Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Opinion

The beauty of being bilingual is lost on many immigrants

Claudia Aguirre
Guest Columnist

I am currently a graduate student at UH, and I am in the second semester of pursuing my master's degree in health social work. As a Hispanic immigrant from Honduras, I have seen the changes within my community. One that stands out is the choice of speaking English over Spanish. Sure, this is the country of freedom of choice to speak any language you want; however, some Hispanics prefer not to embrace their culture.

One reason is because of the acculturation that some immigrants face when living in the United States. Another is pressure to fit in a society where everyone is so Americanized. Last but not least, immigrants are simply brainwashed. In other words, people simply forget where they came from -- their city, food and habits.

Now as a 23-year-old, it's shocking to still find people who question my language. For example a girl in my class once said to me, "I can tell you are not from here."

When I asked how, she said it was because of my accent when I speak English. I explained that I have been living in the United States for more than 20 years and speak English and Spanish perfectly well. I got into graduate school, what more did she expect?

"You do not know how Hondurans speak Spanish; their accent is thick," I said. "Unless you know our accent, you do not know or have the right to say I am not from here."

As you can see, I have a conflict with the idea that every one should speak English in this country to survive. Hundreds of families in Houston have lived in the United States and survived racial profiling and discrimination. They have worked and provided enough income for their families. All is done with little or no English. 

Of course in my case, speaking two languages has taken me to my goals. I love my language and no matter how many degrees I get, I am still Honduran.

It is time to take off the bandages from the eyes of those who think that one should not have to embrace his or her language. More importantly, we should promote cultural awareness.

Please keep in mind that I am not trying to give the English language a bad image or be biased to mine. Instead, I want to promote both languages and recognize the conflicts that some Hispanics have in common.

By doing this, Americans will better understand our culture, our language, and perhaps the beauty of being bilingual. There is much more to be said.

Aguirre, a guest columnist for The Daily Cougar, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu