Language is often discussed as a barrier. Especially when speaking about Non-English speakers, or people who have a first language that is not English. For these people, the phrases “Speak English or get out” or “We speak English here”. I had a thought-provoking conversation recently about speaking non-english languages in the workplace. The person I was speaking with made an argument along the lines of “I think everyone should speak English in the workplace”. To expect people who have a non-english language as their first language to bend to fit the personal prejudices of customers is so oppressive and privileged. I am Mexican-American, and although English is my first language, I have many family members who would be much more comfortable speaking Spanish in workplaces. For this article, instead of using “non-english” as a term, I will be saying Spanish. Although, this could be relatable for many different languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Hebrew, or any other language that would be considered “foreign” in terms of English being majorly spoken in the United States.
First off, The United States of America does not have an official language. So any remarks stating “We speak English here” are completely false. In fact, it would be unconstitutional for any employers, or anybody for that matter to expect Spanish speakers to conform to speaking English in any setting at all. The first amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..”. This does not specify the language in which free speech is performed in, so that means making Spanish speakers to not speak in their most comfortable language in any setting at all (Workplaces, federal buildings, hospitals, schools) is illegal.
Often times, people who expect Spanish speakers to conform to speaking English make the argument, “I just know they are talking about me”. Sorry to break it to you, but not everything is about you. If you do not understand the language, you literally have no basis to back up that claim besides personal prejudice. The best thing to do would actually be to just mind your own business. You wouldn’t have a problem with Spanish speakers if you were just minding your own damn business, would you?
Imagine being such an oppressed people, and not even be able to comfortably speak your own language. Mexican Americans, accompanied by many Central American people from countries such as Colombia, El Salvador, and Peru are constantly attacked by ICE members. Our families are torn apart by deportation and targeted simply because of race. Latinx people tend to work the most demeaning and tiring jobs for the lowest pay. Our food, culture, and countries are adored by many. United States citizens love eating out at Mexican restaurants, “celebrating” Cinco de Mayo, and taking long vacations to various resorts across Mexico. But, when it comes to the people, we are not respected in being able to speak a language Spanish speakers are most comfortable in.
When United States citizens take trips to those resorts in Mexico, they are never expected to know Spanish. Hotel staff, always accommodate to the best of their abilities to the language differences. It has become advantageous to learn English across the world. This is because of the exploitation of resources and people capitalism has manifested.
Spanish was a language forced onto Issachar/Aztec people by conquisedores (conquerors) who slaughtered and enslaved what was a royal empire. Most customs, including religion, traditions and language are influenced by Spanish conquerors. So the gut-wrenching irony of being forced to speak Spanish, then to be forced/expected to speak English is so disgusting and oppressive. Next time you go to that Thai restaurant, or that Japanese restaurant, and you hear people speaking their native language, just mind your business. People usually speak their native language because it is easier to communicate in your first language if you weren’t able to assume that in the first place. It is easier to solve issues with communications when you are speaking in a language you have mastered, instead of challenging yourself for the selfish prejudices of a customer.
