Learning the English language can become one of the most profitable ventures to an immigrant. The knowledge of the language can make it easier for one to maneuver in their environment as well as get jobs easily to sustain themselves as well as family members. However, the process proves to be one of the most challenging endeavors among the immigrants from the Hispanic community. Thus, making more logical for them to learn Spanish as opposed to English.
Reasons as to why it is easier to Learn Spanish than English
Aside from what many people assume, among the Latino community there exist other several languages, making Spanish the broader language among their population. Thus, not all Latinos understand Spanish. For example, Laura’s indigenous language is Mixtec, and she doesn’t know Spanish but tries to learn it (Semple n.p). Therefore, coming into a foreign land that does not understand the native language requiring an individual to learn something foreign goes against logic. Hence, English becoming difficult to comprehend.
An immigrant will find it easier to speak or try to learn a language that the people they are familiar with speak. It makes them more comfortable with people of the same heritage as opposed to people that they do not share anything with except learning a language for convenience (Petrón 119). Thus, for a Mixtec, learning Spanish can become convenient because most of the community members use it as a “national” language. The choice can prove helpful when one gets stuck or finds it difficult to translate some words. It will become easier for the person to try and relate to the other or because they are familiar with each other the point can get explained in a way they will understand.
Another major factor is making it convenient for the community members to learn Spanish is the fact that most of the Latino Community members get faced with the issue of illiteracy. Illiteracy makes it difficult for them to learn English (Petrón 121). Thus, it is better if they learn Spanish instead so that they can manage to at least get the help they deserve from even local police members. Spanish becomes a language that the immigrants can pick up in the streets listening to the other people talk.
Lastly, learning Spanish is of convenience in which case that is what these individuals need. Coming into a new country and trying to learn a new language is not easy. Before learning the ropes of the requirements of the new environment, one can face lots of difficulty without even getting help (Semple n.p). Adding to the fact that the individual illiteracy state makes it difficult to learn English. Therefore, the convenient thing to do is to learn Spanish something a little bit closer to home.
Conclusion
Learning Spanish for an immigrant should be the priority for those who do not speak it. The language will at least help one find their way around or even get help when in awkward positions with no one to help. Absolute dependence on another person because of not knowing either language can end up causing major problems.
Work Cited
Petrón, Mary. "Transnational Teachers of English in Mexico." High School Journal, vol. 92, no. 4, Apr/May2009, pp. 115-128.
Semple, Kirk. "Immigrants Who Speak Indigenous Languages Encounter Isolation." Nytimes.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 15 Mar. 2018.
