Currently, I am working in a nonprofit where the majority of members are Hispanic. Several of the families do not speak English and require a translator to communicate with members of the staff.
Artist Statement
This piece represents my feelings towards working in a bilingual environment. I constantly feel as if my English is stifling the Spanish speaking members. I want more than anything to help my clients as they need it. I am trying to remain as competent as possible but it is feeling really difficult with the language barrier. I feel ashamed that I worked through years of Spanish coursework, in both high school and college, but cannot speak the language fluently. I never really wanted the skill back then, I simply regurgitated things taking for granted the time I was spending immersed in the language. I constantly feel I am overpowering or overshadowing, stamping out the voices of Hispanic members. I am trying my best to be patient and understanding in frustrating situations, but I am finding it really hard. I want so badly to speak with them, but I lack all confidence in myself. I have tried on few occasions to speak Spanish and it has been okay. More than anything I’d like to speak Spanish fluently and view our voices equal. At this point, I don't know if working in a bilingual organization is a good fit for me.
Debbie