In Hispanic culture the Spanish language is considered just as important as all other values (This is true of other cultures as well)[1] in establishing their identity. Not speaking Spanish, which usually happens with grandkids incurs shaming them with the title of “Gringo” (a slang term for White American) and not fully embracing your own cultural (country of birth’s identity). The idea is that you are forgetting your roots and do not want to be associated with the Hispanic culture. Even though demographics seem to show that 78% of Hispanics say that speaking in Spanish is not necessary to be considered Hispanic[2] and that more Hispanics speak English, Speaking Spanish is not going away any time soon. About 75% of Hispanics (39.7 million in 2022)[3] speak Spanish and about 64% use Spanglish (a mix of Spanish and English).[4] Spanish in the US is considered the fourth largest speaking country.[5] Is estimated that by 2060, the US will the world’s “second largest Spanish speaking country”.[6]Spanish is an extension of the Hispanic culture. It is considered the “mother” tongue by which everyone is united, and values are communicated. Many parents (like mine and my wife’s) and grandparents are monolingual and only speak Spanish and everyone is expected to speak Spanish to them. It is the language of family. It is interesting that, in our case, where both English and Spanish are part of our daily lives, each has a different role. English is used for most day-to-day conversations and for work. Spanish is usually reserved for more personal communication. It is never used for disagreements or arguments. English is for that!
Spanish is not only spoken to interact with family members, but it is watched on TV. Spanish is the language of novelas (soap operas), news and sports (i.e. fútbol). It is no wonder that Univisión has one of the best ratings in the United States. Spanish is also used to listen to music such as your typical folk music mariachi and a variety of genres.
Will Spanish decrease as the first generation passes away and subsequent generations become monolingual? It is possible but current immigration seems to point otherwise. If Spanish will become less prominent, it won’t happen soon.
The implication for sharing the Gospel for those who don’t speak Spanish is to learn a few basic words to connect with them. Attendings social functions or services in Spanish is another way to engage them. Gospel presentation should be in both languages. Our churches need to offer services both in Spanish and English. Many churches today have an English service but nothing in Spanish. The fact is that while this seems adequate to reach English speakers, most English speaking Hispanics do not feel welcome in a church that is culturally distinct. They are the biggest non-reached group in the United States.
Then you have Spanish churches that have nothing in English services. They are able to reach the Spanish language speakers but are losing those whose English is their dominant language. I have observed that even those who speak Spanish are not literate in Spanish and often are not fluent readers or writers. Having one church with services in both languages seems to me the most effective way and a better way for those churches with limited resources. Having services in both languages reinforces the cultural distinctive of keeping family together. There is a great harvest to be reaped but it requires intentional and strategic steps to reach all generations of Spanish speakers.
[1] Ibid.
[2] https://www.pewresearch.org/race-ethnicity/2023/09/20/latinos-views-of-and-experiences-with-the-spanish-language/
[3] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/22/key-facts-about-us-latinos-for-national-hispanic-heritage-month/#:~:text=Among%20the%20U.S.,to%2039.3%20million%20in%202021.
[4] Ibid.
[5] https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/us-worlds-fourth-largest-spanish-speaking-country
[6] Ibid.
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