February. 23. 2014
Chapter Seven: Teaching English :
The purpose of languages is communication, but languages also have a great power to serve as markers of group identity. The Spanish language, of course, has more than an emblematic importance in Puerto Rico. It also serves as a demonstrative point for Puerto Rican identity, direct opposition to the English-speaking United States of America.
As I said, Puerto Rico has two official languages: Spanish and English. But Spanish is without a doubt the main language spoken in Puerto Rico, as most of the people in the Island are not adept in English. Language has been a crucial issue in Puerto Rican education and culture since United States Army invaded Puerto Rico. However, “ In 1948 Spanish was made the medium of instructions for non- language subjects at all levels of the public school system in Puerto Rico; English became a special subject to be taught in all grades” (Epstein pg. 133). Till 1948 the public school language program had been a center of argument. In addition, were those who felt adherence with the objective of having Puerto Rico become a permanent part of the Union, the way to make the people “American” was to make them learn the language.
Still, every school in Puerto Rico teach students both languages Spanish and English, but they focus more on Spanish and teach them English as the second language. On the other hand, in 1991 the Puerto Rican legislature, succeeding the lead of the pro-commonwealth Popular Democratic Party and the governor, Rafael Hernández Colón, legalized a bill that made Spanish the island’s official and primary language. However, in 1993 the pro- statehood governor, Pedro Rossello, certified legislation reestablish equal status to Spanish and English.
During the 1950‘s a professor from the Minneapolis called Jim Cooper traveled from US to teach English at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus . At the UPR-Mayagüez he taught English for various years. In his book “Down on the Island” he talked about his experience during his years teaching on the Island. He confronted various dilemma with students. Most of the students he taught could barely speak or write English.
According to Cooper, I think that it is a fact that public schools in Puerto Rico have mismanaged related to English teaching. In Puerto Rico is taking classes throughout the student life, being poor and inefficient for many. I consider that Puerto Rico should develop a system for teaching the English language much more vigorous and efficient, compared to the present. It would be extremely competent for the development as a country.
1. http://muniz-arguelles.com/resources/The+status+of+languages+in+Puerto+Rico.pdf
2. http://internationalliving.com/fund-your-life/teaching-english/
2. http://internationalliving.com/fund-your-life/teaching-english/
3. https://www.pinterest.com/explore/german-quotes/
Good reflection! I like the way you connected the language with the identity concept. I also think like you that language is a demonstrative point in the Puerto Rican identity.
ReplyDeleteLanguage had always been a conflict for Puerto Ricans identity because our colonial status and what you previously said. I really like your reflection about this chapter. Great job Andrea.
ReplyDeleteI like the connection you make with the concept of identity (by Peter Roberts) with this work of Jim Coppers. You say something that today is a reality, in the school every time focus in Spanish and don't focus in teach us a good English. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in how the teaching of English as a second language is not taught the way it should in Puerto Rico.
ReplyDelete