Language induces an identity crisis for the children and grandchildren of Latino immigrants
Amelia Tseng for The Conversation considers some of the identity issues caused by language for the children of Latino immigrants. I found it of interest in light of the fact that Spanish language abilities vary greatly among Latina/os (including in my family). As Tseng writes, some Latina/o youth must navigate identity issues because they do not speak Spanish — or not like a native speaker.
“Their parents see them as not Latino enough, while many others view them as not American enough. This dynamic can make them doubt themselves and give others ammunition to question their identities. some believe that “wherever they are in their language journeys, it’s good enough.”
These beliefs are so entrenched that even powerful Latinos cannot escape them. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bilingualism is constantly under scrutiny. She has been mocked for pronouncing her name in Spanish, as if the English pronunciation were more correct. She’s also been accused of faking her accent.”
KJ