Lost in Translation, Research Paper Example

16-year old Zach Rubio was in the school hall when another Hispanic student asked him for a dollar in Spanish. Zach Rubio replied, ‘No problema’ and his reply was overheard by a school teacher who took him to Principal Jennifer Watts’ office. Ms. Watts called Zach’s dad and suspended the boy for speaking Spanish in the school (Reid). The school district later reversed the suspension and agreed that speaking a foreign language is not a ground for suspension (KMBC). The school principal Ms. Watts was described by the students as a disciplinarian and Ms. Watts claimed that this was not the first time she told Rubio and other students not to speak Spanish at school (HipHopMusic).

The student should not have been suspended because America is a culturally-diverse nation where all languages should be welcome except where they may cause confusion or prevent the efficient functioning of a particular task. Zach himself gives a great example that he doesn’t answer in Spanish in class because that would interfere with the class lessons but it should not be a problem outside class and between friends. It is difficult to say if Ms. Watts really meant to discriminate because her motive might have been to help students learn English as quickly as possible to better integrate in the society where English is still the most –spoken language. Even California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected a plan to introduce school courses in Spanish by claiming that he knows from personal experience how learning English as quickly as possible helps in America. And he is not alone in his opinion which is also shared by some Hispanic Groups (Reid).

My view would be same even if it was any other language besides English. But that is not to say that I give a preference to English language or consider it superior to others. If I were to move to Japan, I would support a policy where American students are required to speak Japanese even during private conversations so that they can learn Japanese as quickly as possible and improve their quality of life within the Japanese society.

Schools have a responsibility to maximize the learning experiences of their students and help them become better members of the society. What should matter is the intention and here the intention might have been to help students. But the punishment by the principal was harsh and not justified because it sent the wrong message even though the principal might have wanted to set an example for other students to not speak Spanish in school.

I believe schools should work to create policies that help achieve schools’ goals but also show respect for cultural and language diversity. Multi-language skills are also an asset and could benefit English-speaking students in today’s globalized world. An example of a good policy could be to allow other languages outside class but not in the class. In addition, the use of other languages could also be prohibited in situations where some of the individuals may not be familiar with a non-English language.

References

HipHopMusic. 9 December 2005. 20 April 2012 <Teen Sues After Being Suspended For Speaking Spanish>.

KMBC. Teen Sues After Being Suspended For Speaking Spanish. 13 December 2005. 20 April 2012 <http://www.kmbc.com/r/5523743/detail.html>.

Reid, T.R. Spanish At School Translates to Suspension. 9 February 2005. 20 April 2012 <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/08/AR2005120802122.html>.