The Language Of Chicanos By Fausto Avendano

Chicanos are immersed in a duality that affects every part of their lives in different ways. One part that is affected by this dualism is language. Chicanos express themselves through both English, which is the official language of their country, and Spanish, which is the language they inherited from their parents. The Spanish language connects Chicanos not only to their family members, but also to their cultural heritage and identity. In the text written by Fausto Avendano, is a journey through the Spanish language in the Southwest through the times, as its title indicates. There are several points to analyze about the language of Chicanos in the Southwest, such as the imposition of the English language, its influence on the expression of

For forty years, the Spanish language dominated the Southwest. In states such as Arizona, Texas and New Mexico it was recognized as an official language (Avendao 134). Second, the English language was imposed by the Americans. Mexican Americans were pressured in many ways to speak English. The economic situation of those who did not speak English was more precarious. Mexican Americans considered it indispensable to learn English to defend themselves against the laws and abuses of authority. In addition, children in the schools were punished if they spoke Spanish (Avendano 134). The dislike of the Spanish language and the people who spoke it in New Mexico was so evident through the comments of one congressman who described them as a "race that speaks a foreign language" and does not represent the "best blood of the American continent" (Ellis 134). Avendao affirms that the discrediting of the Spanish language occurred because the Anglo-Saxon population outnumbered Mexican Americans and that they have many cultural and linguistic prejudices (135). Third, the influence of the English language on the expression of Mexican Americans is

He also concluded that mixed Spanish and English words were spread along the border between Mexico and the United States (136). Anglicisms or expressions that incorporate Spanish from English are very common in Chicanos' communication because they interact with both English and Spanish on a daily basis. Words such as Traque, from the English "track,” troque or troca from “Truck,” Parquear from "to park," Pompa from "pump,” Brecas from "brakes," and Sanhuish from "sandwich,” taken from Castillo Najera's list, are very common in the Southwest (Avendano 137). However, even though Chicanos use Anglicism, they still strive to express themselves according to the norms of the English language (Avendao 141). Chicanos have learned Spanish through their families, some speak little Spanish, and others are fluent in the language, but have serious deficiencies in reading and writing it (Avendano 147). Educators recognize these problems and have begun to reorient Spanish programs for Mexican Americans. Efforts to promote the study and preservation of Spanish need to