• Issues,  Legal Practice,  Uncategorized

    Bilingualism: Help or Hinder?

    Do you speak Spanish?  Are you fluent or able to speak  just enough to talk to your older relatives?  Statistically speaking, younger generations may have less Spanish speaking capability than earlier generations.  It makes me sad to know that likely my (possible) grandchildren won’t know my native language.  Though, I am hopeful because I know there is now more knowledge and awareness  (and acceptance) about the benefits of being multilingual so I’ll keep my fingers crossed. But in the here and now, how are you using your Spanish skills?  When I first started interning in college, an attorney realized I knew Spanish and asked me to translate for him.  He made…

  • Issues,  Legal Practice

    Are You the Interpreter?

    I’m a huge fan of TV and am always excited about the new fall line-ups.  I am doubly excited this year that a new show starring a very funny Latina comedian will be on ABC.  Cristela Alonzo will play a law student, and that makes me excited to think that perhaps there will be a storyline on t.v. with which I can actually relate! One scene that immediately struck a chord with me was the promo where a white woman misidentifies Cristela repeatedly (around the 30 sec mark).  First, as the cleaning crew; then as support staff.  The punch line happens when the lady asks Cristela (who she assumes to be…