Cultural Viewpoint of New York

¶ … cultural viewpoint of New York Puerto Ricans and their language. The culture and history of Puerto Rico is extremely important in New York Puerto Ricans, especially in the Bronx, where most of these immigrants live. My parents were both born in New York, their parents were both born in Puerto Rico, and I know how important language and culture are to my family. I was born in New York, but do not remember it, as my family moved to Florida when I was one. However, my parents have vivid memories of New York, and my research indicates that language is one of the most important elements of the Puerto Rican culture in New York.

It is quite popular today to argue that immigrants to the United States should assimilate into American culture as quickly as possible. In fact, there is much negativity regarding immigrants who do not speak English and much misunderstanding about bilingual education, the need for bilingual voting ballots and other documents, and the use of Spanish in immigrant homes. However, this is a way that the people remember and retain their culture. In Spanish neighborhoods, people expect you to speak Spanish. Two authors note, "When one is Puerto Rican it is almost expected to have some sort of Spanish language background, if not one is often mocked by other Puerto Ricans of all age groups" (Garcia and Nieves-Ferreri). Their viewpoint is that Spanish is part of their culture, it is in their blood, and they have to continue to use the language to honor their culture.

I believe this is the case, and I grew up in a household that uses Spanish and English, and it seems natural to me. I believe that most people of Puerto Rican descent hang on to their language because it reminds them of home, and of what they left behind, and that they need to hang on to their culture, because it is an important area of their lives and history. I think that people like my generation, who are second-born in America, can forget their culture and their history, and become more "American" in their ideas and culture, and that if they do not learn to speak Spanish; they are truly missing an important element in their lives. The authors state, "Many Puerto Ricans feel that this Americanization is a threat to the conservation of Puerto Rican communities and identities" (Garcia and Nieves-Ferreri). I think my parents feel that way, and they want to hang on to the culture more than I do, because they are more aware of it, and what their parents gave up when they moved to this country.

These texts help reinforce the importance of Spanish in New York Puerto Ricans' lives. The authors continue, "When visiting the Bronx, Spanish is inescapable; it is on the radio, in the stores and on the streets. Even if you are speaking English to a Bronx Puerto Rican, many times they will respond back to you in Spanish, especially if you are of Latino descent" (Garcia and Nieves-Ferreri). Spanish is the language that makes the people comfortable, and the text also shows that other nationalities, like Chinese and Arabs, who do business in the area, learn to speak Spanish and English to help give them a better rapport and understanding of their customers.