If you're of Spanish descent, how important is speaking Spanish in San Antonio? (Edgewood: public school, college)

[cinnamon_toast]

I am Anglo and speak no Spanish. I do have many friends that are bilingual and speak perfect English AND Spanish. I have noticed that often when I introduce two Hispanic friends to each other, they start speaking Spanish right off the bat. I think it is because they want to connect with each other and openly recognize the common bond they have. Not laziness IMO. Moderator cut: see comment

[Bideshi]

Moderator cut: orphaned

With over 50% native Hispanic Texans, but wouldn't you like to know what they are saying? I would.

[cinnamon_toast]

Yes I would! I have thought about finding someone to tutor me and my kids. I do speak French so sometimes I can follow slightly what they are saying. Usually when I introduce people and they launch into Spanish, they are talking about how old their kids are and which part of Mexico their family is from.

[majormadmax]

Originally Posted by teenwolf80

The answer to the op's question is no. It is not important, nessessary or essential to know or speak Spanish in San Antonio.

This.

As a non-Hispanic, non-native Texan I have never encountered any language difficulty in San Antonio. I have met people here who speak little or no English, but never in a situation where it was a big issue (e.g. a waiter).

I grew up in Florida and while the Spanish heritage is more predominant here, it’s more of a historical/cultural thing to appreciate and enjoy. I for one like the fact that there is a strong heritage still evident in this city, too many places I have seen have become bland due to the “watering down” of such icons and a legacy like the one in San Antonio should be embraced and not feared.

Plus, Spanish is not the only culture prevalent in this part of Texas, there is a heavy German influence in this area as well as Czech and other nationalities.

All that said, it’s never a bad idea to speak a second language.

Most importantly, welcome to Texas and San Antonio! We hope you love it here as much as we do!

Cheers! M2

[69GSstage1]

It can be beneficial to speak Spanish. I have dealt with a siginifcant amount of Mexican Nationals where my employer had me assigned. It was my experience that those from Mexico were more at ease and in a buying mood when I conversed with them in Spanish. Way back in the day when I worked in a call center, my employer paid a significant differential to those who were fluent in Spanish. Knowing a second language can have its advantages.

[nismospec]

am I the only one out there to think the glass is half full?
this is the OP's first post, there's been no response from them, and it's borderline controversial.
perhaps they were just here to stir the pot?

seems to be happening a lot lately. could be wrong, but it's my two cents.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

With over 50% native Hispanic Texans, but wouldn't you like to know what they are saying? I would.

Best way to do that is to learn Spanish.

There are many advantages to knowing more than one language, hence why our dual-language program at our local elementary is so sought after amongst non-spanish speaking families across the city.

[cindy2tx]

I really appreciate the replies. I feel better about San Antonio now.

The reason I was offended when a Spanish person speaks Spanish to me is because they show they're obviously annoyed by me not knowing Spanish. Moderator cut: Off-Topic

Moderator cut: Off-Topic

Thanks again. It doesn't sound like San Antonio has the same issues as AZ and NV.

[Buffyfan]

I have taught in two types of schools here in SA, a private school with many Mexican National students, and a Title One public school with struggling families.

ALL the wealthy children spoke Spanish/some English in the private school, (I barely speak Spanish, btw, and I did just fine). It is difficult to find children at the public school now who speak Spanish in their home. I was astonished trying to teach them songs in Spanish for Fiesta (I'm a music teacher), and they struggled with their ancestral language.

It is getting rarer to find young children in SA nowadays who speak Spanish in their home.

[Sonny Chiba57]

Then there are those that speak "Spanglish".