Spanish is one of the most common languages in the world it is estimated tat 470 to 500 million people speak this language. People that have immigrated from Spanish speaking countries to the U.S brought their language with them. 

Over time, the language and customs of their homeland were introduced to their children. These children are born into two cultures, one being an American Culture and the culture that is practiced at home.

Many Hispanic children are typically exposed to “American Culture” when they begin school. English is used more often at school, compared to the Spanish that is used at home. Children begin to lose their ability to speak Spanish when they start school. 

Friends and Instructors use English on a daily basis and slowly younger Hispanic children begin to absorb it. School lasts about 8-10 hours a day depending on what activities you are involved in maybe even more. Speaking English all day from 1st grade to 12th grade can have long-lasting effects on the mind of young Hispanic youth. Unless you are involved in clubs or classes that utilize the Spanish language you will lose the language. 

Policy Changes like Proposition 227 passed in 1998. This bill “eliminated bilingual classes for students who were considered “Limited English Proficient” and required English-Language immersion. This proposition was overturned in 2016. This proposition is not the sole cause of the decline of Spanish use amongst Hispanic youth. It is a combination of so-called social standards and a lack of interest in the Language itself.

According to students, speaking another language in front of people that do not understand, makes them feel strange and upset depending on the individual. This is where the youth can feel alienated when speaking a foreign language because they can feel embarrassed and ashamed of the language they speak. 

Depending on the individual this can either make them stop or limit their use of language or encourage them to utilize more often. Lack of Interest also plays a large role in the decline of Spanish use, Typically 2nd and 3rd Generation Hispanic youth grow up in America and become accustomed to the English language and overall American culture. Sometimes they feel that the English Language is much more beneficial to them than the language that is spoken at home. 

With the introduction of new Dual Immersion Programs appearing in different schools across the U.S, there is hope to preserve the Spanish language. These programs offer general academic instruction in two different languages from Kindergarten and onwards. Some of these Programs continue until the 12th grade of High school. Having children from different backgrounds and upbringings go through these programs is very important. It teaches them that English is not the only way to communicate with other people and it also exposes them to different cultures. Having the ability to speak two languages can help you excel in your work, school, and personal life. 

Also Introducing new forms of Spanish classes in Junior High and High Schools across the U.S can be beneficial to students of different backgrounds being exposed to this language. We as a nation are only in control of what we can do from this point forward. With new programs and bilingual programs across the U.S, we can do our best to expose young people to biliteracy.