Week 7 Reading Response #2

This article is written to show and justify why and when foreign languages are spoken in public. It is by Myriam Marquez. She justifies her behavior of speaking Spanish in public with her parents in numerous ways. One reason for this is that it respects her parents and her ancestors. It is a way of remembering them and not forgetting their heritage. It is also a way to keep fresh on the language and so her parents who have a heavy accent and a bit of trouble still understanding English are able to speak to full potential. She explains that the speaking of a non-English language should not offend anyone. It should not be a sign that they are less patriotic than the next American. There is no difference. It is not a way to be rude. It is just a way to define themselves. In no way is it meant to "Balkanize America." Myriam tells of the way she feels and how she sees things through her point of view. She is not rude and she does not intend to be. Immigrants all over America are patriotic, work hard to feed their families and put them through school, and give back to their communities. They are really no different then you or me. They are just capable of speaking a second language with great fluidity. We are a free country where the citizens may choose to speak the language of their choice.