Speaking English key to success

Columnist Esther J. Cepeda is trying to make a case that in order for Latinos to prosper they need to speak Spanish. She states that “not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that I can think, read, write and converse in two different languages. Every parent has that dream for their children, but I don’t believe that it would be only for the Spanish children, it should be for children from all over the world.” She also says that Latinos cannot risk losing the tremendous opportunity to boost the United States’ ability to compete in a global economy where by 2050 fully 10 percent of the world population will speak Spanish.

I wonder what the other 90 percent will be speaking. If Ms. Cepeda wants Latinos to prosper she should encourage them to speak good English and not worry about them speaking Spanish. It is advantageous for every one in the workforce to speak more that one language, but Spanish is not the formula for success.

Silvio Pontarelli

Mount Prospect