As national debate continues
on whether or not Spanish
should become our second national
language, common sense tells
us that it is certainly worthwhile
to become at least somewhat
fluent in the second most
popular language on the continent.
First, take a look at these
figures:
? The most recent census
(2000) projected that the
Hispanic population will grow
by 25% in the next 20 years.
? Since 2000, more detailed
surveys (by Suro and Passel)
have found that the Latino
population is growing with
such tremendous momentum that
a 25% growth projection is
just the tip of the iceberg.
? Tourism from Spanish-speaking
countries has risen more than
35% in the last three years.
What does this mean for the
general U.S. population? Take
a look at these two examples
of how communities are responding
to this increased population
of Latinos.
1) Communities in South Texas
are implementing bilingual
education due to the tremendous
surge of the Latino population.
They have determined that
the home, societal and economic
benefits of educating Latino
children in their native language
will do much to improve their
local communities.
As a result, entire generations
of Latinos are becoming fully
educated within the U.S.,
but they still are primarily
speaking Spanish. These individuals
are now fully educated, Spanish-speaking
members of our society—and
it is to the benefit of all
if we can communicate together.
2) Ticonderoga High School,
nestled in the Adirondack
Mountains of New York. The
percentage of the freshman
class enrolled in a foreign
language course has increased
from 68 percent to 90 percent
in only a year. Why? The region
has seen increases both in
prison construction and in
tourism by French-Canadians
from Quebec. As a result of
these local phenomena, employment
opportunities in tourism and
corrections have been rapidly
increasing. Employers in corrections
indicate that Spanish is required
for many entry-level jobs
and for promotions. Similarly,
tourist industry contacts
suggest a need for more French-speaking
bilingual employees.
After feeling the pressure
from employers throughout
the region, Ticonderoga High
School responded by encouraging
students to enroll in foreign
language classes. The economic
benefit could be underestimated,
and students and teachers
understood the importance
of becoming bilingual for
the benefit of the whole region.
These are not isolated circumstances.
Hospitals, construction firms,
landscaping companies, tourist
shops, hotels, and every other
entity in the service industry
is on the lookout for bilingual
employees–-and especially
those who can speak Spanish.
Basic economics reason that
where there is a demand, “they
will come.” And they
are coming! The Latino population
makes up a huge part of our
market. Employers are keenly
aware of this. They are hungry
for Spanish-speaking workers.
Ask any business owner and
they will tell you that they
give preference in their hiring
to those who can speak Spanish.
As for the owners themselves?
Business is inherently better
for those who can cater to
the Spanish-speaking population.
Therefore, as national debate
continues as to whether or
not Spanish should be recognized
our next domestic language,
it is worth the time spent
to learn the Latino language.
J. Romriell, developer of
The Language Center, reviews
learn-Spanish programs for
adults, children, and corporations.
You can read her analyses
at http://www.thelanguagecenter.net.
