[Grovenet] Habla English?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Nothing helps children learn and grow like doing, and doing important
things. 

However, in this case it's silly to lean on children as the primary
bilingual aid. Hispanics have a huge advantage no other non-English-speaking
people here have. They have a close-knit community of which they say they
are hugely proud. In that community are many parents who speak no English as
well as bilingual parents. Are the "Home and School Club", "PTA" or whatever
the parent-teacher organizations are today that facilitate better
communications with the schools active in recruiting these people? Are
Hispanic bilingual parents asked to step forward to work with their
non-English-speaking neighbors with kids to ensure they are involved and
facilitate communications? Does every bilingual parent bring at least one
non-English-speaking parent to the meetings? Do these parents help their
non-English-speaking neighbors at teacher conferences or in helping decipher
notices sent home? How can they not in a true community?  

Non-Hispanics can reach out to help those parents, but they must realize
that if they want to access the more important opportunities available in
America they need to be competent in English. 

That's one reason why I truly hope that Oregon will join more than half of
the other states in our nation in proclaiming English as our official
language. It sends the right message to all who come: learning English is
very important to truly enjoy the advantages of living here.

As for extra programs to help non-English speaking people, I would hope that
the bulk of the available resources go to those who are alone. Those
non-English speaking parents who have no strong community who can help them.
But, in this case, I suspect the "squeaky wheel" is getting the most
attention. 

Ron D'Eau Claire 

 



-----Original Message-----
From: grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com [mailto:grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com] On
Behalf Of Kristy
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 7:55 AM
To: Forest Grove local interests list
Subject: Re: [Grovenet] Habla English?





>I know that you were only suggesting using kids for limited translation  
>purposes but  I had a really good chuckle at the idea of letting 
>bilingual children be  the
> communication go betweens for non English speaking parents. ...snip...
Katie
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>

Had to smile, Katie. It made me remember the time that we had a "new" Asian
family at school. (Can't remember now which country but it really doesn't
matter for this story.) The mother spoke no English at all...and really
hadn't had time to do so, reasonably. But we needed to tell her some of the
things a parent should know.

We went to her home and talked with her and her 5 yr old son. He did speak a
little English. (Two of us went this time because neither of us felt very
sure of our skills for the task.) We'd tell him what we wanted to say, in as
simple a manner as possible, and then he would tell his mother. She'd answer
and he'd tell us what she said.

It seemed to go amazingly well. There were stop-and-go places. There were
Huh? places. There were frown lines of confusion. But all in all, he did an
amazing job.

Of course, we have no idea what he told her. Or what she really tried to
tell us. But we left with a "friendly feeling" so that was good.

Always a challenge!
Kristy 

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