Principal Bans Hispanic Students from Speaking Spanish

[Green Cochoa]

In terms of the Gospel, Mrs. White tells us that many people of other countries will come to be educated among believers so that they may return to their own people and spread the word among them. Instead of discouraging these people from ever speaking their own language, we have a duty to encourage them to retain it, so that their effective witness at home is not stymied.

That said, I have no problem encouraging them to learn English. This is, in fact, my occupation. I teach English to people of other languages. But instead of limiting language, and stifling its use, we Adventists, above all others, should be enabling them. After all, what is our Commission?

How do we expect to fulfill Christ's orders while refusing to utilize anything but English, and even seeking to stifle its use among others who are more linguistically gifted or distinct from ourselves? Do we think we speak justly to condemn them for using their native languages here or anywhere?

God would have us to see things in an altogether different light. Americans will never reach those of Chile, Ecuador, or Peru with English. In fact, if those people are reached at all, it will likely not be "Americans" who do it. So let the Peruvians, Ecuadorians, and Chileans alone...and, yes, those under-class "Mexicans" so many like to put down, not realizing that each one of them is "Jesus" (one of the "least of these, my brethren...").

For those who say English should be the "universal language" so that everyone can understand each other--please ask God why He created the various languages in the first place. Did He do it so that each country could prohibit certain "others" from their soils? Remember, God watches and hears every deed and word we choose. And He watches those "least."

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

[Gerr]

Thank you! If I had not learned the language, I'd probably be cutting sugarcane or picking pineapple in Hawaii like my father & uncle, or cutting asparagus in California like many of my relatives did.

Originally Posted By: scott

Is there something wrong with that? Where are you going to to get your asparagus if no one cuts it?

Nothing! Nothing at all!! I just don't want to be the one to do it. Not a back-breaking work in the sweltering heat at subsistence wages if I can help it. Thank you. My brother picked pineapples when he was in junior high in Maui. The sharp thorns that line the edges of the pineapple leaves convinced him there was no future in it. So he became a teacher. My sister saw no future in my aunt working as a maid in hotels in Hawaii (she could barely speak English), so she became a nurse. I picked strawberries one summer and saw no future in it either.

Quote:

I don't argue that learning English is beneficial and necessary. I still don't see the benefit of banning students speaking spanish in a biology class.

Scott

Perhaps you don't see the value of the gov't's compulsory policy of requiring children to attend school?

[Gerr]

For those who say English should be the "universal language" so that everyone can understand each other--please ask God why He created the various languages in the first place. Did He do it so that each country could prohibit certain "others" from their soils? Remember, God watches and hears every deed and word we choose. And He watches those "least."

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

o

You might want to review Gen 11 to see why God had to create various languages. A common language is a very strong unifying force, and different tongues has the opposite effect. I can understand a person taking pride in his native language and heritage, but to cling to it and refuse to learn the language of the country he finds himself in or moves into is to remain in isolation.

What if every sizeable immigrants demanded that all gov't forms or public documents be printed in their own language?

[Green Cochoa]

Gerry,

Perhaps I'm an independent, unpatriotic, multi-cultural idealist, but the way I see things, this entire planet is owned by God, and I'm not sure we, who are in His dominion, have any rights to criticize the manner in which He has distributed the gifts of language to others who are on the same planet--regardless of imaginary "lines" we like to draw in the sand.

We each have a work to do, and God gives language as one of the tools in which to do it. If we try to suppress the tools which others have, just because we don't think they should use them, we are essentially inserting our own judgment in place of theirs--something that is a rather precarious position in God's sight, for He has indicated we should not try to exercise dominion over others. We are each accountable to God for the talents He has given us, and for our use of them. Let those who have a talent for speaking Spanish, speak Spanish. Those who are gifted with English, may they use English well. Those to whom God has given multiple languages, let those languages be utilized to His honor and glory.

To say "English is better" is a rather bigoted way of saying "my talent is better than yours." To me, the added "qualification" of location doesn't change this equation substantively, e.g. "English is better in America." As I pointed out earlier, America is a place where people can learn about God, then return to their own lands and share what they have learned. Hopefully, they will not have forgotten their language to be able to do so, and may they never feel embarrassed at the gifts God has given them.

I have taught in American classrooms where English, Spanish, and Asian students were all in the class. I understood and could speak all of the languages represented. But I never heard the Asian ones--the Asian students were too embarrassed about using their mother tongue to even consider speaking it in class. Need I tell you that they had quite nearly lost their ability to speak it? (I tried addressing them in their mother tongue a few times, only to be met with embarrassed silence, and, if any response was given, it came in English.) The same happens with many, but not all, Hispanic students these days. This is a travesty. One should NEVER feel that his or her mother tongue is a cause for shame or embarrassment--nor that it is something to hide.

Again, I have no problem with helping students learn English. But repressing their own natural language is not the way to do it.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

[bonnie]

Sure. We should just post a sign at every US border station saying something like "God wants you to speak English if you cross that line!" (with a big red arrow pointing to the paint mark on the ground).

Ok, I should not be facetious. Thankfully, God is not a God who uses compelling force in His government. He invented variety, and is a lover of it.

When I learned about "Lady Liberty" in school, there was never any specification as to what languages were allowed entrance.

Discrimination and prejudice more often follow linguistic lines than color lines, in my experience, and this thread is no exception.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

There seems to be a need to turn almost everything into a racist issue,Why is that? The need to paint those that do not agree with you as racist or somehow less than yourself is also typical on this forum

We had many employee's that were not fluent in english.Those that refused to assimilate stayed in that same dead end job. Fluent english was necessary to help the consumer that came in.

Those wishing to use it as a stepping stone and to transition to full time,better pay and benefits, took advantage of the free courses offered,all in english.They used breaks to join those english speaking employee's to ask questions and learn.

This was encouraged by the employer but there was no demand that their native language not be used,except dealing with the consumer. Those wishing to advance made every attempt to learn better english skills.

Making everyone comfortable without expectations to assimilate

into the country you have chosen,ensures we will continue to support those in years to come.

No employer is going to offer an interpreter for every language that may be represented.

Lady Liberty does not say that you will not need to learn,or that you can demand that all effort is made to accommodate the special needs of each and everyone "crossing that line"

There hasn't been any prohibition on speaking a person's native language.

In one grade at middle school locally the teacher would need to be fluent in four languages to accommodate students that choose to speak only one. Or allow all four represented the freedom to

cause confusion during class.

[Gerr]

Gerry,

Perhaps I'm an independent, unpatriotic, multi-cultural idealist, but the way I see things, this entire planet is owned by God, and I'm not sure we, who are in His dominion, have any rights to criticize the manner in which He has distributed the gifts of language to others who are on the same planet--regardless of imaginary "lines" we like to draw in the sand.

Oh, are your for open borders?

... If we try to suppress the tools which others have, just because we don't think they should use them, we are essentially inserting our own judgment in place of theirs--something that is a rather precarious position in God's ...

Is the prohibition of the use of one's native tongue IN THE CLASSROOM so that they could learn the language of the country they are in a case of suppressing God-given talents? That's an over-exaggeration, don't you think?

Quote:

To say "English is better" is a rather bigoted way of saying "my talent is better than yours."

Somehow, I can't recall reading any one saying that. Certainly not by me.

Quote:

To me, the added "qualification" of location doesn't change this equation substantively, e.g. "English is better in America." As I pointed out earlier, America is a place where people can learn about God, then return to their own lands and share what they have learned. Hopefully, they will not have forgotten their language to be able to do so, and may they never feel embarrassed at the gifts God has given them.

If you insist on Latinos sticking to their language, that's fine with me. Just don't complain about poor jobs or not having a piece of the American dream, or insist that America provide translators and bilingual ballots. As Scott said, we do need fruit pickers and asparagus cutters.

Quote:

I have taught in American classrooms where English, Spanish, and Asian students were all in the class. I understood and could speak all of the languages represented. But I never heard the Asian ones--the Asian students were too embarrassed about using their mother tongue to even consider speaking it in class. Need I tell you that they had quite nearly lost their ability to speak it? (I tried addressing them in their mother tongue a few times, only to be met with embarrassed silence, and, if any response was given, it came in English.) The same happens with many, but not all, Hispanic students these days. This is a travesty. One should NEVER feel that his or her mother tongue is a cause for shame or embarrassment--nor that it is something to hide.

Again, I have no problem with helping students learn English. But repressing their own natural language is not the way to do it.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

SOME Asians may be embarrassed to use their language in the classroom, but have you considered that it's not for the reason you are thinking of? Just about every Asian I know wants to learn the English language as quickly as possible. They know that language facility & education is their ticket to a better way of life.

[scott.t]

In Bonnie's original post, the school district is discribed as 50% Hispanic.

Shouldn't the local government and local isd represent its constitutes? The principle implemented a rule, and the community decided it was wrong and not for them. Democracy.

Scott

[OzarkWoman]

In Bonnie's original post, the school district is discribed as 50% Hispanic.

Shouldn't the local government and local isd represent its constitutes? The principle implemented a rule, and the community decided it was wrong and not for them. Democracy.

Scott

Shouldn't the Hispanics learn our language?

[bonnie]

In Bonnie's original post, the school district is discribed as 50% Hispanic.

Shouldn't the local government and local isd represent its constitutes? The principle implemented a rule, and the community decided it was wrong and not for them. Democracy.

Scott

No, this is the US and despite the stats of that school district

business etc is primarily english.

A 50% Hispanic district is still in the US.School is where most of these children will learn the skills to allow them to be productive and self supporting,or it used to be.

Explain why they should not instead of why we should

[Green Cochoa]

Explain why they should not instead of why we should

How about "They should learn English because Americans cannot learn Spanish"?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

[Naomi]

..........................

SOME Asians may be embarrassed to use their language in the classroom, but have you considered that it's not for the reason you are thinking of? Just about every Asian I know wants to learn the English language as quickly as possible. They know that language facility & education is their ticket to a better way of life.

Yes Gerry, I agree. Moreover, it's not only the Asians but many from many countries who know that learning English ASAP is their ticket. Many of our families came here in the past generation or two and speak English; not Italian, Irish, German, Russian, French, etc.

When in Rome, do as the Romans ... you choose to o to a different land, you adapt as soon as possible!

[bonnie]

How about "They should learn English because Americans cannot learn Spanish"?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

You are not answering the question. As far as I know immigrants are here voluntarily. Business,entertainment etc are generally english.

Having a firm grasp of english lessens the chance they will need to be provided for by the american taxpayer.

They did not transport a little Mexico here.

If they can't or refuse to assimilate when coming here,explain why manner of doing things and the way our classrooms are run must change to accommodate them.

Not to long ago while I was waiting to be admitted to the hospital for surgery,a Hispanic lady was in line ahead of me.

The admitting clerk said I should go first as they were waiting for an interpreter. Didn't think much of it.

Later while waiting for the nurse to come for me,the interpreter commented this lady had been in the US for ten years. Why are we still paying for an interpreter? Her refusal to learn places a burden on the rest of us

[cricket]

The visual of this video has nothing to do with my comment (so, whatever, if you want to talk about it go ahead...I just don't have anything to say about it).

But the lyrics and the music! Oh, so apropos! (Oops, pardon my French.)

[bonnie]

The visual of this video has nothing to do with my comment (so, whatever, if you want to talk about it go ahead...I just don't have anything to say about it).

But the lyrics and the music! Oh, so apropos! (Oops, pardon my French.)

Most grade school Hispanic children are born in this country. If they have problems speaking english it is because they are not taught in the home.

To try to run a orderly classroom with the confusion of those speaking another language,not only spanish but others is asking an awful lot from teachers.

I have read thru some statements of teachers struggling with this issue and they all make the same point. A lot of confusion with the students speaking to one another in spanish,giggling over jokes only they understand and giving answers to other spanish students when they should not.In addition not all words translate well and if they don't think in english they do not do as well

There simply is no reason for these children not to speak english in the classroom.They are not being denied in the lunchroom or outside the classroom.

This is nothing more than we are here and you will do it our way

[Windsor]

I attended a class where two brothers of another culture were also in the class. They would talk to one another in their native language and the teacher was none the wiser to what they were talking about. I asked them once what they were talking about and they said they were giving one another the answers to their homework assignment. Had they spoken in English, the teacher would have been none too pleased to learn this was going on.

[bonnie]

I attended a class where two brothers of another culture were also in the class. They would talk to one another in their native language and the teacher was none the wiser to what they were talking about. I asked them once what they were talking about and they said they were giving one another the answers to their homework assignment. Had they spoken in English, the teacher would have been none too pleased to learn this was going on.

This is with two,can you imagine what it would be like with half the classroom?

This was one of the reasons the school seperated the identical twins in our family.Two were mirror image twins and you would almost swear they were able to read each others mind.Of course they could communicate without the rest of us understanding.In addition as long as they were together,they isolated themselves from the rest of the class. I would believe this is also a problem with those from other countries

[cricket]

Wait. I said I was done with this thread a while ago, didn't I? Now I remember why.

[bonnie]

Wait. I said I was done with this thread a while ago, didn't I? Now I remember why.

Because others disagree with you? No one has been sarcastic in response to you,called you names or implied that you were less than christian because you disagree.

[Windsor]

Language is the last thing left in this country which can unify us. There are vastly different shades of skin color. There are more religions than one can count. There are very poor and very rich and everything in between. There are pretty and there are ugly and there are average looking people. There are people who are really smart and those who flunked out of grade school. There are leftists, centrists and rightists. There are Southerners, Northerners, Westerners. There are people who love Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes, Volvo, Toyota, etc. all to the exclusion of other car companies. There are Apple people and Android or Microsoft people. There are those who can throw a football 70 yards down the field and hit a moving target surrounded by 5 guys and then there are those who can't hit the broadside of a barn from two feet away and hate all things sports. There are Raiders fans and Broncos fans who can't share a room during football season. There are so many different ways in this country that we are completely divided! How can we ever be "unum"? The only thing that we can count on, which people are nevertheless trying to destroy as well, is language, in this case English. Let us at least unite in speaking one tongue. The alternative is "babel" or "confusion". It was God's perfect method of dividing the human race and some people's perfect way to divide Americans. God had a perfect purpose in diving us then. There is no good purpose in dividing Americans now.

[cricket]

To the poster above, not to Bonnie: Let's unite with food then, too. Eat cheeseburgers and french fries. Drink only Coca-Cola. Give up everything else--because that only divides us further.

[bonnie]

Let's unite with food then, too. Eat cheeseburgers and french fries. Drink only Coca-Cola. Give up everything else--because that only divides us further.

I am not sure why this has to be taken to obvious extremes.

But take it up with the poster. He made a valid point to which you took exception to.

No one is suggesting putting students that speak spanish in chains or fining them.

The best and easiest way for those that aren't fluent in english is to use it. There shouldn't be this much fuss and sarcasm.Most students were born here and should speak english by now.

If they don't,school is the best place to learn something they need to be successful and independent of others for their support

[cricket]

Exactly. That's what I've been saying all along. Use English when necessary and appropriate. Do not punish people for using their native tongues when appropriate. I don't know why that is so hard to understand. It's appropriate to use English when addressing the teacher and learning skills they will need to be successful in their careers. It's appropriate to address their friends in their "friend" language.

I don't assume that people who use a language other than English are using it to cheat, or to be sneaky. I assume that they are using it because it is the most appropriate means to communicate with their friends.

They can be quiet when necessary--just at all primarily English speaking people can be quiet.

I'm not suggesting that they learn only their native tongue and forget about ever learning another language.

But let's get real. This America is a pretty large place. There is a huge difference between the demographics in Minneapolis and the demographics in Hempstead. To get by in their community--these students in Hempstead will need to know both Spanish and English.

Teachers need not be afraid of the language they don't understand. During tests and lectures, during oral presentations and other schoolwork, require the use of English. But don't punish students for using their native tongue. That's absurd, and in my opinion, every bit as "extreme" as the "cheeseburger analogy" I used in the post above.

Multilingual people can be very successful in the modern business world. They are in high demand. Learning English AND Spanish AND Mandarin should be top priority for all American citizens. It shouldn't be deemed a burden on Americans. Instead, it should be viewed as an opportunity to expand our horizons. American colleges recognize this need. Many require their students to have had at least 2 years of foreign language education before being accepted into college. Many also require another full two years education in order to graduate. It's not a burden. It's an opportunity.

The Times, They Are A Changin'

We're a faster paced society. We're changing. We don't need to be afraid of the change. There's nothing wrong with change.

We can be united with more than one language. Lots of people do it. Look at all the multi-language families we have. It's a world where language doesn't have to be a barrier between, but rather an opportunity to connect.

Good teachers recognize the opportunities of multi-lingual classrooms; they see the hurdles and find ways to adapt--successfully.

[Stan]

this thread is getting too toxic.

[cricket]

Sorry, Stan. I'll leave here too.

Adios!

[Windsor]

That is one way too twist my words. I never said all those differences were wrong. Only that most differences can be overcome through effective communication. When my wife and I argue it is almost invariably a result of ineffective communication. If you want chaos, try India. 438 different languages by some estimates. At least 30 have one million speakers. 122 have at least 10,000. Spreading the gospel there is highly problematic. They are very receptive when they can understand it, however.