Speaking the language of the heart
A mong counselors and clinical social workers, there’s a saying that a person with heavy problems to discuss needs to be able to speak “in the language of the heart.” It’s hard enough to face a family or mental health crisis without the frustration, perhaps even the fatal frustration, of not being able to make oneself understood or to understand the guidance given.
Nationally, the largest group not speaking English as their primary language are Spanish-speakers, a reflection of the country’s changing demographic. The need for bilingual speakers in all fields has grown steadily over the past two decades, but locally the demand is particularly urgent for Spanish-speaking staff in social services. According to the U.S. Census, in 2018 people of Latino origin made up nearly 11% of the population of New London County. While many speak English, many others do not.
A toxic mix of personal problems ended tragically for an 18-year-old mother facing her husband’s deportation, the loss of custody of her children and, finally, death from a suspected drug overdose in Willimantic. Her attorney recently told The Day that substance abuse services for women who speak primarily Spanish might have made a crucial difference.
The need is not limited to matters of life and death, however. For chronic problems as well as times of immediate crisis, people need someone to speak their language, in every sense of the term.
Local providers of social services have creatively used translation apps, high school and college students who are studying Spanish, and other real-time translators. The state provides Spanish-language information on a website of the Department of Social Services, connect.ct.gov. All of those are important parts of the solution, but families and individuals whose primary language is not English must have both near- and long-term solutions to improve their understanding.
Long term, the best way is to equip everyone in the family with the tool of speaking and understanding the prevailing language. That’s how people learn about all their options, not just the ones that have been translated. It’s how to find and get what the marketplace has to offer in health care, jobs, education, housing and social support services. Many immigrants from non-English speaking countries will tell you this about learning the native tongue: It is how to get ahead.
However, while there are no substitutes for clear comprehension or the ability to speak one’s mind, learning a new language takes time. Personal problems won’t wait; they may even worsen. Taking our cue from what the providers have said, we would like to see several steps taken as soon as possible.
It’s never too soon to educate for tomorrow. Spanish-speaking students should have opportunities and incentives to choose careers in areas that desperately need their skill with the language. Students who are interested in such careers but speak little or no language other than English should be guided to learn Spanish as a professional skill that will get them wider job choices and ultimately help more people.
It’s never too late to educate for today. Social service workers on the job should have professional development opportunities to take Spanish classes during the work day and mentoring to help them use what they are learning.
Bilingual students — often accustomed to translating for family members — capably translated for Norwich Human Services, for example, until the funding ran out. Funders, here is an area in which to address a clear need.
Students who are studying to become fluent in Spanish, such as those from Connecticut College volunteering in New London schools and social service agencies, can help tackle the problem from two directions: providing translation right now and developing long-term career plans based on a real-life understanding of the need. Other higher education institutions may want to step up, too.
No one included in these suggestions will have to make great sacrifices to be part of the solution. Each new skill, including a second language, benefits the one who acquires it and the ones whom it helps.
For chronic problems as well as times of immediate crisis, people need someone to speak their language, in every sense of the term.