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Jayline Lopez
Professor Malvin
ENGL 114A
25 September 2015
Why I Speak Spanish
In "Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public" by Myriam Marquez, Marquez
describes that in anyplace she resides while she is with her family, they will speak only in
Spanish. This is due to the respect which she has towards her family and culture. Although it
may come as offensive, speaking in a different language to people from other cultures who differ
in a native tongue, Marquez's intentions are never to offend anyone. Marquez says that speaking
in Spanish, "It's not meant to alienate anyone or to Balkanize America," (751). Her intentions are
only to communicate freely with her parents. Although her parents do speak English, she speaks
in her native tongue to cultivate culture and the language and not to divide, separate, or insult.
Marquez claims that the whole idea of being American does not constitute on whether an
individual speaks solely English, or on their preference of which language they choose to speak.
She gives knowledge to the reader by saying this country was not built on a single fundamental
language, therefore, we should not be called "un-American" (751), for choosing to talk in our
native languages in this free country. Marquez acknowledges that to be able to strive in America
it is essential and necessary to learn English, but just because a person learns a different language
does not mean that we have to stop speaking our native one. This applies to when we find
ourselves in a public place where there are varying cultures and languages. She says we should

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not stop talking in our native language in public areas because we feel embarrassed or
intimidated of what others may say about our language.
My parents are bilingual and so am I. I was raised speaking Spanish, it is my native
tongue. As I was growing up, I was gradually introduced to English, just as anyone else living in
America. I attained the language but did not stop speaking Spanish. Spanish, my native tongue,
is a part of me and my family, therefore I will not stop speaking it. Varying from others in
language does not make us any different. Speaking Spanish is a routine while I am with my
family and I will not stop talking in Spanish because it makes it possible for me and my family to
communicate, I find comfort in it, and it is a tool for success.
People who do not recognize the language which I speak might find Spanish very odd.
Alongside my parents, going out to buy groceries, shopping for clothes, and while we are out
eating, I find myself speaking Spanish. It is a way of communicating easily. Talking differently
from others, I notice that people around me frown as if they're disapproving of my choice of
language. I find this very disturbing because there should not be any offense towards any person
of a different culture who differs in language. There are no intentions from within me to speak
bad about someone else just for the simple fact that they do not understand what I am saying.
Just as Myriam Marquez states our reasons for speaking in a foreign tongue is "not meant to be
rude to others," (751). I greatly agree with this, others should not be offended by a varying
tongue.
Communicating with my family is important. How would I know if they're feeling okay,
what events occurred throughout their day, or whether they need help with something if I did not
speak the same language as them? It is helpful as well as important to understand them. It is

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useful because not all of my family members speak English, so I have to translate. Spanish, my
native tongue, was introduced to me from birth. I have always been accustomed to speaking to
my parents in this language. It was not until grade school where I began learning English and
adopted it, but of course I did not stop speaking in my native tongue. Spanish is the main
language I speak at home around my parents and family, so it would be difficult to communicate
without it. Although we all do understand and speak English, and some of us with a heavy
accent, we choose not too. Why? It is because Spanish is part of us. We are so accustomed to
speaking Spanish that English is disregarded, and not because we dislike it, but for the fact that
we would rather speak in a our familiar family tongue. I never talk to my family in English. This
is because I do not want to offend anyone, and just like Marquez it is out of respect for them. We
are most comfortable speaking in our native tongue, then just blabbering out something in
English. We feel confident and comfortable using the language. Spanish is instilled in us,
therefore, it will always remain.
English on the other hand, is how I communicate with people who may not be bilingual;
it is the language I use at school and at work. Just because my native tongue is Spanish does not
mean I will never speak English. English helps me communicate with peers, professors, and
people who are not bilingual. When I'm lost at a shopping center, or even at school, I will ask
peers, staff, or workers by speaking to them in English. Marquez states that English is important
to succeed in the United States, and indeed it is. It is the most used language around school, all
classes require papers, classwork, and homework in English and not my native tongue. It is also
a language which is very necessary in the workplace. In the workforce many jobs require and
only hire people who are bilingual, the reason being that individuals who speak in different

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tongues can communicate better with a wide array of people. While I am at work I see a variety
of cultures, many of whom speak Spanish. They approach me talking in Spanish, and of course I
respond confident in my native tongue. What if I did not speak Spanish and a Spanish speaker
approached me? It would be challenging to help that individual in any way. English helps people
succeed in this country, and even though it is not my primary language, it is important. So,
although I am so used to communicating in a foreign tongue with my family, I will use English
when it is necessary.
English is the language I use as a tool for success. I have exercised it throughout my
educational career and in the workplace. Unlike English, Spanish comes natural to me, it is the
language that has been instilled in me, and it is the language in which I communicate with my
family. I recognize that both languages are essential, but just because I have acquired English
does not mean I will stop speaking in my native tongue. Spanish is the language which I am
comfortable and confident in. It is a part of me, part of my culture, and my family, which is why
I will not seize to speak it.

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Works Cited
Marquez, Myriam. "Why and When We Speak Spanish In Public." Models for Writers: Short
Essays for [Link]. Alfred Rosa and Paul Eschholz. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martin's, 2015. 527-530. Print.