In the Northeastern part of the United States, the need to understand the Spanish language is growing at a rapid pace. According to Cumberland Police Sergeant Anthony Rumgay, his ability to understand the speak Spanish has resulted in him being called to duty at all hours of the day and night.
Rumgay said, "I've been called on by just about every law enforcement agency in Western Maryland. I've translated in circuit court… In the Virginia Avenue assault…the victim was a Mexican male. I was able to talk with him in Spanish and we developed an ID that led to an arrest."
Overall, 14 percent of Americans are of Hispanic descent from Puerto Rico, Central America, Mexico, Cuba, or South America. In Maryland, the Hispanic population makes up 6 percent of its residents. Thus, there is only a handful of law enforcement that speaks Spanish.
Maria-Luisa Sanchez, chair of the department of foreign languages and literature at Florida State University said, "We tell businesses… that there are societal differences. For example, Hispanic people tend to gather in larger groups and be loud. They like to have music and people around them."
Although the goal of such locations is to teach Spanish speakers English, the need for interpreters and translators is growing. This has resulted in an effort to educate both law enforcement and other professionals regarding the Spanish language.
17 February 2009
