Bilingual or Multilingual: it is Becoming a Necessity to Speak Another Language

John Mierzwa asked:


Las Vegas is truly a melting pot city, with people living, working and visiting here from all corners of the globe. While walking on the strip or watching the Bellagio fountains, it is common to hear Spanish, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, German, and any number of other languages within any given 5-minute period. This always vibrant mix of people and languages keeps Las Vegas an interesting, dynamic place.

Outside of the strip, the dramatic increase in Spanish speakers especially has led to language barriers in all facets of life and business. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal; nearly 90% of Nevadans favor making English the national language. Now, we may debate the merits of that idea, but the reality is that just by decree everyone is not going to instantly speak better English. It will take a concerted effort.

Every one of the Spanish speakers I have talked to very much wants to speak better English and is willing to work at it. Whatever their reasons for wanting to learn English – work, family, friends, travel, legal status – but the fact is, many of the options for learning do not quite meet their wants and/or needs. The classes are too long, too expensive, too far, too difficult, they don’t feel they have enough time, etc… Of course many English speakers here want to learn Spanish as well, for many of the same reasons – and maybe they haven’t yet for the same reasons/excuses.

The benefits of learning more than one language – especially in business – are numerous. Whether between clients, staff, supervisors, or vendors; miscommunication can lead to poor customer service, unhappy employees, and lost profits. This fact helps point out that in today’s business world; language training is a necessity, not a luxury.

One of the realities of why so many Spanish speakers have remained in limbo, not yet fully committed to improving their English skills, may be the fact that we still do not have a national policy regarding the legal status of the minimum 12 million illegal immigrants here in the U.S. Once Congress and the President agree on a rational policy to document these people and bring them into the legal world, changes may begin to occur more rapidly. One requirement for legality certain to be included is to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Suddenly, there will be a right-now incentive to learn English.

Obviously nothing will be resolved in this area until after we elect a new President later this year. Both candidates have expressed interest in helping resolve our untenable illegal immigrant issues. A marked increase in the need for English training should be a by-product of any proposed solutions.