In The Community
Spanglish, an inventive mashup of English and Spanish, is a linguistic masterpiece that has been echoing through the corridors of America for years, particularly resonating within bustling communities of Latine populations.
What's the Origin of Spanglish?
Picture this. It’s the mid-1800s, and the United States is expanding its grasp over territories inhabited by vibrant Spanish-speaking communities, such as California, Texas, and New Mexico. As the Mexican-American War ensues, the need for practical communication emerges between communities, and like water and oil separating in a vinaigrette, the languages refuse to blend. Yet, in the ensuing decades, English and Spanish fused in an unexpected way. However, it wasn’t until the late 1940s that the term “Spanglish” was coined by Puerto Rican linguist and poet Salvador Tió.
This rich linguistic tapestry created fascinating language phenomena, such as calques, loan words, and code-switching. Calques involve translating entire words or phrases from one language to another, resulting in expressions like "llamar pa' tras" (to call back). Another linguistic influence is the borrowing of words, known as loan words, which occurs when a language adopts terms from another culture to describe previously unfamiliar items or concepts. For instance, the Spanish word "mítin" is borrowed from the English word "meeting." Additionally, code-switching is a common occurrence, where speakers seamlessly shift between different languages or language varieties depending on the context, environment, and audience, like saying, “she’s my comadre!” versus "she's my close friend."
For many, Spanglish is more than a language—it's a lifeline. It forms a cultural bridge for Latine individuals, tethering them to their Latin American heritage while helping them navigate the waters of an English-centric society. It's like having a foot in two worlds, giving speakers the flexibility to express ideas or feelings that would get lost in the translation of a single language.
Sure, Spanglish has its fair share of critics, those who argue that it's diluting English and Spanish and hampering proper learning of these languages. However, research paints a different picture— bilingual and bicultural individuals display cognitive benefits, like heightened creativity and problem-solving skills.
@pennytovar why hollywood spanglish is so BAD and how to make it realistic #latinotiktok #spanglish ♬ original sound - Penny Tovar
Now, let's zoom out a bit and look at the bigger picture. Spanglish isn't just surviving—it's thriving. It's embedded in our media, our pop culture, and our everyday lives. You'll find it in music, movies, literature, even in advertisements. Pulitzer Prize-winning Dominican American author Junot Diaz's "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" stands as a testament to the power of Spanglish, artfully depicting the immigrant experience in the US. Latine artists like Kali Uchis and Cuco sing the language's praises, folding it into their lyrics with a profound sense of bilingual pride. Because some things just need to be expressed in Spanish.
Spanglish is more than a mere combination of English and Spanish. It's a testament to the resilient and adaptable spirit of the Latine community in the US, a multilingual mosaic of a multicultural society. It's a complex expression of cultural identity that transcends borders. As America continues to grow as a cultural melting pot, Spanglish is poised to rise— not just as a linguistic curiosity, but as an essential thread in the tapestry of cultural expression.
How Important is it to Speak Spanish as a Latino? New Findings Revealed
The question of whether the ability to speak Spanish fluently has any bearing on the legitimacy of Latino identity has long been a topic of contention in the U.S. Latino community. While a substantial majority of Latinos don't consider language proficiency a prerequisite for Latino identity, a recent Pew Research Center report found that regardless, many believe future generations of Latinos should retain the ability to speak Spanish.
The report focused on the perspectives and experiences of U.S. Latinos and the Spanish language. The study also revealed what too many second-generation and beyond Latinos know all too well - that a substantial portion of Latinos who don't speak Spanish proficiently, particularly among younger demographics, have been on the receiving end of criticism from fellow Latinos.
According to the report's findings, while 75% of the respondents say they can have a conversation fairly well in Spanish, another 78% of the respondents don't consider speaking Spanish an indispensable element of their Latino identity. In an interview with USA Today, Laura Muñoz, an assistant professor specializing in History and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explains this divergence, saying, "There's a desire to maintain the language but a recognition that not all of us speak the language, so what are you going to do? Disqualify those people from participation?"
But that's exactly what some Latinos do when they criticize non-Spanish-speaking Latinos while readily using the term "no sabo" to describe Latinos who don't speak Spanish. The term is often used as an insult or with negative connotations, but recently, non-Spanish-speaking Latinos have been pushing back and embracing their status as "no sabo" kids as a way of taking back their story and their experiences.
@jaimunoz8 No sabo olympics continued #mexicantiktok #nosabo
Why Do Some Latinos Not Speak Spanish?
Losing language proficiency in the United States corresponds with generational growth among immigrant families. It's typical for the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of immigrants to lose their native languages and customs. Typically, the second generation becomes bilingual, while the third generation primarily adopts English as their primary language.
Discrimination often played a role in the erosion of Spanish within Latino families.
Efforts to suppress non-English languages, such as English literacy tests for voting and corporal punishment in public schools for Spanish-speaking children, were pervasive, particularly in the Southwest region of the United States. Spanish-language bias and discrimination persist despite Spanish continuing to influence American pop culture in areas like advertising, music, and film. A 2018 Pew report reported that approximately 22% of respondents reported experiencing criticism for speaking Spanish in public.
The Future of Bilingualism
Although the majority of Latinos don't equate Spanish proficiency with identity, there remains a strong appreciation for the language's importance. While the Pew report found that about two-thirds of the respondents consider it very or extremely important for future generations to speak Spanish, the desire to be bilingual diminishes as assimilation progresses. Of the survey respondents, Foreign-born Latinos, at 78%, place greater importance on future generations retaining Spanish proficiency compared to 51% of U.S.-born Latinos. Among U.S.-born Latinos, the importance of Spanish proficiency decreases from 62% among second-generation Latinos to 32% among those of the third generation or higher.
Ultimately, attitudes in the U.S. towards bilingualism will have to shift in order for language preservation and bilingualism or multilingualism to be considered culturally important. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 20% of Americans can converse in two or more languages compared with 56% of Europeans. Initiatives such as dual-language programs, which have been increasingly implemented in U.S. schools due to their positive impact on student performance, offer hope for a cultural shift.
Additionally, heritage learning programs such as Spanish Sin Pena are tailored for Latinos raised in bilingual households who want to learn Spanish or improve their proficiency and, as the name implies, wish to do so in a judgment-free space. These programs can effectively serve to instill pride in their language and cultural heritage.
The status of Spanish within the Latino identity is a multifaceted issue, reflecting the complex interplay of linguistic heritage, generational shifts, historical discrimination, and contemporary challenges. As the Latino community navigates these dynamics, efforts to preserve and promote Spanish language proficiency in future generations continue to evolve, as does the identity of Latino itself.
First things first: I’m a “mande” girlie. That’s just how my mama raised me, even though I won’t say it’s right.
Having had the experience of interacting with people from different cultures in the classroom, there’s this one thing that always gets a strong reaction from me: when a professor addresses a student and the student responds with: “WHAT?” Or “WHAT’S THAT?”
I’m telling you, the reaction from me is instant. My eyes dart back to the professor, my fight or flight kicks in, and I’m almost drafting a mental apology for this person who, in my opinion, has just been particularly rude.
Of course, that never happens. The thing is, it’s not universally seen that way, right? Maybe it’s just the Mexican in me reacting based on what I’ve been taught.
“Se dice mande,” my mom would correct me if I responded with any other answer to her calls like, “Qué? Qué pasó? Eh? Mm?”
“Se dice mande!” Apologies would follow, and naturally, I’d switch to the “mande” to continue our chat, otherwise, a flying chancla might have been my fate.
In recent years, an intriguing debate has surfaced: is “mande” polite, or is it a subtle form of teaching submissiveness?
In a culture that places immense value on respecting our elders, it's unsurprising that "mande" has been deeply instilled in us from a young age. We say it out of respect. Yet, it still amuses me how I react to someone not using it. My immediate response is to be on guard, as if I'm bracing for someone to become angry or reprimand them. That’s rooted in my upbringing, a conditioned reflex.
Where does the term “mande come from?
To trace the roots of "mande," we need to explore Mexico's colonial past. When the Spanish colonized Mexico in the 16th century, they introduced not only their religion and administration but also their language, customs, and societal norms. The indigenous populations were subjugated and served the Spanish rulers.
It is in this backdrop that "mande" is believed to have been born. Directly translated, "mande" means "order me" or "command me." The indigenous or lower-class people were expected to reply with "mande" when addressed by Spanish rulers, signaling their readiness to obey. Over time, this phrase permeated the common vernacular, evolving into a way for Mexicans to say, "Pardon?" or "Excuse me?".
For many, especially older generations, saying "mande" is akin to "please" and "thank you." They see it as a sign of respect, especially towards elders or authority figures. However, many believe it's a colonial relic, symbolizing the historical subjugation of the Mexican people. Using "mande," they argue, maintains the power dynamics of colonial times, subtly promoting submission.
This debate is so potent, it’s even become a marketing strategy. Ever seen the Corona “Yo Mando” campaign?
Corona wants Mexicans to transition from “mande” to “mando.” It’s a bold move, but will it stick?
Language is dynamic. It changes and evolves, reflecting shifts in societal values and understanding. Take the “Latine/Latinx” debacle, for example. Whether you like either of the terms, actually use them, or feel so strongly against them you need to comment on every social media post using them with a flurry of insults, the terms exist. The terms are used by some, or by many. And they are here to stay.
Similarly, with “mande,” there's no definitive answer. With the rise of decolonial movements and a broader awareness of historical contexts, there's been a noticeable shift in how younger generations approach the term. Many choose to opt for neutral alternatives like “Qué?” “Qué pasó?” “Sí?” which are all perfectly valid. If you value “mande” as polite, “Dime?” or “Diga?” can be just as courteous.
This is not just an attempt to break away from colonial ties but also a part of the larger global trend where societies are reflecting on and challenging their historical and cultural baggage.
So, is saying "mande" wrong?
Here’s a hot take: there's no right or wrong way to express oneself (provided you aren't being hurtful or discriminatory to anyone), and I’m certainly not here to tell you what is right or what is wrong. What is important is that we challenge and question our language, our words, and the way we express ourselves and interact with the world, because language has been around for ages and, well, times change.
It’s great that we’re even having this debate, and it’s great that many of us are now taking a pause to ponder which word better suits us - and that’s the beauty of the Spanish language, and any language, really. It’s also the beauty of our choice to participate in the changing of norms that no longer match the times.
