How did it all happen? They met and fell in love. His English was limited, and her Spanish was limited. There were no arguments because neither knew the other’s language well enough to argue. Maybe that was a good thing, home life was peaceful.
Time was spent learning about the culture and traditions of each other. Cooking was an important part, as foods were so different. Living in an environment that was mostly English presented a challenge. Spanish was the main language spoken at home to ensure that the children learned the language. They would have plenty of opportunity to use their English in school, but only practice their Spanish at home. They learned both languages at the same time, so there were times they mixed up some words. Like socks in English, but calcetines in Spanish were called sockatines in their mixed English-Spanish. They didn’t identify the languages as English and Spanish when small, but instead how Mommy talks and how Papi talks. As soon as the son knew both languages well, he would go with his father to translate. On the job, father had to speak well enough to get the job done.
By the time the children went to school, they were fluent in both languages. They learned many cultural values from the Spanish culture but more religious values from the English culture. It all came down to what each parent’s strong points were and how that parent ensured what the children believed and practiced.
As an example, he brought many beliefs and practices of using natural and medicinal herbs. There was always tea for any remedy. She brought strong values of the Christian faith. Each parent had their strong points, but neither one disrespected the other’s beliefs. I often thought of the children’s riddle: Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean, between the two, they licked the platter clean. The culture and beliefs of the parents provided a good environment for the children.
Question is: How do they identify themselves today as adults living in a predominantly English-speaking culture? It is influenced by whom they marry. Marrying someone that is 100% one culture to someone who is half and half gives an advantage to the 100% culture. The children born to those parents are now 1/4th to 3/4th and living in a 100% culture, which is the case for many Americans today. The children know very little about their culture of 1/4th and don’t even know the language unless they made an effort to learn that language. Even though the language may not keep going we are a part of our heritage. Same as when children of any culture follow in the steps of their parents. That is why the US is considered a melting pot of cultures. The English language has increased as different cultures brought new words into the melting pot. Words like tortillas and tacos. Children who are part of two cultures are sometimes more accepting and inclusive of others who are different.
Is Bilingual & Multicultural living difficult? It can be challenging, but if parents respect each other, then all the things that could cause conflict can be resolved. Immigrants who come to the US already married sometimes have a more difficult time, especially with the children. Parents want the children to hold on to their culture and traditions, but the children would rather fit in with the existing culture. They don’t want to be different from the other children. The children who learned both cultures from the beginning have no problem blending into either one, whatever the occasion.
Marriage can be challenging regardless of who you marry. There is a saying that opposites attract. This can be taking it to the limit. The most important part of the home is faith in God. If the parents agree in this area, conflicts can be resolved. Jesus Christ is the son of God and He is our Redeemer.