Are you part of the steadily growing
Spanish community here in Miami? If you
are, and you are hoping eventually to become an American citizen, one of the
first things to consider is your mastery of the English language. You have to be able prove that you can speak
English in order to become a United State citizen. America is the world’s melting pot, and for
it to communicate within itself, it needs to have a common language. That common language chosen years ago was
English. Even though there are many dialects
of that language throughout the very large United States, everyone can
understand each other, and we all have the same basic understanding of what we
as a nation stand for.
There are plenty of places to learn English in Miami. Some are free, some private single tutorage and
some classes. Children learn very
quickly usually, mostly because they go to school and all public schools teach
English as a first language. This is
important to note if you have young children and you have just arrived in the
country. You need to work with the
school to get your children extra help if required, so that they do not become
lost and be left behind in their work.
For adults it is a bit more difficult. If you cannot speak the language, then you
chances of a good job outside of the Latino community are slim. We have seen many well educated people
working as chambermaids because they cannot speak English well enough to get a
job in a bank or hospital or in some other chosen field. If you have to get that low paid job to
start, do not get down on yourself.
Apply yourself strenuously to learn English
because the faster you can get the language down, the faster you can move up
the ladder again.
Miami Dade County College has a number of
courses where you can learn English in
Miami, and some of these are even offered free of charge. Take advantage of anything you can. Practice with your children. Make a point of speaking English at home
every Thursday night, or some other planned time, and stick to it. Get a dictionary and study it because, often
it is the vocabulary that lets you down in business, so learn the business
vocabulary for your particular area of expertise. Most important practice, practice, practice,
because practice makes perfect.
