I need advice on Eagle Pass, Tx!

[HisLilSecret]

If you live in Eagle Pass for any length of time and are open to learning a new language, then I can guarantee you will learn at least some Spanish. Regardless of the percentage of Latinos, English will be spoken in schools, etc. BTW...just because someone is Latino doesn't necessarily mean that he/she speaks Spanish, either.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by HisLilSecret

If you're anglo (or anglo-looking) and you find that people around you have flipped to Spanish, it's a safe bet that they're either talking about you or don't want you to know what they're talking about. If you directly ask someone for help, they will respond in the language you use (if they know it). No, I'm not anglo-looking and, yes, I speak Spanish.

Chaka, you'll find that a lot of Spanish is regional. Words used in Eagle Pass may not be used in Del Rio. Some words used in Del Rio would be foreign to someone in San Antonio. Why would you have to understand the culture, but refuse to learn the language? That's odd, IMO.

Huh?

Who said anything about refusing to learn the language?

I was responding to the post about understanding the anthropologic reasons for why Eagle Pass tends to be more heavily Spanish-dominant than some of the other border towns. A fascinating question to be sure, but not one I'm going to take the time to investigate at this time in my life. I'll leave that to the anthropologists. My personal interest in such questions is significant, but I'm not a specialist in the area of linguistics.

And yes, Spanish, like most languages, is very regional. What does that have to do with anything?

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by khogue

I didn't mean to start a fight! LOL!!! But, believe me, I will never be mistaken for a Hispanic and neither will my husband or kids. We all have either red hair or blond and blue eyes. We would stick out like a sore thumb. I don't mind if the majority of people speak Spanish. I am just worried about the fact that I don't know Spanish! I would love for all of us to learn, however.

Most people speak both, so you won't have a problem. You'll just hear Spanish more often, a great opportunity to learn!

For example, you go to a restaurant, the hostess, waiter all speak to you in Spanish first, then switch to English if you don't understand.

You go to the grocery store, the cashier tells you the amount in Spanish...then English if you look puzzled. At least, that's been my experience. I know enough Spanish to manage through those situations, but it's not necessary for daily living there.

[wCat]

I suppose it might be better to stick to the things we "know" in the interest of clarity. The eye roll is no biggie Chaka. When I go to just about any border town on business, it's a short turn around. I have to deal with court houses or the highway department or other government entities...all of whom are helpful and bi-lingual. But stopping at the grocery or a restaurant or just mingling as a "pedestrian", chances are I'm going to get Spanish. It's frustrating at times.....but I've gotten used to it. The eye roll is about the situation.....not you.

Now this eyeroll ...IS for you. Mis-interpreting a simple statement happens. But I'm not simple-minded....nor are many people here. Often the tone of your posts are condescending. You obviously are proud of your position, and life seems to always be roses for you. You're never bothered, can't be bothered or have "risen above" something plebeian.

The reason you're not bothered by a default to Spanish is because you've stated that you have "people". At least 50 of them that are bi-lingual so your need for speaking Spanish is not necessary. Your education and worldly experiences are definitely a great accomplishment. I just don't see that it's necessary to always stand on a pedestal to post authoritative comments.

I apologize in advance if this may sound harsh, but you did ask.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by wCat

Now this eyeroll ...IS for you. Mis-interpreting a simple statement happens. But I'm not simple-minded....nor are many people here. Often the tone of your posts are condescending. You obviously are proud of your position, and life seems to always be roses for you. You're never bothered, can't be bothered or have "risen above" something plebeian.

The reason you're not bothered by a default to Spanish is because you've stated that you have "people". At least 50 of them that are bi-lingual so your need for speaking Spanish is not necessary. Your education and worldly experiences are definitely a great accomplishment. I just don't see that it's necessary to always stand on a pedestal to post authoritative comments.

I apologize in advance if this may sound harsh, but you did ask.

I'm not bothered by a default to Spanish in most of my casual dealings in Eagle Pass because I speak enough of it to get by. It doesn't offend me that people speak Spanish in border towns, I expect it. I don't look Anglo, so I can't really say how it is for those who do and don't speak Spanish.

[needsomeinfo]

personally, if you can find another job, I would stay away. I know people who work there a few times a month and they hate it. feel unsafe, etc.

but it's good you can go visit and see for yourself- my friends my be overestimating their discomfort/dislike. and it's hard to say no to a job in this economy. good luck making your decision!