Language Barriers in the United States

Have you ever found yourself asking for directions only to be answered with, “No speak-a Spanish?” -- well, I have. Whether I’m watching the news, reading instructions for a new appliance, or just walking around the mall I’m constantly reminded of the growing Spanish presence. Even when searching for a job, many opportunities are missed for those who are not bilingual, as the need for translating is becoming necessary for means of communication to immigrants that don’t speak English or refuse to learn.

In recent years, it seems the trend of translation seems to have caught on like wildfire with more companies offering English to Spanish translation services. Now, wherever there’s English, there’s bound to be Spanish offered along with it. Though, this may seem like a very welcoming gesture and great customer service, these efforts actually helps eliminate the need for immigrants to learn English which is not always a good thing. For example, in instances where translation services are flawed or not readily available, it can be frustrating and disabling for immigrants that haven’t learned how to speak English to communicate at a business or get to their destination.

An article I read mentioned a woman that arrived at an emergency room complaining of back pains. When asked by the nurse if she had been sexually active, the woman answered yes but her family member translated “no”, as it is frowned upon for young women to be sexually active in their culture. Because of this, no pregnancy work up was done. She returned later with complications from an ectopic pregnancy. Family members stepping in to translate may result in changed information, to protect or better suit their relative. Many hospitals are pushing to hire more bilingual employees and some even offer professional medical linguists, which often costs more than the actual procedure. Though these services are offered, patients run into more problems when they go to the pharmacy only to find that their prescription drug instructions are only given in English as most pharmacies are not willing to translate for fear of giving the wrong information and being held liable for it. When someone does not understand how to take medications it can be lethal, as directions can be missed on how/when to take it, what substances to avoid and what reactions to watch for.

Even though the federal government has not declared an official language, English remains the most commonly spoken language nation-wide. Though this is a great nation of opportunity and freedom, the United States has become too accommodating of everyone’s wants, such as being able to speak one’s own native language and the need for a common language has been pushed to the side. I feel that if a person is immigrating to a country in search of a better life, the least that he/she can do is learn to communicate effectively in the region’s language.