The need for a bilingual America
CHICAGO — Does your blood boil at the idea that a candidate for political office can be denied a spot on a ballot because of the inability to speak perfect English? Or does the boiling commence when someone suggests that elected officials don’t need to be proficient in the English language to carry on the business of American government?
It is possible for both impulses to be rooted in legitimate concerns. Consider Alejandrina Cabrera, a political activist and candidate for the San Luis, Ariz., City Council.
Last week, a judge ruled that her name be struck from the ballot because she does not know enough English to do the job—a determination made after a linguist had tested Cabrera and reported to the court that her language skills are at the “basic survival level” and not strong enough to conduct city business.
Lest you think that decision was part of some ethnically motivated coup, Cabrera herself has told reporters, in Spanish through translators, that she speaks little English but enough to get by because the border city of San Luis conducts so much of its daily business in Spanish.
Cabrera is a U.S.-born citizen who, tragically—and like so many other U.S.-born Spanish speakers that get put into segregated Spanish-only classrooms—graduated from an Arizona high school barely able to speak English. That and her mostly Spanish-speaking surroundings have kept her from becoming involved in government, a fundamental right of citizenship.
Many people have taken to social media networks to express outrage that Cabrera was taken off the ballot. This reaction has to do with the feeling that immigrants, and very specifically Latinos, are discriminated against in this country and language is just another test that “those in power” use to flunk Hispanics out of ever gaining any clout for themselves. It is undeniable that not speaking accent-free-English marginalizes those who have worked immeasurably to learn our complex tongue.
Well-documented studies during the past two decades have found that people who speak English with a foreign accent are perceived to be less intelligent, in general, and less professional in a workplace. Not only that, but in some instances listeners have even reported perceiving an accent where there is none because of skin color or facial features. In 2010, a University of Chicago study found that a sample of Americans who were asked to listen to statements from native and non-native English-speakers thought that statements spoken with foreign accents were less truthful.
But those who are passionate about making English the official language of the United States cannot understand why anyone would be threatened by the premise that the country be bound by a single language.
It’s obvious how the politics of bilingual education and of whether official forms, ballots or other types of government services should be available in multiple languages have blunted English language acquisition in this country. We actually fight about whether the most important thing we can do for every student in the public school system is to ensure that they graduate with fluency in English.
When Republican presidential candidates discuss English-only initiatives during debates, some people imagine the dark ages when—prior to public schools offering bilingual or other-language education to English-language learners—children and parents were instructed to not speak to their families in their native language at home and were expected to sink-or-swim in classrooms with no assistance.
But these candidates, the vanguard of an issue that has steadily been threatening to rear its ugly head again, might find that there is middle ground to tread. The Republican hopefuls can champion English as the official language of the country while exalting the important role that all foreign languages have in enriching American culture. They should stress not only how important it is to become fluent in English but also how vitally important it is to learn second languages and be bilingual in our global economy. This, at least, would make some of their Spanish-language campaign ads seem less hypercritical.
But ensuring that everyone in our society has the ability to speak the same language and take advantage of the opportunities this skill affords should not be a partisan issue. If we had put more effort into ensuring that every public school student had the equal chance at becoming fluent in English, Alejandrina Cabrera’s voice could have been destined to lead her constituents in San Luis, and perhaps beyond.
Esther Cepeda is a columnist for the Washington Post Writers Group. Her email address is estherjcepeda@washpost.com.
Feb 4, 2012 at 3:57 p.m.
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For gosh sakes...send her down to Tenn.,they'll teach her how to talk !
Feb 1, 2012 at 8:31 p.m.
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That's like me moving to another country and expecting the people from that country to learn English to accomodate me.
Feb 1, 2012 at 8:08 p.m.
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I'm with you MooShoo. This is an English speaking country. More power to people who can speak more than one language, no matter what their race. But, make sure you can speak the English language well if you intend to work in certain positions that require fluent English.
Feb 1, 2012 at 7:44 p.m.
Feb 1, 2012 at 6:40 p.m.
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It is the immigrants, and only the immigrants responsibility to learn english, not the governments to accomadate them.
Feb 1, 2012 at 4:45 p.m.
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I want Swedish or ASL (American Sign Language) as our 2nd language.
Feb 1, 2012 at 3:57 p.m.
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Things are changing! When I was in high school the languages offered were Latin, German and
Spanish. I took German. I'd find it hard to read more than a page. My daughter took French, Vietnamese, Mandarin and is working on Thai. My oldest son took French and Mandarin. My youngest son took Russian!
Feb 1, 2012 at 12:39 p.m.
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How about leaving it up to the voters?
Feb 1, 2012 at 12:33 p.m.
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NOT a valid point because it is in no way reality. It will never materialize, no matter if you talk about it or anyone does. Scaring people unecessarily to make an ideological point is not a valid point to make.
There is ZERO chance of sharia law to make it here , so again, help me to understand what point you are trying to make? Other than to instill unecessary false fear?
Feb 1, 2012 at 12:23 p.m.
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It is not that states want to bring Sharia law. It is individuals within CARE that have stated that they want Sharia compliance in finance and the courts. A valid point when discussing immigration and assimilation.
Feb 1, 2012 at 11:13 a.m.
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Vato- I think we agree on this one!!
Shrek- I was showing what I believe to be certain individuals view, not mine, sarcasm was infused, I guess I thought most who post regularly probably figured it out.
I was with you until the blather started about sharia law, even republican wonder boy Chris Christie says that is INSANE!! Sharia law is not being brought here, that is a fear tactic used by people trying to scare others into a point of view on immigration. No ONE is bringing Sharia law here, show me an example of any community in the USAA that is trying to do that please, because I do not believe that it exists. That is merely rhetorical on your part, and a sad way to make a point IMO.
Feb 1, 2012 at 10:49 a.m.
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My Greatgrandmother immigrated to this country legally from Sweden. She learned and spoke English as the American language and didn't expect anyone to speak Swedish to make her life easier. Just coming to America made her life easier and she was thankful.
Feb 1, 2012 at 10:33 a.m.
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Fear,
It is not that the US rejects immigrants at all. Many of us feel that if you are an immigrant you should follow a few SIMPLE rules:
1. Immigrate to this country legally.
2. Do not try to force the US to change to be more to your liking. Instead assimilate into our culture. This includes learning our language and adhering to our traditions. (ie: it is great that someone celebrates Cinco de Mayo, but it is not and should not be a national holiday in the US.)
3. Do not try to bring your laws to our country, we already have enough of them and for the most part they have worked well for over 200 years. (ie: Shariah law)
We don't care if you are white, black, brown, yellow or green. We judge people based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
We don't think that Spanish is the language of the ghetto. Spanish is a beautiful latin based language, it is just not the official language of the US.
We don't think that Christianity is the official religion, we feel that all religions deserve respect and at the current time, Christianity is constantly being berated by the liberal left.
The US has been and still is the preferred destination for immigrants. Is it because we are less accepting than other countries? I believe it is the opposite, we are more welcoming as long as you follow the rules.
Evidently something in your past has jaded you to the point that you will not and possibly cannot see the great things about our country. I truly feel for you, hatred and anger are exactly what we do not need in this country right now.
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:45 a.m.
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Welcome to America, land of the white , english speaking, christian. Capitulate or LEAVE!!
Whatever happened to:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
I guess now the nation isn't what it was intended to be on so many levels.
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:42 a.m.
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To be a politician you MUST wear a flag lapel pin
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:42 a.m.
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caucasion is the official race
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:42 a.m.
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Christianity is the official religion
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:41 a.m.
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English is the official language
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:41 a.m.
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Spanish is the language of the ghetto.
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:39 a.m.
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US -- I agree 100%. The only thing I would add is that I do believe that kids today should learn a second language. However, I believe that schools are behind the times in what they are offering. They still offer Spanish and French. While Spanish has value, I no longer believe that French is relevant. We should be adding Mandarin or German. Most Europeans can speak German. So I believe that the selections available have fallen behind. That being said -- I have exposed my children to French, Gernman, Spanish and Italian and I am letting them choose, but they must select 1.
Feb 1, 2012 at 9:23 a.m.
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What stopped Alejandrina Cabrera from improving her English over the years? Others have had no problem why did she? Don't blame the schools. If I move to Mexico, should I expect them to learn English so I can run for office there or should I learn Spanish since that is their language? I want to advance, I go out and learn.
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