Why are some Spanish-speaking natives reticent to share their language?
So, I just had to ask!
I know this great bilingual guy who has oodles of friends and has a great wit. He grew up in America speaking English and Spanish. He is popular and has no reason to be ashamed, yet will not speak Spanish around his English-speaking friends. (We are talking about the adult world here, not high school.) When I try to ask him a few questions about Spanish or the general culture of his heritage, he changes the subject. Otherwise, when I talk to him about other subjects, he's engaging and quite normal. I never push him to speak Spanish and have stopped asking him grammar questions because he obviously does not like to broach the subject. This isn't the only time I have come across this, here in America.
Why is this extremely talented, diverse individual ignoring one whole part of him, even when he has kind, interested people around him who think that his bilingual talents are only an advantage? I will spend the rest of my life trying to achieve what this guy has been so blessed with. Why do you think he finds it necessary to keep the Spanish-speaking part of himself locked away? Do you know people like this? Does this stretch to other parts of the world besides America? If you are bilingual, do you find yourself reacting this way too? Why?
(P.S. Please keep in mind that this thread could have the possibility of bringing up some heated subjects. Please remember in the comments you make that this thread is not intended to bring up heated or insulting diversity/immigration debates but rather this thread is intended to foment an adult, and polite, discussion with all points of view welcome. Please do not insult or defame one another in the process!)
