English/Spanish bilingual skills no longer enough in CA?

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

I've noticed the same thing down here. I guess it's not enough that half of the cable channels under #30 and half the radio dial is Spanish already.

I wish the major Spanish-language TV networks, Telemundo, Univision, etc., would provide English subtitles. If they won't, Spanish-language PBS certainly should. Under the circumstances, I welcome anything that helps bridge the English-Spanish divide. Subtitles on things like TV/film while hearing the other language helps the language learning curve. Spanish is here to stay, so English speakers only benefit themselves (ourselves) by learning a few Spanish words and phrases. MHO.

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by Winston Smith

I wish the major Spanish-language TV networks, Telemundo, Univision, etc., would provide English subtitles. If they won't, Spanish-language PBS certainly should. Under the circumstances, I welcome anything that helps bridge the English-Spanish divide. Subtitles on things like TV/film while hearing the other language helps the language learning curve. Spanish is here to stay, so English speakers only benefit themselves (ourselves) by learning a few Spanish words and phrases. MHO.

heavens. My sentiments exactly!

What can we do about this....? If sheer numbers drive the market, perhaps a concertive effort on our (people like us - how do we rally?) part would help manifest this wish!!!!!!!

Kate

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by Winston Smith

No surprise. I've been advising the kids around me to gain some Chinese language skills. Next will be Hindi.

Is there a particular...variant that is suited best to "business" ?

Hahaha - I really wanted to ask if there's a certain "flavor" that's best... But seriously, does anyone know?

Kate

[majoun]

Originally Posted by sarahkate_m

Is there a particular...variant that is suited best to "business" ?

Mandarin.

Historically, Cantonese was the most spoken form of Chinese in California due to not only the immigrants of the 19th and early 20th centuries but also the exodus out of Hong Kong in the '90s, but Cantonese has become less dominant even in the areas of China where it's spoken. Mandarin is the official language of government and business in China.

[uptown_urbanist]

A lot of companies do business with China, so it's not surprising that in many industries this is becoming very desirable.

I attended a panel discussion in the San Gabriel once where the group (almost entirely Chinese, ranging from first to fourth generations) discussed what languages they thought today's LA-based kids should learn. The general consensus seemed to that being able to speak English, Chinese (Mandarin), and Spanish were the most useful, with perhaps Korean as an ideal fourth language.

As far as Cantonese, I remember reading in the LA Times a couple of years ago that Mandarin classes are flourishing in the LA area; those who already know Cantonese (not to mention those who don't) are turning to Mandarin because of the business benefits.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by sarahkate_m

heavens. My sentiments exactly!

What can we do about this....? If sheer numbers drive the market, perhaps a concertive effort on our (people like us - how do we rally?) part would help manifest this wish!!!!!!!

Kate

Most Spanish language DVDs have subtitles on them.