After class I thought about the way people respond to Hispanic/Latino Spanish speaking people, speaking Spanish fluently around them here in America. As an English speaking person I want to say the reason this is upsetting to them is because they usually assume that people are either talking about them or plotting against them. This is weird but understandable because in America like anywhere else int he world we have a code of social graces. It is considered rude to speak "around" someone, directly excluding them from the conversation. It becomes especially rude when you don't know what is being said. This can also interrupt the chain of communication when trying to work collectively on certain work task; such as retail work or amusement parks. Aside from all of that all people ever shout in defense of not liking Spanish speaking options is: "This is America speak English!" Yea this is America and English is our unofficial primary language, But the key point is it's UNOFFICIAL so why continue to feel this is the official language ignoring the fact that; We know America has a large bi-lingual Spanish speaking population permanently residing here? I think that with the English language globally being declared the language of "intelligence", "professionalism" and just overall a being considered a higher level of the most "civilized" language (Thanks elitist colonialism) When in fact right here in good ole fashion America people geographiclly speak very diffrently. Holding very diffrent dialects, vanacular, accents and Annunciation of words all accross the board. Making it very difficult to understand one another within the same country, So whats the big deal?
Another thing we as Americans seem to forget is that the people visiting us from other countries feel the same way we do about them speaking spanish or whatever thier native tounge is infront of us. Im sure they feel Fustrated, scared, paronoid or even inferior when we use fomalities they arent familar with such as introductions, hugs , handshakes and such. Along with everyone around them speaking the "highest" form of language in front of them that they may not understand.
So just remember when you go to say to someone "This Is America speak English!" Remmeber not everyone can, also the same way you feel excluded when they are speaking to someone in thier language they feel teh same way when we speak English. Except is all around them Because this is America. Then take into considerations English hasnt been declared our National Language. And know that no matter what language you speak there will always be a communication issue regardless. Because just like love is a universal language so is ignorance. When all else fails some of the best communications is unspoken; Body Language and facial exspressions are universal. Also liek one of our class mate said he was well aware that the guy in the spanish speaking country was unste at him and called him something derogetory. He probably was right because you dont need to know what some one is saying to fully understand WHAT they are saying. Also I personallythink that if someone feel they are in a life threatening situation with a bunch of "Spanish speaking forginers" "Talking about them or plotting thier demise" right in front of them (which I highly doubt) but then you should excuse yourself from that enviorment and seek help. But just wanting to understand what they are saying to further seek a confrentaiton isnt necessary. So seriously just be as accommodating as you can because you would want some one to do it for you if the shoe was on the other foot.
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