English classes teach more than language

An interesting story about the different reasons immigrants want to learn English and benefit from it. DP

By ERIC WEDDLE

jconline.com: FRANKFORT -- Juan Salazar reverted to Spanish only once while explaining why he was learning English -- when he asked if he had used the word "know" correctly.

"I want the people to look at me and see me as an American, not a Mexican," he said. "I know English will help me."

Salazar and his wife, Aracely, have attended English-as-second-language classes at the Frankfort Adult Learning Center twice a week for two months. With about 30 other students, they are learning the basics, such as the alphabet, common phrases and grammar. Their aim is not only to speak and understand the language, but to be accepted as part of American culture.

"They just want to be self-sufficient and not rely on anyone else," said Guadalupe Cruz, an instructor who teaches basic English. "They come here to learn a little of everything."

For 13 years, the center has offered English courses, though the past few have seen enrollment grow. That corresponds to an increase in Clinton County's Hispanic population of nearly 70 percent over six years, to an estimated 4,207 residents in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.