Discrimination
comes in all kinds of forms. Recently I experienced cultural discrimination for
speaking Spanish while in Mexico. More specifically while at a social activity
during a company retreat, I spoke in Spanish to one of the co-founders of one
of my clients. The following day the other co-founder (a non-Spanish
speaker) was apparently furious with me for doing so and demonstrated her
irritation by mistreating badly.
I know lots of
people have been on the recipient end of someone else's fury over said actions.
This occurrence provoked me to think about why some have such a visceral
reaction to others speaking a second language. Clearly, some people believe you
must be speaking about them in an offensive way. Others may experience some
level of personal insecurity when not understanding the language, leading to
acts of anger and frustration.
I've travelled
outside the U.S. and I grew up bilingual. However, as a resident of the US I
believe our ethnocentric attitude about our culture is the culprit behind
language discrimination in the US. Others who say, “Speak English, we’re in
America”, frequently express this disposition! I agree one should speak the
local language of one's resident country, but what happens when you're fully
bilingual? Shouldn’t we all have the freedom to speak English and another
language if desired?
I resigned from
working with that client and the went on an amazing trip to Morocco. Morocco
has a rich history in trade and is a mecca for diversity and
multiculturalism. In Morocco two languages are spoken officially
including Arabic and Berber, and unofficially French. During my eight-day tour
of the country through the bustling city of Marrakech, the snow covered
mountains of Atlas, the rust-colored dunes of the Sahara desert and the seaside
city of Esssaouira; I heard all kinds of local and European languages. I was
completely delighted to be around so many international folks expressing
themselves in their native tongue and culture. At one point our guide Mohammed
said, "to understand a culture, you must understand their language."
I couldn't agree more!
In Morocco I
learned approximately 10 new words In Arabic. I also learned this community of
Islamic believers is deeply connected to their customs and spirituality.
"En Shala," (God willing) is an expression commonly used in every day
vernacular and one I readily adopted. Each and every time I greeted a Moroccan
or Berber in their native tongue, we instantly connected and joy permeated the
energy between us. Learning other key phrases, more about their beliefs,
religion and customs helped me better communicate and gain insights about some
of my own bias regarding Islamic religion and practices. In the states we
hear a lot of inaccurate information about the Muslim community creating a
spirit of fear and insecurity. The Muslim people I met in Morocco we’re
kind, warm and considerate. New flash: a headscarf doesn’t make you a
terrorist. We really must stop making such erroneous assumptions.
Language is
intimately attached to culture and vice versa. Opening up our minds to having a
cultural experience through language can be fun, educational and enjoyable.
Discovery can happen from a positive disposition about someone else's culture,
while arrogance and an ethnocentric attitude can lead to discrimination. In a
global culture with a multitude of languages and cultures, let us celebrate our
uniqueness as we're all part of the same tribe called - humans.
Deborah Castillero
Founder, Bilingual Children's Enterprises
www.tipitom.com
(917) 913.1300
