Helping with the first steps toward English

Immigrants are finally realizing they NEED English to become full participants in the country. Many want to be active politically and can't. DP

Spanish-language network plans programs on useful phrases to aid immigrants in navigating the basics of life in America.

By Anna Gorman, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

latimes.com: Juan Garcia makes the same resolution every New Year's: Learn English.

Despite being in the U.S. for 15 years, the Mexican immigrant knows only a few words and phrases. Too busy with work and family, he has put off enrolling in a class.

"The days pass and the years pass, and I don't do it," said Garcia, 63, who lives in Los Angeles.

Garcia will get a little help keeping his resolution in January when the Spanish-language television network Azteca America launches a series aimed at teaching English to its nationwide viewers. Called "Survival English," the show will focus on basic language skills for real-life situations such as renting an apartment, shopping at a market and visiting a doctor's office.

The television program represents a major departure for Spanish-language media and one that Azteca officials hope will foster assimilation of Latino immigrants and boost their political and economic clout. It also addresses concerns of some elected officials and other critics who assert that speaking English should be a priority for all immigrants.

"Our community will be more powerful politically if they can be more culturally assimilated," said Hector Romero, director of operations for Fundación Azteca America, the nonprofit arm of the company.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.