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It amazes me how the only way Spanish speakers will learn English is if it's forced but those from other language backgrounds eagerly learn it.
Apples and Oranges. Many of the Spanish-speaking populations in this country, especially the west, did not move here from somewhere else. They have been occupying the same land since before the English speakers came.
If you go to New York City, you will find that most Puerto Ricans and Dominicans do learn English within the first generation.
About a hundred years ago, people said the same about the German-speaking population of the U.S., that they were resistant to learning English. Now German-Americans are the largest single component of English-speaking Americans.
Why not go to Mexico and take a crash Spanish immersion course?
If I was hiring and there is a candidate with english and one with english and spanish, I am hiring the latter.
I wish I spoke better spanish I like to speak it, but I dont feel we as americans should have to speak it to get work.
I think that decision is really up to the employer. If being able to provide services in Spanish will help the bottom line I can understand why employers want bi-lingual employees.
I think that decision is really up to the employer. If being able to provide services in Spanish will help the bottom line I can understand why employers want bi-lingual employees.
Exactly.
The OP is looking for employment in the social service field which means ( depending on the agency or employer ) that she likely will find herself working with lower income people who don't have the resources to get help from any other source. In NM, there are a larger number of Spanish only and Spanish comfortable people in the lower income bracket.
This is not a case of "Why can't these people learn our language?", but a case of " I need to be able to communicate to as many of these people as possible" so learning some Spanish would possibly make her a better candidate for some jobs.
The OP is looking for employment in the social service field which means ( depending on the agency or employer ) that she likely will find herself working with lower income people who don't have the resources to get help from any other source. In NM, there are a larger number of Spanish only and Spanish comfortable people in the lower income bracket.
This is not a case of "Why can't these people learn our language?", but a case of " I need to be able to communicate to as many of these people as possible" so learning some Spanish would possibly make her a better candidate for some jobs.
I work in the social service/human service sector. While eventually I would like to get out I feel that with my education and experience that's the area I need to focus on getting employed in so I at least have a job.
Here's the question. I am NOT bi-lingual. I took 3 years of spanish in high school and think I remember enough to ask people to speak english so, is there a spot in New Mexico where a human service professional can find a job and make a decent living?
If you want to come to New Mexico, then come on out.
Brushing up, re-learning and/or practicing your Spanish probably would not hurt. But it really depends on what the employer requires. And that can vary greatly.
My native language is Spanish, but I have difficulty with it due to lack of use. I've used it more in Europe than in the US. I have lived in New Mexico for the last 11 years. If you can learn Spanish easily, then go for it.
I agree with almost all the post in this thread-while I do speak both English and Spanish perfectly, and understand how you feel about this being the United States, not Mexico, Central America, South America, and/or Spain. Mexico, is not the only spanish speaking country.
I lived in Spain for a long time, and my job, required that I spoke, wrote, and could hold a conversation in English as well as Spanish, of course. At first I though: what for? I am in Spain, not the United States. Then, I realized, that no matter what, knowing a second language, would be of a great advantage to me, so I went, and learned English. Much to my surprise, I later got hired by a company in the United States, because, I knew both, English, and Spanish, and the salary is more, because of that extra: English.
So, at the end, you will be the one benefited. I feel like knowing one, two or whatever languages you would want to learn, is always of a benefit. BTW: I don't live in NM, but sounds like an awesome state to live in. Wish you all the best
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaxart
Great post and dang - they wouldn't let me click your "reputation" again.
I would add that being bi-lingual in Spanish ANYWHERE in the states bordering Mexico is going to be a bonus when job hunting today. In places like El Paso, TX it may well be a requirement for some jobs. It's just a fact of life we all have to live with today. Fortunately most young people being schooled in these states are learning Spanish beginning in grade school.
Anyone living in Everett, Washington is going to think NM's cost of living is a bargain (Santa Fe excepted). But along with lower cost of living goes lower income levels for comparable positions in the two states.
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crash course
A bit assumptuous considering that I'm a guy.
