Getting by, bilingually
Re “Biding their tongues,” Column One, Nov. 12
This article feeds on and fosters Americans’ xenophobia. The solution to rudeness or embarrassment over whether and when to use English or Spanish does not lie in the article’s “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” Just ask. If you’re not bilingual, ask, “Do you speak English?” If you are, ask, “English or Spanish?” An honest question is not rude.
And shame for quoting without criticism the notion from an officer of English First that “our government has gone way too far in encouraging people not to learn English.” Our government has gone way too far in encouraging people not to learn multiple languages. America’s ignorance of other cultures is a worldwide embarrassment, compounded every day that we fail to learn other languages.
Marty Schwimmer
La Quinta, Calif.
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The Times’ article about how some of us negotiate bilingualism reminded me of how this process is further complicated by preconceived notions of language entitlement, or the right to speak English and/or Spanish in any situation, being attributed only to people of certain ethnic or cultural affiliation. As a Cuban-born, ethnically Chinese person who is a native Spanish speaker, I am at worst someone who is condescending to Spanish speakers with limited English skills and, at best, a nice surprise. Once at an academic conference with colleagues with whom I was speaking Spanish, a catering staff member refused to serve my coffee until I spoke to her in English. Another time, a family at a drugstore quietly expressed their appreciation for my interpreting the instructions on their child’s prescription. I have learned to be philosophical about, and really grateful for, my skill. However, until we move beyond assumptions of linguistic legitimacy and accept that everyone’s culture, ethnicity, identity and self are genuine, fluid and evolving, we will remain isolated and unable to partake in full, realized communication.
Victoria Lee-Jerrems
Van Nuys
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When the American government provides information and services in languages other than English, integration becomes easier. The fact that driver’s license tests are available in many languages means that people who don’t know English can drive legally, get to work, go to school and also learn English. The use of Spanish and other languages by government is a smart investment and reflects the best of America as a land of immigrants.
Domenico Maceri
Lecturer of
Modern Languages
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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This article implies that we all have some sort of problem in deciding which language to use in daily L.A. life. Why? If I moved to Albania (legally or illegally), I would hardly expect them to speak to me in English. Obviously, the same is true in any other non-English speaking country.
I work in the public sector and am constantly confronted by people who expect me to speak Spanish. Isn’t English proficiency a requirement for citizenship? If so, why do we cater to non-English speakers on a daily basis? In fact, we hamper those who actually intend to become U.S. citizens by slowing their immersion into what has always been our language.
Pam Wright
Pasadena