Comments on: Need a Job? How’s Your Spanish?

By: gwan gyal

gwan gyal — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 02:49:26 +0000

I took spanish in jr high and high school..but skipped it in college. Been out of school for 5 years and recently began a self directed conversational spanish program. I did not attempt for the longest b/c i did not want to go back into classrooms and just do reading and writing. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find people that want to have conversations to improve their english..while helping me improve my spanish.

Honestly, working in the corporate world does not require me to know spanish, but I want to travel more and not expect ppl to only speak English to me. I plan to learn more once I master Spanish…..French, Swahili, Italian, sign language…not so sure about mandarin or russian….perhaps I can try German. All of the Spanish ppl (from spain) that I have been practicing my spanish with have been saying that in Europe, German (and some Chinese) is pushed as a second language for them…english not so much..and especially not french.

By: carmela

carmela — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 22:36:35 +0000

I’m Colombian, I visited Houston a couple years ago with a fluent english (I thik so anyway) only to found out that almost everybody spoke spanish, once I went to subway for lunch and nobody there knew a single word of english. I think it is a good thing to wellcome foreing people but they should make an effort to learn the local language, personally I get anoyed with foreing people in Colombia with poor spanish that gets upset because others don’t speak their language, I mean when in Rome…

By: T. Harris

T. Harris — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 05:36:31 +0000

I just recently graduated from college in East Asian Studies, and I speak Japanese and French. If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me where you worked your Japanese skills? I would really appreciate it!

By: modern lady

modern lady — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:26:02 +0000

Spanish might help with a call center job, but in terms of a more profitable career choice, Chinese would be a lot more helpful with international markets. Possibly acquiring an obscure second language like Portuguese or German might also make you more marketable in some jobs, such as being a Translator.

By: Ruby

Ruby — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 20:48:49 +0000

Any second language can give you an edge. Also just because a person has Spanish speaking parents does not mean they “speak” Spanish. Although, my parents speak Spanish, I’ve studied Spanish at a college level and on my own. And that has made me fluent,

By: apple

apple — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 20:28:26 +0000

@dauphine yes I know

By: Wuluwulu

Wuluwulu — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:43:38 +0000

This shouldn’t be a headache, bettering oneself in any way should be the norm. I am sure there are many free or low cost Spanish classes being offered in major cities. Oftentimes employers will also cover tuition for employees to take courses from which the company can benefit. If you are currently employed and your employer covers tuition reimbursement then this is the perfect situation to study another language. I have every intention of having my children go to French immersion school and I will set the expectation that they must all be bilingual by completion of HS. Most Europeans are fluent in English, many Asians, both east and south Asians are English speakers as well. Americans are putting themselves at a disadvantage by not realizing the world is getting smaller and smaller and being able to successfully compete is crucial.

By: NTG

NTG — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:40:08 +0000

I have found that Youtube was probably the best language teacher out there. I learned most basic languages simply by using Youtube. Yes, even Yoruba.

By: chanela

chanela — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 08:15:12 +0000

what i mean by it being codeword for “latino only” is because they will hire a NON SPANISH SPEAKING latino in a heartbeat… but i’m black and speak more spanish than my spanish speaking friends (i know right?) yet they try to find any excuse to deem me as unqualified. if i say something that SOUNDS wrong because of my accent in spanish then people would say “well good try. take some more spanish classes.” i hate when i mix up a word and people say “haha see i knew you didn’t really speak spanish. nice try though”

i see hispanic people working at these “spanish speaking required” places and they don’t even know how to say basic ass words in spanish or when if someone asks ” how do you say___” they’re like ” idk. hehehe”. they never believe me when i say i speak spanish which is ignorant as hell of them because their asses should know better. they should know that people with brown skin and long silky black hair aren’t the only ones who speak spanish. i’m sick of older people getting hellishly surprised when i speak spanish and saying “oh! te hablas espanol? por que? eres una negra!” (oh you speak spanish? why? you’re black) how are you 60 going on 70 and you don’t know about the demographics of your own damn country? SMH

i hope you know that even in MEXICO there are veracruz and costa chica, those are afro mexican parts of mexico. SMH

By: Misty_Moonsilver

Misty_Moonsilver — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 06:47:02 +0000

My Japanese has helped me to get jobs in the past. A second language is very useful even if it isn’t Spanish.

By: dauphine

dauphine — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 03:13:05 +0000

lol in korean ‘hello’ is An nyoung ha seh yo, you said ‘thank you’

By: African Mami

African Mami — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 02:01:52 +0000

I was actually talking more from a global perspective. Don’t nobody care for my native! Its all good.lool!

By: Dara Dior

Dara Dior — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 01:38:42 +0000

@Brave@heart hey im also trying to learn yoruba because Im Nigerian (its so sad i cant speak my language), do you have recommendations cuz even though my parents speak the language I wanna try and find a good dictionary or book to help me.
Also even though america is english speaking, the fact that hispanics are a mjority means we have to evolve the way we communicate and also there is a large group of latinos who don’t speak english its a major reason why i wanna minor in spanish. Also it really is so much fun learning a new english

By: Brave@heart

Brave@heart — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:28:10 +0000

(Not sure if this is completely relevant- just my story). I’m a sophomore in high school, and I LOVE languages. English is my native language, but I am currently taking a Spanish course and a Mandarin course. Both languages are beautiful- I feel so self-conscious when I’m practicing speaking them, though, because I have a voice that doesn’t always mesh well with the language and I don’t (obviously) speak the language fluently. I also am working on learning Yoruba in my free time. I found that this language comes off my tongue easier, but it’s still a challenge. A pleasant challenge though- languages are my favorite classes.

Though my plans for my career change with every day (one day I want to be a geneticist, the next I want to be a chef, the next a language teacher), I always come back to the idea of using my future language skills in the job. I also want to be fluent enough when I get older so that I can teach my kids some Spanish, some Mandarin, and some Yoruba (hopefully they won’t be confused, ha). Very far into the future, I know, but I always wanted my family to be ingrained with culture.

I have a whole lot of questions for anyone who can answer. Does anyone know how I can learn Yoruba easier? I live in a white town and the Internet sites I’ve seen are good, but not very extensive. What majors and colleges should I be looking at that are geared towards success in language? What kinds of careers should I look towards that focus on languages (besides the usual)? Thanks for the help!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:27:29 +0000

I am a college senior currently minoring in Spanish and I love it, especially because I have learned the connection between afro-descendants in both the english-speaking America and Spanish-speaking Central and South Americas. Before I thought the only possible afro-latinos had to be Dominican or Panamanian, now I know better. I now know that more slaves were displaced in South America than the US and that blacks have made a huge contribution to what we know as “hispanic culture” today. It hasn’t been required of me to use my (not so fluent, and maybe sometimes spanglish lol) skills at any of my jobs, but I see that it has been helpful at times. On the flip side (not to sound like a “bigot”, I suppose) I don’t think the rising need for spanish-speakers should defer those who speak the language naturally from learning how to speak english. After all, it’s BI-lingual, it goes both ways. and shoutout to all my hispanohablantes… mestizos, miskitos, etc all yall

By: Mimi

Mimi — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:25:55 +0000

This is a topic that causes me to have a tension headaches. A part of me is supportive, but there’s a part of me that is antagonistic to the idea.

By: AnorexicBob

AnorexicBob — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:27:27 +0000

African languages aren’t very widespread in the US, while Spanish is the second most common language in the US. It’s all about business, there are millions of people in the US that only speak Spanish, so it only makes since that many companies would need people that can communicate with them.

By: Yb

Yb — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:22:46 +0000

Lmaaaaooooooo

By: apple

apple — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:11:53 +0000

Hola como esta – Spanish
Bonjour – French
Ni hao ma? – Chinese
Ciao/Chao- Vietnamese
Konnichiwa- japanese
Kumustaka- Filipino
Kum sa ha nee da- Korean
Guten tag- German

Now someone hire me sh*t

By: Kam

Kam — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:00:48 +0000

The official language of this country is the Dollar. And if the people holding the green are speaking Spanish well they’re gonna want Spanish speakers to get that green.

By: Kam

Kam — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:59:19 +0000

It most likely depends on the location and type of job. Here in the Southwest Spanish is a definite plus. I have to brush up on my Spanish to make myself more marketable.

By: MK

MK — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:52:17 +0000

I started learning portuguese this year and stop, but I plan to start over. I’ve been thing about moving to Brazil for about two months to practice with native speakers every day, i want to learn the language so bad. I also would like to learn Italian and French, someone told me Italian is not on demand, but that’s a language I always wanted to learn, so I will. After recently coming back from a trip to a resort in the caribbean I am convinced I need to learn at least two more languages, it is awesome to be able to speak to other people in their native language.

By: LynLyn

LynLyn — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:46:18 +0000

I have so many typos! I was typing really fast. lol

By: girlformerlyknownasgrace

girlformerlyknownasgrace — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:40:27 +0000

I work in a field where the patients/clients are primarily African-American or Spanish, so I see a lot of job postings where Spanish is required or preferred. It is now part of providing efficient service.

By: Bren

Bren — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:40:15 +0000

I am not and it’s very unfortunate. It’s better to be at least bi-lingual as it increases employment opportunities.

By: Pseudonym

Pseudonym — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:36:36 +0000

You should tell your mom that most other countries have foreign language built into their public school curriculum. They usually take either English or French.

By: Pseudonym

Pseudonym — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:34:55 +0000

Wendy’s got it. There are tons of native Spanish speakers in the US. You’ll def get farther with a not-to-common language if you have a certain field targeted.

By: Pseudonym

Pseudonym — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:33:45 +0000

yES!!!!

“There is simply a lack of interest, in her view. And in the case of Spanish, part of the problem is that the language often is taught in a vacuum, where black students are unaware of the linkages between African and Hispanic culture, the Spanish and Portuguese slave trade, and the contributions of Afro-Latino people.”

And THAT, ladies and gentleman, is what I like to call “over-intellectualization.” Not a real word, but fits perfectly. Money is definitely the main issue.

Also, as someone who speaks fluent Spanish, I believe that this rumor that it’s “necessary to speak Spanish to get a job” is completely false! For most positions where it is absolutely necessary to hire a Spanish speaker, a Latino is hired. There are A LOT of native Spanish speakers in the US and companies have their pick- why pay for the non-native who learned doing worksheets at university with 4 months spent in Spain and doesn’t always get colloquialisms? Even with my so-called “fluency” I still can’t understand little kids, critically sick people, or jokes very well.

Unless you want to be a professional translator or do business with Spanish countries, it’s not that serious. But it’s a cool skill to have and studying abroad is awesome b/c it’s really just constant partying it up in another country with a couple hours of easy classes during the week. I highly recommend!

By: binks

binks — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:20:42 +0000

Interesting article, my parents and I was having a heated discussion about this the other day of how I wanted to learn to be fluent in a foreign language or two for job potential prospects, especially one of the jobs I was targeting that required being fluent in Japanese. My mom was ranting how it is ashamed that you have to learn another language in an mostly English speaking country. I can’t say I don’t agree with her but at the same time it wouldn’t hurt to broaden your horizons it can’t hurt in covering all your bases and making yourself stand out from the pack when the employment competition is so fierce.

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:07:43 +0000

Great comment. Learning new languages is extremely beneficial and helps strengthen diplomacy. I’ve always took notice that being able to communicate in more than one language will always make you more attractive to employers who work in multicultural locations. My best friend and I have been teaching ourselves Portuguese for a year and a half now. I’m now able read and write (intermediately) in the language. I couldn’t do that two years ago.

How is Mandarin working out for you? I have taken notice at the future demand for Mandarin. Some estimates say that Spanish (like French) will no longer be the preferred foreign language for American schools. I recently downloaded some beginners app and honestly I think that’s a language that will take me years to learn.

By: LynLyn

LynLyn — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:06:23 +0000

My Spanish is used to be better than my English at one point. Even though English is my first language along with French. I learned French at 3 because my mom and dad put me in some weird French emergent school. I was so good but I can’t speak it anymore. I’m not comfortable with speaking Spanish. I feel like I sound bad. My dad’s family is actually Dominican and Jamaican. But he and many of his siblings don’t know the language at all nor can they speak the Jamaican English Dialect Patois. I made it my task to learn Spanish. I was really good at it and there were times were I only spoke Spanish because the neighborhood I lived in was 100% Latino. I’m going to retake a Spanish course and perfect my Spanish this summer.

I’m also trying to learn Mandarin Chinese. I really want to go to China or any nations that speaks Mandarin. Chinese is no joke. I struggle in the beginners course because the instructor was horrible. I was good at writing the characters. This Chinese guy said that should go into Chinese calligraphy. I also want to take another Chinese class and at least have an moderate understanding of the language. I really want to learn Arabic as well. I also want to learn Twi, it’s one of the most popular languages in Ghana. I love it’s so expressive.

By: Anon

Anon — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:01:15 +0000

Erica,
We are right ————> <————- on this. I mean, seriously, what is going on in this country?

By: starr

starr — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:45:15 +0000

As someone who has been out of school for about a year, I know its true. I stopped my spanish after hs, and was exempt from language in college….one redo i wish i could have was taking more language courses. Even basic office aid jobs tells you, you have to speak spanish, health administration, etc. Its a reality check. I haven’t forgotten all of it, but i’m far from confident to hold a conversation in espanol.

By: Wendy Whitehead

Wendy Whitehead — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:41:49 +0000

I agree with you on the latino hires. Makes sense. If you have natives of the country available who speak the language, why hire us? Which is why I disagree with pushing Spanish language training. The author says it herself that the latino population is exploding. Good news for the bilingual latinos not us.

Besides, learning the languages that few people know is the best way to compete. Bryant Gumble went from reporter to anchor on the Today Show because he was the only one at NBC that spoke Russian when a head of state came to be interviewed. You can practically write your own ticket when you learn less popular languages like arabic, japanese & chinese.

I also think this applies to the African sista. Believe me there are plenty of companies looking for bilingual Africans. The jobs tend to be in larger metro areas, however and require quite a bit of travel.

By: LemonNLime

LemonNLime — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:26:51 +0000

Getting black folks abroad and into languages is my passion! Like it or not, globalization isn’t going anywhere. With the dollar/euro losing value and Americans looking to do more business in Africa, East Asian, and Latin America and if you want to be prepared and marketable for the future you best get hip to it and start preparing.

Sure studying abroad and international exchanges can be difficult but look at it as an investment. I spent 14K on study abroad programs to Costa Rica, France (twice), and China. I would have graduated with just 10K in college loan debt had I not taken out the extra money. My parents were convinced I was crazy but I kept telling them it was an investment. I was able to refine my French and Spanish still while abroad and get international experience. I graduate in June 09 and was employed (full-time with benefits) in my field in Sept 09. Now I work in international education so I NEEDED and wanted to study abroad but I know this to be the case for several friends. One studied languages, history, and studied abroad. The week after we graduated, he hired in DC with the CIA.

It can truly help! If you don’t know where to start here are some hints:
- Schools typically throw scholarships at Black, Asian, and Latino students who want to study abroad. Look into those first.

- Many study abroad providers offer financial assistance so check with them too.

- Shoot for big name scholarships like the Boren Scholarship, Fulbright Award, and Gilman Scholarship.

- Look for other international opportunities like Peace Corps, WWOOFing, teaching assistantships abroad, TEFL, or NSA summer language program (http://www.nsa.gov/careers/opportunities_4_u/students/undergraduate/slp.shtml).

- If you already have some international or language experience, look into leading summer programs through organizations like EIL, Global Roots, Build-on, or EF Tours.

By: Water

Water — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:12:07 +0000

**Correction: There were obviously English-speaking immigrants. But the majority didn’t speak English.

By: Water

Water — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:10:18 +0000

I’m currently learning Mandarin, and I think that the new demand for multilingualism is awesome! I don’t understand why many Americans think it’s somehow “weird” to have more than one language spoken in this diversity-stew of a country. The whole “This is America, we speak English!” thing has got to go. Everyone who resides in this country (except for Native Americans) is either an immigrant or came from immigrants (or forced immigrants, i.e. slaves, etc.) who DIDN’T speak English. I think it wise to learn more than one language not just to obtain a job, but to also better oneself and knowledge. Not to mention, different languages are beautiful and should be celebrated. The world isn’t only made up of English speakers, you know.

By: Melancholy Soul

Melancholy Soul — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:09:30 +0000

I was searching for a job the other day. Found a posting that said the applicant must be able to speak Russian. What a crock of horse manure.

By: African Mami

African Mami — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:04:58 +0000

@ dirtychai,

Your name reminds me of Dunkin Donut’s vanilla chai!!—–>so YUMMY!

I just want me some masala tea and samosas!

By: African Mami

African Mami — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:00:51 +0000

I get what you are saying, BUT why not look at it from a positive angle-cultural exchange!

By: African Mami

African Mami — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:59:54 +0000

Excuse you?!

By: malik hemmans

malik hemmans — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:59:35 +0000

they came over here and we have to learn to speak spanish…

By: Erica

Erica — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:59:05 +0000

This is happening in Miami. This is USA, this shouldn’t be happening.

By: African Mami

African Mami — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:52:42 +0000

LOOOOOOOL! ebonglish is very important. Learn it.

By: iQgraphics

iQgraphics — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:49:54 +0000

i barely speak english
oh well. i’m fcuked…

By: chanela

chanela — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:42:13 +0000

Chiilleee! this is my life story! i’m fluent in spanish because of the area i grew up in…things are HORRIBLE out here..even for me. usually “spanish required” is codeword for “latino only”. when they say bilingual it’s total BULLSHIT! they are quick as hell to hire people in damn drive thru windows who speak absolutely no english and only spanish but make would never consider an english speaker who speaks minimal spanish, when bilingual means you speak TWO languages fluently in the first damn place. smh

By: African Mami

African Mami — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:36:04 +0000

I am multilingual. But African languages are not in high demand. The day they start appreciating I will be sooooooo happy!

By: dirtychai

dirtychai — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:35:02 +0000

I’ve definitely seen examples of your comment. Personally, I didn’t have the funds to pay for an exchange program, but really wanted to participate in one.

By: Anon

Anon — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:12:16 +0000

The participating in foreign exchange programs has to do with money, and other members of the family not wanting the student to go (particularly if no one else in the family has left the country). It certainly isn’t about black students being less interested.