The question of why immigrants don’t learn to speak English instead of expecting help in their native language is one that we in the language services world hear fairly often. Many of us speak about helping those with limited English skills to communicate by offering assistance in their native language, whether with translation, interpreting, subtitles or any other tool.
Many English speakers, who themselves come from immigrant families (we are, after all, a nation of immigrants), assume incorrectly that people of limited English proficiency, commonly referred to in our world as LEPs, are too lazy or feel too entitled to learn the language of their new country. These English speakers see language access as entitlement and they resent the immigrants who make their own lives more inconvenient (at the fast-food counter, for example). But language access and entitlement are not the same, although there is a relationship. I’ll explain.
Before we even get there, though, let’s establish a self-evident truth: there is no question that in order to achieve success in the United States, successfully integrate into U.S. culture, and contribute the most to U.S. society, being able to communicate in the commonly used language –which is English—is a necessity. I can’t think of any political leader, business leader or entrepreneur who has risen to prominence outside of their local community without speaking fluent English. It’s true that many small business owners in their local ethnic environments can achieve success and a remarkable quality of life in their native language, and no one expects elderly newcomers to become fluent English speakers. But generally speaking, you need the English language if you expect to thrive in the United States.
Is Language Access the Same as Entitlement?
No, they are not the same. But they are intertwined in our U.S. legal system.
Language access refers to the ability of individuals who have limited English proficiency (or who are deaf or hard of hearing) to effectively communicate with and receive information from institutions, organizations and businesses. This includes providing interpreting or translation services, as well as providing written materials in accessible formats. Language access is a key aspect of ensuring that everyone has equal access to needed services such as healthcare, legal advice, government benefits and others.
Entitlement, on the other hand, refers to claiming a right to something, such as a government benefit or service, that is provided by law or policy. For example, individuals who meet certain income or other eligibility criteria may be entitled to receive government benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps.
While language access differs from as entitlement, language access plays a role in ensuring that individuals who are entitled to certain benefits, as U.S. citizens and as provided by law, can effectively communicate with the institutions or organizations providing those services. If an individual entitled to receive government benefits cannot effectively communicate with the agency providing those benefits because of a language barrier, their entitlement may be compromised.
It’s critical to communicate with LEPs in their language of origin. Here’s why.
- The ability (or lack thereof) to communicate in English has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence, education or professional skills. Many LEPs arrive in the U.S. as highly educated and skilled professionals but may struggle to communicate in a language that’s not their first language. Denying language services to LEPs, therefore, can prevent them from accessing important services, education and employment opportunities.
- Language barriers can prevent individuals from understanding their legal rights, accessing healthcare or participating in civic activities … which would amount to discrimination.
- The United States has a long and rich history of welcoming immigrants and refugees from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Offering language services to them is a way of promoting inclusion, diversity and respect for all cultures.
- Providing language access to LEPs is a legal requirement under federal law, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funding.
Immigration is the backbone of our country, and we continue to welcome immigrants and refugees from all over the world. Because of this, there will always be a need to help individuals communicate in their own language. In fact, the need for language access may continue to increase as the country becomes more diverse and as more immigrants settle in the United States. Providing language access is a way of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their language or cultural background, have equal access to the services and opportunities to which, yes, they may be entitled.
So the question is not, how can we accommodate immigrants so they don’t have to bother to learn English. The question is, how can we help these newcomers to succeed in their new homeland as they adjust to their new country’s social climate, culture, customs, and language. The answer is to supply the resources to give them a helping hand. It’s what this country was built on.
