Speaking Spanish in El Paso (Houston, San Antonio: fit in, school districts, college)

[cdcdguy]

There has been some great debate here. Some say if you don't speak Spanish in El Paso you will feel lost and uncomfortable. Others say you can go anywhere in Texas, including El paso, and English is still wide spoken, and you will have no problem. Others say only the small border towns speak mostly Spanish.

We are considering a move to El Paso. My wife and her 2 boys are Spanish, I am not(and speak little). We have also considered the Miami area. Of course the weather is different, but it is about 70% Spanish. But I don't feel out of place there. Maybe because it is geared for tourism?

I would like to hear from more who live in El Paso about this topic. I know San Antonio has it's own board, but what about Spanish there? I lived in Houston many years ago, and no Spanish, was no problem.

[desert*rat]

I live here in El Paso. I speak very little spanish, I recently relocated here and I don't have problems here. I find most people here are bilingual, those who aren't are rather shy. Those that are bilingual do have more advantages, but this is true no matter where you are in this country. You will find that the people of El Paso to be very friendly and accepting.

[neddy]

I live in SAn Antonio and speak little to no Spanish and have no problem at all. Hubby is spanish though and his stubborn older relatives won't speak English to me (but thats a different story, you know old folks)

GL

[NativeTXn]

I posted this already on another thread somewhere, but I too don't speak Spanish very well and my wife speaks just about nothing when it comes to Spanish and we have no problem getting around in El Paso. There are some people that don't speak English around here but thats a minority here. It's like every other large city where there is a lot of diversity and there happens to be some people who just need to pick up English a little more. Seriously, I had more trouble getting around in Los Angeles in 7 years than I ever did here.

I don't think you will have a hard time getting around in any large city in Texas when it comes to only speaking English, but I have heard that it can be harder to get by in the smaller towns along the border.

I agree with desert*rat, that most people are bilingual in the El Paso area and can communicate with you in both English and Spanish, which is pretty cool IMO. And yes most people here are very friendly.

Good luck to you cdcdguy, wherever you end up.

[cdcdguy]

Thanks all for the help. We are keeping El Paso on the list. We are also considering other south/southwest states. As we have visited other state boards, you people seem very proud of your state! I went to college in Houston, and visited many places in your state. You do have much to be proud of!

[Trail Majic]

Originally Posted by NativeTXn

I posted this already on another thread somewhere, but I too don't speak Spanish very well and my wife speaks just about nothing when it comes to Spanish and we have no problem getting around in El Paso. There are some people that don't speak English around here but thats a minority here. It's like every other large city where there is a lot of diversity and there happens to be some people who just need to pick up English a little more. Seriously, I had more trouble getting around in Los Angeles in 7 years than I ever did here.

I don't think you will have a hard time getting around in any large city in Texas when it comes to only speaking English, but I have heard that it can be harder to get by in the smaller towns along the border.

I agree with desert*rat, that most people are bilingual in the El Paso area and can communicate with you in both English and Spanish, which is pretty cool IMO. And yes most people here are very friendly.

Good luck to you cdcdguy, wherever you end up.

I live in NC but I've spent lot's of time in El Paso.If you are not Mexican you are defnitly a minority but El Paso has lots of nice people.I have never had a language problem there but I speak spanish too for those just in case times.I also am little shy.I don't speak it except in an emergency.mucho suertes/lots of luck

[fish2026]

I lived in El Paso about 10 years over 3 decades. I didnt learn Spanish until my last years there. No problem. After all both the Ysleta and El Paso Independent School Districts use ENGLISH. Its always fun to learn an 2nd language but its definitely not necessary.

[etexbill]

Being bi-lingual will certainly help but is not necessary in El Paso or the border towns in the Rio Grande Valley. Anglos are now recently the minority in all of Texas. We are now outnumbered by Latinos but there are no problems except for illegal immigration which is rampant in El Paso. A friend of mine lives near the western edge of El Paso near the river and you can sit in the yard and watch hundreds wading across the creek (Rio Grande) every morning and back across in the afternoon. It is a way of life. Try somewhere else in Texas other than El Paso. I like it, but is so far from any thing else. It is closer to four other state capitols than to its own in Austin. It is half way to California from where I live in East Texas. Almost 800 miles.

[Sparklylife]

I have lived in El Paso for nearly 30 years of my life. El Paso has gotten so bad in my opinion about the language issue. Everywhere you go they speak Spanish. They try to force you to speak Spanish. Most of the places you go here now, have Spanish Speakers that do not know how to speak English. As long as you do not make it a problem you are okay. Speak your language and make them adjust to our language. Of course it is and extra good point for the ones who are billingual. It's wonderful to know more than one language. I am Trilingual, I used to speak Spanish to whoever spoke it to me. But now, I say they should adjust to our ways. Especially when we go to the store , pay bills etc. They should be there to serve US... not us serve them. So it is not bad if you can stick to what makes you comfortable. Just do not let anyone try to force you speak their language. Thats why now: Spanish is only an emergency kit. I will not have anyone force me. They need to be forced to learn our language. Enforcement is what needs to take place. IF we all do that, they would be speaking English. It would only help them even better and educate them also. Really make them fit in. Good luck if you come to El Paso! God bless you!

[Sweetie2002]

Well not everyone in El Paso speaks English, but those that do (majority) will speak English.

I love El Paso for their Mexican food, but San Antonio has sooooo much more to offer. How do you compare between the two?