Cultural Viewpoint of New York Essay

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These texts help reinforce the importance of Spanish in New York Puerto Ricans' lives. The authors continue, "When visiting the Bronx, Spanish is inescapable; it is on the radio, in the stores and on the streets. Even if you are speaking English to a Bronx Puerto Rican, many times they will respond back to you in Spanish, especially if you are of Latino descent" (Garcia and Nieves-Ferreri). Spanish is the language that makes the people comfortable, and the text also shows that other nationalities, like Chinese and Arabs, who do business in the area, learn to speak Spanish and English to help give them a better rapport and understanding of their customers.

Spanish is the language of the family, and it is the language of the working class in New York. Another author continues, "It [Spanish] is used more in working class families, while English is more frequent in middle class families. It is the preferred language for speaking to parents and spouses. There is strong emotional loyalty to Spanish, although it is not seen as the defining feature of being Puerto Rican (Pousada). This is interesting, because it shows that the family, especially first-generation immigrants are hungry to hold on to their language and culture, not just because they are Puerto Ricans, but also because they are proud.

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They are proud of their culture, their history, and their roots and they are not afraid to show it to the world. That does not mean that Puerto Ricans do not want to speak English. Author Pousada continues, "English is highly regarded for instrumental reasons (education, employment, etc.), and is used in all formal public meetings. It is the preferred language for speaking with friends, workmates, and job superiors. Students use English almost exclusively when speaking to their siblings" (Pousada). This points out how Puerto Ricans blend into New York (and other) societies. They make a point of blending into society where it is important, while retaining their culture, values, and language where it is also important, in the home and in their personal relationships.

The message that not speaking English is not "politically correct" is reinforced in at least some of the media, but other media, such as Spanish-language newspapers and televisions stations and such, actually cater to the idea that Spanish should be preserved to safeguard and help retain culture. The biggest detractors seem to be conservative people who are against immigration due to misunderstanding and/or bigotry. These people seem to believe that when a person moves to this country, they should immediately somehow learn.....

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"Cultural Viewpoint Of New York" (2009, January 29) Retrieved May 20, 2025, from
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