Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-01-29
Americans Should Learn
Spanish

The new and better understanding between the
United States and the Latin republics should result in
more general teaching Of the Spanish language in the
educational institutions Of this country, is the opin-
ion OF Kent Cooper, general manager OF The Associat-
ed Press. who in q recent address before leading New
York educators urged the teaching Of Spanish in the
schools Of that state.
There are approximately 100000 Spanish speak.
ing people in the various Latin republics Of the west
ern hemisphere, Mr.. Cooper pointed out. In the lead
ing educational Institutions Of those countries English
is now being taught. but Spanish will always be the
official language. The new relations between the
United States and Latin America indicate closer con-
tact between the two peoples, and only through the
requirement Of the Spanish language can the Ameri-
can people adjust themselves to the differences in
customs and understand the trend of thought in Latin
America.
English is a very difficult language to learn, while
the Spanish language is one OF the easiest. Notwith-
standing its simplicity, the language il one of the
most expressive. conveying a broad range Of thought,
and is spoken. more or less purely. by over 2oo,O0o,ooo
people.
In many Of the European countries from two 10
four languages are taught, and are very necessary In
everyday life. In the United States the number Of
native Americans speaking more than one language is
very limited. Except on the Mexican border Spanish
is seldom heard, and most border Americans have at
least a smattering Of Spanish. The same condition
exists in the Latin republics. Spanish being the only
language spoken, though among the well educated
classes English is being taught and many Of the politi-
cal and commercial leaders speak the language.
Inasmuch as the United States and the Latin
countries are now entering a new era Of better under
standing. it is apparent that all the countries involved
will promote and cherish that relationship to a high
et degree if they are able TO grasp the vital differ
ences in customs and trend Of thought. This cannot
be done if the countries Of the western hemisphere
are to be divided by the barrier of language. Most Of
the Latin republics are now seeking to eliminate this
barrier by teaching English in the schools, and the
United States should emulate their example by insist
ing that knowledge Of Spanish should become more
widespread throughout this country. This does not
signify that the teaching Of German, French or other
languages should be abandoned. However, the fact
should be considered that within a few years the COM
mercial relations between this country and Latin
America will have reached the point where knowledge
Of Spanish will be Of more practical use to the Areri-
can public than knowledge Of any other foreign Ian
Euage.
The only way in which the United States can as
sure maximum intercourse between the peoples Of the
western hemisphere is to aid in eliminating the Ian
guage barrier, as the various peoples of Europe have
done in promoting intercourse between the states and
nations. 1t is fortunate that in the western world such
a medley Of tongues does not exist. and that any per-
50 nwho can speak English and Spanish is amply
equipped linguistiealEy.