According to an article in the New York Times and the Pew Hispanic Center, Latinos are eager to learn English after immigrating to America. After the first generation of immigrants there is an average jump of 60+ percent in the level of English fluency. Most immigrants fear that they will be discriminated against if they do not speak English, and that speak fluent English is the key to success in America. Although many recent immigrants (nearly 70%) admitted to poor English skills they all feel that there ability to speak English was poor of a factor in discrimination than race.
This ties in with recent talks in class because it shows the differences between the different generations in immigrant families and their concern for discrimination. It also shows a varied concept on the issue of assimilation amongst immigrants. The article says that contrary to concerns with assimilation that many Latino immigrants feel that learning English is necessary. However, the retention of Spanish is also a large factor in Latino life and that only 15 percent of families said they were largely English speaking.
The link to the article is as follows-
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/us/30immig.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=latino&st=nyt&oref=slogin
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2 comments:
I agree with Nate, in that this article highlights the different ideas of assimilation by younger generations of immigrants. I think that it has to do with what Lisa Bedolla in her book Fluid Borders calls affective group attachment. The idea that “the individual sees his or her fate (social, economic, or political) as related to the fate of the larger group” (p. 10). I think that we can relate this to the younger generations, that they may feel that they can move the racial group towards more participation politically and socially in American society if they learn to speak English fluently.
I agree with Nate as well, he stresses the importance of learning English. Learning English is a relevant goal that I truly believe that it can improve the rights on Mexican American immigrants. Assimilation into American society is necessary. Retaining their Spanish is also equally important. When reading this post I thought that an American learning Spanish is just as important. The book talks about bilingual education and its importance. Learning Spanish will greatly increase the chance of a person receiving employment. It works both ways.
-Devere Sanchez-
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