Language shift seen in Latinos

Another personal story proving the studies that show English becomes the only language by the third generation in this country. DP

By GINA VERGEL, STAFF WRITER

HomeNewsTribune.com: WOODBRIDGE — Fords Middle School pupil Cathy Ortiz is part Puerto Rican, but she said English is the dominant language spoken at her house.

"We really don't speak Spanish unless we're going to our abuela's house," said Ortiz, referring to her paternal grandmother, who came to the United States from Puerto Rico many years ago.

The Ortizes are a prime example of a trend that a new study says most second- and third-generation Latinos are falling into — one in which the use of Spanish is dying out.

A few generations after families move to the United States from Latin American countries, fluency in Spanish dies out and English becomes the dominant language, says the new study, which was published by sociology professors from New Jersey and California.

The study counters popular arguments that the size of Latino immigration to the U.S. could create a bilingual society and a fundamental change in American culture.

Such sentiments have played a role in debates over U.S. immigration law and touched off a controversy earlier this year over a Spanish-language version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Closer to home, controversy ensued after an effort by Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan to make English the official language of the Bergen County borough.
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