What’s the Fuss About Bilingual Signs?

Jeff James

Buzz around Charleston regarding the recent signage in Spanish and English for FestivALL has brought about some interesting conversation. Some people are offended, others are saying “it’s about time” and many are apathetic.

Why does promoting diversity, culture and other languages create such a stir around WV and other parts of the U.S.A? The United States was created as a melting pot of many different countries searching for freedom and a place of their own. Why are people so surprised to see bilingual signs around town? The United States as whole is comprised of 12.5% African Americans, 12.5% Latinos, 4% Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native (http://www.civilrights.org/research_center/civilrights101/demographics.html). These statistics are based on the 2000 Census and have grown over the past 8 years, but note that 30% of the U.S.population is comprised of minorities.

When an American visits or moves to a non-English speaking country, do we expect the natives to suddenly speak English for our convenience? No, yet some West Virginians believe Latinos should learn English and only speak English because they live in our state. Is this ignorance, fear, intimidation? The drivers inciting such surprise, insult and conversation among West Virginians are subjective. People may not know how to interact with those who speak another language, they may not understand their culture, and/or may be ignorant and fear the unknown. Rather than ask questions and accept differences openly, people shut the door and do not accept anything they are not familiar with.

How do West Virginian’s overcome getting upset over the smallest of things like a bilingual sign? Rather than stating, “Why do we need signs in spanish? This is the USA and our OFFICIAL language IS ENGLISH!! There’s no reason to cater to spanish speaking people: if they’re here, let ’em learn english or go back home.” (http://dailymail.com/comments?build=yes&ContID=200806130113)

Our founder fathers state in the Declaration of Independence, “…….all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm) Our nation believes in the promotion of equality with unalienable Rights, which includes the right to personal security and personal liberty. Therefore, is the gentleman who stated people should speak only English when living in the U.S. suggesting denying the Rights provided by our founders? I pose a thought for all those who have discussed the bilingual signs; do you believe you are promoting the unalienable Rights of all people whether citizens or not when you argue against bilingual signs in West Virginia?

~ Josie

6 responses to “What’s the Fuss About Bilingual Signs?”

  1. jeff james Avatar
    jeff james

    Interesting post…What is interesting is that quite often other countries DO provide their signs in English to accomodate all the American travelers who don’t know a second language. In many ways it’s just good business to help more customers and visitors have access to your community and businesses. I think it’s also a sign of a welcoming community who values the people (and their tourism and investment dollars!) who may come from other regions than English-speaking countries. For example, the Kanawha Valley has been trying to recruit some Italian companies to locate manufacturing firms here; what kind of statement would it make if there were a few signs in Italian around Charleston? I would think the decision-makers from those companies would be pretty impressed. It’s interesting that a lot of the emotions that flare are associated with Spanish and the whole Mexican immigrant issue. If the signs were in Japanese (for Toyota) or Italian, would it flare such emotions? Who knows…But in the end, it’s something our state and community must get more comfortable with if we’re ever going to grow into a healthy economy and (I would argue) community.

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  2. Amy Williams Avatar
    Amy Williams

    Hola, I’m the artist who did this exhibit, along with Chris Dutch. I’m excited to see that art creates thought and conversation. Whether people are for bilingual education or against, firm on immigration policy or open, I think it’s important to explore ideas and I love it when art can facilitate that! Gracias! Amy

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  3. stacey Avatar
    stacey

    when I visit a non-English speaking country, I don’t expect them to cater to me, a temporary guest. And were I to be permanent, I would expect to have to learn the local language and customs if I wanted to be around for a while. If a non-english speaking person wants to visit the USA, then I expect they do the same. Learn enough to get by. If they plan on stating, then learn more and use it when dealing businesses and locals. If they want to use their own language the rest if the time, that’s fine. But don’t expect everyone else to cater to you. If we cater to one we soon cater to another and before you know it, every sign is in ten languages or more. When do you stop?

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  4. Josie Anderson Avatar
    Josie Anderson

    Stacey, I appreciate your comments and understand why you believe non-English speakers should converse in English when conducting business, however I argue that an appreciation of different cultures and languages is what our nation was founded on. I agree that business should be conducted in the primary language of any country when at all possible, however I believe that our nation was based on the right for freedom and the ability for visitors and citizens to express themselves naturally without hindrance (so long as no harm is done). If signs are in 10 languages, does it affect you? No, you just find the one (language) that is natural and innate and draw upon it. It is significant to promote the natural state of human beings, this allows them to foster creativity and development. How will society and especially the WV economy develop if we alienate people from their natural, innate beings? Karl Marx and other great political philosophers would state that when we alienate ourselves and cage the natural abilities we hinder progress. WV will continue to hinder its progress if we don’t allow the promotion of diversity and different languages. Let me know if you and any others would like to have a coffee talk, civil and logical discussion around this topic and related areas. I’m interested to pursue progress and this cannot be done without considering all logical reasons and viewpoints. Have a great one! Josie

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  5. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    I think the idea behind the bilingual signs is a nice one, and I definitely support cultural acceptance. However, I personally don’t think that a stenciled sign qualifies as true art. I realize that art is subjective, but even abstract art requires some creative talent and effort.

    Reply
  6. amyvangogh Avatar
    amyvangogh

    Hola, I wanted to give some additional info on why are wooden signs with stenciled words art? Alot of people may agree it isn’t. It isn’t traditional art for sure. I’ve included some links about what conceptual art and installation art is. It’s not your conventional gallery art. Conceptual art is art that is more about the “concept” than the actual execution of painting a tree. Installation art is art that’s often in public or more unusual spaces and the location can be part of the art. The reason I like these forms of art is because it uses artistic forms to encourage people to think about things or see things in new ways. I wish people would be able to agree and disagree without tearing the signs down. But I am thankful for the discussion that this exhibit has created! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_art http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Installation_art

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