Axis » Melissa Alvarez http://www.axisblog.com A Culture Movement Marketing Agency Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:55:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Census: More Hispanics in USA fluent in English http://www.axisblog.com/2008/12/census-more-hispanics-in-usa-fluent-in-english/ http://www.axisblog.com/2008/12/census-more-hispanics-in-usa-fluent-in-english/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:06:52 +0000 Melissa Alvarez http://axisblog.com/?p=53 A recent article on USA Today reflected specific numbers of English fluency among Hispanics in the U.S.  The larger cities and counties that have been attractive spots for immigrants seem to have a larger index of fluency than the smaller ones.  Patricia Gomez, executive director of La Voz Latina, a non-profit group that offers social →

]]> A recent article on USA Today reflected specific numbers of English fluency among Hispanics in the U.S.  The larger cities and counties that have been attractive spots for immigrants seem to have a larger index of fluency than the smaller ones.  Patricia Gomez, executive director of La Voz Latina, a non-profit group that offers social services to immigrants, says that day and evening English classes that are offered in conjunction with community colleges are full.

 

To me, it isn't news or strange that first generation latinos aren't fluent in English.  Most of the immigrants that cross illegally into the country barely have a grasp on gramatically correct Spanish.   It is unfair to ask for fluency in English from them when the jobs that they performed in their countries barely require an education.  They usually worked at jobs that required more of a skill set that was usually learned from their parents or just everyday life in their home towns.

 

Most first generation Latinos immigrants are seeking opportunities within the same fields they have worked in their entire lives, but with better pay.  However, they recognize the importance of their children learning the English language and receiving an education in the U.S.  According to this article, the influx of immigrants of this decade is making the effort to blend in linguistically.  This should mean higher paid jobs and better quality of life for them, and their first generation parents.

Article:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-09-English_N.htm

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