Sioux City Journal

A language reality check is needed

Posted: Wednesday, June 20, 2007

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- I am a Hispanic, born and raised in the U.S., as were my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. I am proud of my background and heritage. Lately with all this illegal immigration talk some statements have really appalled me that such people can think so negatively and selfishly.

I understand that the majority of the American citizens speak English, but I am very proud that I am fluent in both English and Spanish as well as many other Latinos in this country. To state that English should be the only language is very upsetting. So when we go to China we should only speak Chinese, or when we go to visit France we should only speak French?

I think we need a reality check here because I don't think English is the only main language. Many people were born into different backgrounds and we all speak many different languages which make us all unique. If it bothers you to hear "Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish," then just simply hang up.

Really, if something as simple as that bothers you, then I am praying for you because in the end when God comes a knockin' on our door I don't think He is going to ask what language we speak or what country we come from or if we are American citizens?

Just as the phrase states, "You learn something new every day," learn a new language or just learn how to be patient the next time you are on that phone. It will be worth it in the end. -- Gaby Cortez

Story Comments

X-SSC wrote on Jul 22, 2007 4:30 PM:

" ROCKVILLE, Md. � Charges against a man accused of repeatedly raping and molesting a 7-year-old girl were dismissed last week because the court could not find an interpreter fluent in the suspect's native West African language. Mahamu Kanneh, a Liberian native who received asylum in this country and attended high school and community college here. THIS GUY WAS RELEASED BECAUSE WE (AMERICANS) COULD NOT FIND AN INTERPRETER. ENGLISH ONLY SORRY. SAVE SOME TAX DOLLARS. FULL ARTICLE ON FOXNEWS.COM "

Jillian wrote on Jul 16, 2007 10:16 AM:

" I agree that it's a wonderful thing to be bilingual. I'm not contesting that. I myself am bilingual. But a language barrier does exist. I have been to foreign countries not knowing the language and it feels frightening and confusing. I think we need to have more opportunities for non-English speaking people to be able to learn English. Make classes when THEY can meet, give more classes. English is the main language in business all around the world. I think if you live in America you have the obligation to learn the language just as if you lived elsewhere. "

SLORSMOM wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:06 PM:

" you are awesome! it's wonderful being bilingual. i am not, but i wish i was. i know how to count to 10 in like 5 languages, does that count? lol and all of these people who say "yea i would LEARN to speak the language of the country..." well, dont you think that is what most of the immigrants try to do? i mean, they dont just pick it up automatically. if i were in mexico or elsewhere i would feel like an alien to the natives. whoopdeedoo, they are learning, and that is what matters. i love the culture that they bring to us, the food, the family-orientation. it doesnt matter if you are from africa, mexico, italy or japan.... you bring something with you that matters, and we all learn from each other. "

Jillian wrote on Jul 11, 2007 12:08 PM:

" My great-grandparents had to learn the language when they got here and so should everyone else. No one stuck up signs and such all over the cities to make it easier for them. If you want to live here legally, fine. Learn the language! "

Immigrating wrote on Jul 8, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Do any of you know anyone that has "legally" Immigrated to the US? I can tell you my spouse is Canadian, white, speaks fluent English and has been a hard worker for years. While going through the Immigration process we were told point blank this would/could take years for him to obtain a status though we were married for over 5 years at that point. We were also told point blank, if he were from the southern border it would have been completed in literally months. We spent thousands and waited over 2 years for him to get legal here. I find this simply wrong! Why should I not discriminate? Here's some more tidbits of info for those immigrating who do not speak fluent English, they get handed welfare, title 19 and don't pay taxes for 10 years. Now that is not just those from the southern border! My children are being forced to learn spanish in elementry to communicate with kids in class, this is wrong! It's all wrong, and as an American I will continue to speak up! "