Saying ‘Adios’ To Spanglish

To paraphrase the mission statement of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language: all Hispanic immigrants living in the US must make an effort to dominate the English language of the country that is accommodating them, and they must also retain the mastery of their mother Spanish tongue.

If young immigrant children are not making progress learning English, I blame programs like ESL, which only keep immigrant children behind. My brothers and I came from Mexico and were immersed in an English-speaking environment and learned in months. My ESL-taught cousins didn't learn English for years and still speak it poorly. Parents also play a role in the learning, be it both in English and Spanish. Now that I have a daughter, i speak exclusively in Spanish to her because she's bound to pick up the English elsewhere.

It's up to us parents to ensure the kids are fully bilingual. They have the mental capacity to do it, and well, it's just that we tend to underestimate them.

And to those that speak Spanslish: don't do it unless you speak both English and Spanish fluently.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!