressing them in Spanish. All I am doing is delaying their full understanding of English and the day when they can become full participants in American culture.
Posted By: Zyrath24 @ 12/10/2007 12:21:18 AM

Comment: I'm studying Spanish for my major. I wish I could say I was bilingual, but I'm far from it. I can understand more Spanish than I can speak even after six years. Be proud of your heritage and ethnicity. If I were to go to another country, I would learn to speak some of their language and learn about their culture before I went. I love Spanish, Italian and French culture as well as their languages. I've found I can understand written Italian, Portuguese, and some French because of my Spanish knowledge but anyone who knows Spanish should have little difficulty. Be proud that you're Spanish and don't listen to people who try to put you down! The world is diverse, and that diversity makes it beautiful!
Posted By: jojoc10 @ 12/09/2007 5:26:19 PM

Comment: As someone who took 4 years of spanish and retained very little, I can tell you all how extremely jealous I am. In fact, I'd venture to guess that most Americans who advocate that this country speak strictly english are probably jealous too but are just too self-conscious to say it.

I think a lot of the anti-spanish sentiment also comes from xenophobia. There have been many immigrants who have come to America and speak in their native tongue (Germans, Italians etc...)

This country is blessed because of the diversity it has and because of the people who embrace it!
Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:26:17 PM

Comment: Being Hispanic, Puertorrican, I am proud of my heritage. Yes a heritage which is multicultural and multilingual. In Puerto Rico, a crossroad of cultures where the Native American,(Taino Indian), Spanish, African and Anglo-Saxon cultures have collided and created a very rich culture where the Spanish and English languages have interningled with the African and Caribbean languages. This collision have created the Puertorrican Spanish or Spanglish! Yes we use in our day to day language words like parking (estacionamiento o estacionar), sandwish (emparedado) and switch (interruptor o cambiar). Also we have created words like "jangueo" (janging around), Zafac??n (trash can, this word comes from safety can), cangrim??n (comes from congressman and means someone big), broki (comes from brother and it means brother), pana (which comes from partner) and many other words that only a Puertorrican will colloquially use daily. The same have happened with the African and Taino languages which have given us many words that nowadays are in the Dictionary of "De Real Academia de la Lengua Espa??ola". I am proud of my heritage and proud of my bilingual gift that no one will ever take away from me! Language is so important that one of my kids speak Spanish, English, French and Chinese. My home and my kids home will always be bilingual homes because it is our heritage and is a wise thing to do and they will always cook arroz con habichuelas y arroz con pollo a la puertorrique??a.
Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:25:59 PM

Comment: Being Hispanic, Puertorrican, I am proud of my heritage. Yes a heritage which is multicultural and multilingual. In Puerto Rico, a crossroad of cultures where the Native American,(Taino Indian), Spanish, African and Anglo-Saxon cultures have collided and created a very rich culture where the Spanish and English languages have interningled with the African and Caribbean languages. This collision have created the Puertorrican Spanish or Spanglish! Yes we use in our day to day language words like parking (estacionamiento o estacionar), sandwish (emparedado) and switch (interruptor o cambiar). Also we have created words like "jangueo" (janging around), Zafac??n (trash can, this word comes from safety can), cangrim??n (comes from congressman and means someone big), broki (comes from brother and it means brother), pana (which comes from partner) and many other words that only a Puertorrican will colloquially use daily. The same have happened with the African and Taino languages which have given us many words that nowadays are in the Dictionary of "De Real Academia de la Lengua Espa??ola". I am proud of my heritage and proud of my bilingual gift that no one will ever take away from me! Language is so important that one of my kids speak Spanish, English, French and Chinese. My home and my kids home will always be bilingual homes because it is our heritage and is a wise thing to do and they will always cook arroz con habichuelas y arroz con pollo a la puertorrique??a.
Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:24:17 PM

Comment: Being Hispanic, Puertorrican, I am proud of my heritage. Yes a heritage which is multicultural and multilingual. In Puerto Rico, a crossroad of cultures where the Native American,(Taino Indian), Spanish, African and Anglo-Saxon cultures have collided and created a very rich culture where the Spanish and English languages have interningled with the African and Caribbean languages. This collision have created the Puertorrican Spanish or Spanglish! Yes we use in our day to day language words like parking (estacionamiento o estacionar), sandwish (emparedado) and switch (interruptor o cambiar). Also we have created words like "jangueo" (janging around), Zafac??n (trash can, this word comes from safety can), cangrim??n (comes from congressman and means someone big), broki (comes from brother and it means brother), pana (which comes from partner) and many other words that only a Puertorrican will colloquially use daily. The same have happened with the African and Taino languages which have given us many words that nowadays are in the Dictionary of "De Real Academia de la Lengua Espa??ola". I am proud of my heritage and proud of my bilingual gift that no one will ever take away from me! Language is so important that one of my kids speak Spanish, English, French and Chinese. My home and my kids home will always be bilingual homes because it is our heritage and is a wise thing to do and they will always cook arroz con habichuelas y arroz con pollo a la puertorrique??a.
Posted By: Peace21 @ 12/08/2007 10:34:05 PM

Comment: What a beautiful gift you have discovered and are now sharing with your kids. It is in realizing and accepting who we truly are that we achieve happiness. Kudos to you and your husband for making your home bilingual!
Posted By: meredith05 @ 12/08/2007 10:22:41 PM

Comment: maybe they are talking about jayjay bc he/she is a racist jerk. i speak both languages and i am white and sometimes i do not say that i speak spanish and listen to the spanish being spoke around me and i have never heard any bad comments. maybe jayjay is afraid of what is unknown and automatically assumes the worst. as this country grows with each generation, this negative attitudes will dissappear. my children (4 and 2) will know both languages, since i speak to them in both and i feel it will give them a great competitive advantage growing up while others who run in fear from change will be left behind, muttering to themselves about how "this is america, speak english, dammit" haha these comments are so ignorant i also feel sorry for the people muttering them. ALMOST.
Posted By: bella20 @ 12/08/2007 9:44:36 PM

Comment: It's ignorant fools like you jayjay2007 who don't get very far. How dare you be so racist? Wake up, we're in 2007. Yes we are in America, the land of the free. We're a melting pot of different societies and cultures, which is what makes this country so great. Maybe your co-workers don't want you to know what you are saying because of your bad attitude.
Posted By: jayjay2007 @ 12/08/2007 9:35:30 PM

Comment: well, you should have stuck to your first intent to ignore the spanish language. It is spoken by dirty little nasty people who use it to talk *hit about other people. Speak english, this is the USA!!!!!
- Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:49:47 PM
  
  Comment: Can you tell where in the US Constitution says that I have to speak ony English? ??La verdad es que este indididuo esta pasao! Le encanta insultar, esto denota su pobre calidad humana y su falta de escolaridad.
Posted By: jayjay2007 @ 12/08/2007 9:33:28 PM

Comment: I think the hispanics are rude, especially in the workplace, when they start talking their spanish. Usually they are speaking in spanish only because they don't want others to know the horrible things they are saying about others. I have experienced this more than once at work. They were say awful things about a new co-worker and didn't think anyone understood them. Well, you should show some respect and speak english when in America. You rude little back stabbers!!!!
- Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:46:24 PM
  
  Comment: Dear Jayjay2007:
  Form your comment I can say that you do not know hispanics! We are the warmest people on Earth! We tend to give our hand and our friendship to anyone. We are the first one to teach people Spanish. We love to introduce our culture, our food and our humanity toward anyone that wants to share. For your information the Spanish people have been in the US for a long time. Montana and Arizona are Spanish words. Like it or not that is a reality. If you do not understand a coworker then go and buy a Rossetta Stone Spanish module and learn some Spanish. This will help you increase your salary and will put you ahead! Please stop insulting us, that is racisim. Why you do not say anything about the thousands of hispanics giving their blood in this war. Go to the Viet Nam Memorial and see the thousands of hispanic names that gave their lives for us. Did you know that the F-111 that fell in Lybia was piloted by a hispanic (Puertorrican) named Maj. Rivas-Domichi, USAF? Did you know how many Medal of Honor are held by hispanics? By Puertorricans, five! As any male american I know that you go crazy for hispanic women and then you dispise us! What a shame! That is one of the reasons why you can behave like an ugly american. Also your comment shows how well educated you are! Do you belong to the KKK or are you a Neo Nazi?
Posted By: sugaball @ 12/08/2007 6:06:37 PM

Comment: Im a black woman mid 40s born and raised in tampa,fl. I am almost jealous of my spanish speaking coworkers. They are from all over and they can talk to one another in one language! Its a beautiful thang!!!!!!!!!!!

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Saying ‘Adios’ To Spanglish

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Posted By: libertad_vargas @ 02/12/2008 10:43:21 AM

Posted By: CARLITOSBROWN77 @ 02/12/2008 9:08:08 AM

Posted By: erikas381 @ 02/07/2008 4:46:25 PM

Posted By: 203est @ 12/29/2007 1:57:07 AM

Posted By: 203est @ 12/29/2007 1:54:56 AM

Posted By: jdkremer @ 12/23/2007 9:27:10 AM

Posted By: woodiedw @ 12/18/2007 2:41:59 PM

Posted By: woodiedw @ 12/18/2007 2:37:33 PM

Posted By: pastorsam @ 12/17/2007 10:59:38 AM

Posted By: Sumitat @ 12/14/2007 5:35:38 AM

Posted By: camile @ 12/13/2007 6:26:58 PM

Posted By: Booklover @ 12/13/2007 10:59:44 AM

Posted By: John Luma @ 12/11/2007 7:13:29 PM

Posted By: jojoc10 @ 12/10/2007 11:50:18 AM

Posted By: oftenripped @ 12/10/2007 10:46:37 AM

Posted By: Second_Opinion @ 12/10/2007 4:40:13 AM

Posted By: Second_Opinion @ 12/10/2007 4:39:40 AM

Posted By: Zyrath24 @ 12/10/2007 12:21:18 AM

Posted By: jojoc10 @ 12/09/2007 5:26:19 PM

Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:26:17 PM

Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:25:59 PM

Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:24:17 PM

Posted By: Peace21 @ 12/08/2007 10:34:05 PM

Posted By: meredith05 @ 12/08/2007 10:22:41 PM

Posted By: bella20 @ 12/08/2007 9:44:36 PM

Posted By: jayjay2007 @ 12/08/2007 9:35:30 PM

Posted By: Dragonfly @ 12/09/2007 1:49:47 PM

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STRATEGIES

The Paper Chasers

NATIONAL SECURITY

The General's Marching Orders

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