I had heard about the "Latin wave", but I hadn't experienced it until my last trip. All over the city I heard people speaking Spanish, and at many places was indeed served even better when I spoke Spanish.
However, on the other hand, when watching TV at my hotel, of 40 channels none of them was in Spanish. They didn't even have Telemundo or Univisión. Nevermind international channels, in Spanish or otherwise.
However, on the other hand, when watching TV at my hotel, of 40 channels none of them was in Spanish. They didn't even have Telemundo or Univisión. Nevermind international channels, in Spanish or otherwise.
I don’t think Spanish is important in a country where the majority of the population speaks English, and in a global environment where English is the language of diplomacy and business. I think it’s good to learn as a cultural enhancement (God knows we need more foreign language education in public schools, particularly in early education programs), but Spanish is a minority language and should be treated as such. I’m a liberal, to be sure, but I err on the side of conservative when it comes to immigration issues. Anyone who comes here should do so legally and learn English if they plan to stay. That’s common sense and common courtesy. A society shouldn’t be forced to accommodate a group of people just because they’re here.
You are right that English is the main language of diplomacy and business, but not everything important that happens in the world uses it.
Indeed Spanish is the language of a minority in the United States, but it is a growing, important minority. I find it rather interesting that people tend to find multilingualism threatening, wheareas I think it’s rather enriching. Being able to speak multiple languages builds bridges, which would be something that might be also wise to do with immigrant communities. It’s not as if Spanish speakers are not learning English when moving to the U.S.
Illegal immigration, which you touch upon, is a very spiky subject. I don’t condone it, but it happens regardless. We should approach it as a problem to be solved, not as a reality to be ignored, and being something with very diverse causes, doesn’t call for an easy way out. Building a wall doesn’t help.