The two sides have seemingly been whittled down to: "Speak English, it's America's language" vs. "America's culture is that of all the world's cultures."
I think each side has valid arguments. But I also think this language/culture war has buried the true goal of language... to connect people. A short story:
* * *
Last Friday, I parked my car in an $11 lot (they do exist... South Boston across from the courthouse). I planned to leave it overnight but wanted to check the rates. Not seeing a sign, I asked the attendant.
"Top of the building. I can't talk to you," she said, seemingly pointing to a garage across the street. There was no one around besides us, so "I can't talk to you" didn't mean she was busy. Needing to know the rates, I ignored her lack of English proficiency and pressed on.
"I have to park there?" I asked after making her repeat "Top of the building" 3 times to be sure that's what she said.
"Top of building. I can't talk to you," she continued, more annoyed each time she had to open her mouth.
Finally, I smiled, waved, and walked around the back of her booth only to realize what she was trying to tell me. The SIGN with the rates was on the back of the booth.
So I got what I needed. But because we don't speak the same language, both of us squandered an opportunity to connect with another human being and, on the contrary, started our day pretty annoyed with one.
* * *
As we become more isolated from one another by self-checkout lines and touch-tone dial menus, I'd like to think I can still share a moment with a stranger on the street, gain a little knowledge, shake hands, and walk away feeling better about living on this rock. But to do that, it helps to decide how we can best converse.
So to all you non-English speakers out there (and obviously, you read my blog) I apologize that the vocal fringe in our society has arrogantly told you to speak English or turn around. I'd like you to stay and chat. And since most of us are more versed in English, would you mind trying it out? Tell me how much it is to park in your lot. I'll tell you how to find Downtown Crossing. Maybe we'll share a bar top, bitch about the weather for 10 minutes, and exchange cards. No matter what, we'll both be happier for having met.
I know that hanging onto your language for whatever reasons is your choice... but it's certainly not bringing us any closer.
5 comments:
I have always been a proponent of NOT having a national language; but you have me questioning my stance. It is all about communicating, not identification. Some day the entire world will need to understand each other – and that day is coming fast. If it is the majority that will define the language of choice, we had better begin to learn Chinese.
dad
This is where my "conservative" side kicks in. :) The size of our country -- in terms of geography and population -- is simply overwhelming. We need a single language that will unite us and help us see beyond what state and/or region we are from. Also, it is arguable that adding Spanish could even become divisive within our Spanish-speaking community... Which dialect of Spanish would we endorse? Puerto Rican spanish? Mexican spanish? Should we go back to Castillian spanish?
Language is part of your cultural identity, and something that you should hold on to.
Becoming bilingual is good for your brain. While learning a second language (say, the language of the country in which you choose to reside, for example) isn't easy, it does improve brain function, and some studies show it can even delay the onset of dementia.
The key is to get people to let go of the notion that being expected to speak English in the U.S. means they have to abandon their first language and, with it, their sense of self. It's just a matter of practicality, and being able to successfully navigate the world in which you live.
Learning English in the United States is crucial. But it's not mandatory. I don't want to say it should be because I think it would be seen as a vehicle to eliminating the use of other languages and ultimately the persecution of those who resort to their native or alternate tongue. It would be like the "good ol' times," aka 1950s, all over again.
I wish we as Americans weren't so arrogant in thinking that everything should be done our way, period. But I also wish that more foreigners (well, since I live on the border, I'll be specific and say mexicans) would realize that if we were in their country we would be practically REQUIRED to speak the language. Therefore, they should practice what they preach and try to speak English.
P.S. When I worked at this gadget store at the mall we depended on mexican clientele. So I would often get those who'd try to only speak Spanish, learn that I didn't, and admonish me since my last name is of Spanish descent. Yet, after coming to terms, they'd open their mouth and speak perfect English. What's up with that? Why couldn't they just do that in the first place??
Very useful piece
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