Understanding no sabo kids

What it is, and how public media can join the Spanish and Latino identity conversation

Last OIGO, I waded into a subject that I was not sure would resonate with you. But guess what?

You liked it. A lot. What I heard the most? Tell me more. 👂

You who are media leaders who read OIGO to learn and see what’s happening, I found, appreciate learning some details. 📄 Thank you for educating me about your interests, so this newsletter serves you better.

This time, let’s get into a subject you’re reading about a bit: Spanish and Latino/a/e/x identity. It’s coming up most in the pieces I’ve highlighted previously — usually as the “no sabo kids,” or the young Latinx people who can’t speak or aren’t fluent in Spanish — and what that may mean for the culture. ❎

(“No sabo” is, by the way, a bit derogatory in the sense that it’s the wrong way of saying "I don't know" in Spanish — the actual translation is "no sé"— and thus mocks the young people in question. 🤨 We make fun of a lot of things and one another in Spanish, and it’s generally intended playfully, but it’s nonetheless critical.)

No sabo kids are the latest vehicle for a conversation going back at least 25 years. In short, the question is: can someone who doesn't speak Spanish still be Latino? 🤔 Philosopher Jorge J. E. Gracia’s 1999 book on Hispanic identity is among the better known works, but dozens of Latine intellectuals have covered this topic. However, today, much of what’s in the popular media does not say much.

This OIGO, I’ll explore with you the intersections of Latino identity, the reasons why someone with Latin American heritage might not speak Spanish, and offer insights on how public media can approach this subject with sensitivity and inclusivity. 👇🏾

Start here

First, the base question: what does being Latino mean anyway? There’s a ton already written about this, but I’ll share a simple overview for brevity. 🌞

Being Latino is primarily associated with cultural, ethnic and/or ancestral ties to Latin America. Latino/as share roots in Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico as well as Central America, South America and the Caribbean. 🌎 Whether immigrant or U.S.-born, these individuals connect with this heritage through cultural values, foods, history, art and more.

Spanish is a facet. Yes, it cannot be essentialized. It also can’t be excised. 💬

Identity is a multifaceted concept, and it can include many factors. And also, there’s a weight to language that we acknowledge, but don’t openly talk about often as far as importance. ⚖️ Yet this weight is the same reason you see stories of Latinos in Spanish classes; why we trace our roots; and why there is growth around Spanish preservation and education. The level of interest you are seeing signifies we know and feel how Spanish shapes the culture. People want to be part of a particular experience, and that’s good. 🤎

Either way, cultural identity persists, including for non-Spanish-speakers. Cuisine, values, arts, history and memories remain central. Holidays are celebrated, religious traditions observed, and familial bonds cherished regardless of language ability. 😍 As you may know from personal experience or family ties, even small connections foster a sense of belonging.

The why

The reasons why someone with Latinx heritage might not speak Spanish are diverse. Understanding these backstories is crucial for appreciating the nuances of Latino/a/e/x identity.

Assimilation and access shape language retention. Some families deliberately focused on English fluency to speed integration. Furthermore, some generations were presented racist assumptions about those who spoke Spanish and avoided or were discouraged from speaking it as a result. 😡 Without actively fostering Spanish skills, subsequent generations lost touch with the mother tongue.

In addition, not all Latinos have had the opportunity to learn and practice Spanish. This might be due to factors like geographic isolation, a lack of access to Spanish-speaking communities, or a limited presence of Spanish language and culture in their daily lives. 👁️ Despite desiring fluency, inadequate opportunities or lack of connection stymied development.

Also, the language spoken at home can shift Spanish fluency. While the older generation might primarily speak Spanish, younger generations often grow up in environments where English dominates. 📢 As a result, Spanish language proficiency can vary significantly within the same family. A lack of Spanish may be more pronounced in mixed-race/ethnicity families (see my past OIGO with this data).

Health and family circumstances can contribute further. ✅ Learning disorders or cognitive disabilities can make language acquisition difficult.

And finally, some individuals may simply choose not to speak Spanish for personal (and/or political) reasons. 🔔 For instance, I’ve known people who felt being American meant focusing on English. But surely, there are many more reasons I am missing.

Approaches

Public media has a significant role in shaping perceptions and promoting understanding of Latino identity and the role of language within it. 🔥 Here are some approaches you can use to navigate this topic with sensitivity and inclusivity.

The first one is the hardest. Try to refrain from making assumptions about languages spoken based on ethnicity; or a person's identity based on their language proficiency. This is challenging because many people and organizations are trying to connect with a community they may not know or have roots in, and are struggling to start a relationship. 📅 Instead, acknowledge the diversity of the Latine community by recognizing the range of languages, nationalities and assimilation within the group in the United States.

One possible avenue to start talking with people? Culture. Public media can play a vital role in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Latinos. 🎉 We see many stations showcasing the music, art, traditions and events that connect Latinos around the world. I loved how KEXP’s Aqui y Ahora was presented, for example.

If you’re seeking content ideas, another approach may be around personal narratives that reflect the experiences of Latinos. 🎙️ Stories of individuals who may not speak Spanish, but still strongly identify with their Latine heritage, could be interesting for your audience.

Still another approach may be to follow and get to know those involved in local language education and preservation efforts within the Latine community. 🎯 Those residents encouraging the learning of Spanish and other languages to help maintain linguistic ties to their heritage can be great friends and connectors.

However you decide to engage, your goal should always be to ensure that you as well as public media outlets actively work towards inclusivity and representation. Creating platforms for Latinos of all backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives can only be a benefit. 🙏

And lastly

Remember that identity is a deeply personal concept, and it varies from person to person. Approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn from each individual's unique experience. 🙌 Listen actively, ask questions and be sincere, as well as compassionate.

For most, identity goes beyond language proficiency. It encompasses a rich blend of cultural and shared experiences that connect Latinos. 👍 Recognizing this idea is crucial in fostering appreciation for identity.

I’d also encourage a healthy respect for Spanish. 👓 Rather than dismissing the language as essential, or those who don’t speak it as less legitimate, embrace the ways communities communicate. For example, try finding the stories of those Latinx people trying to learn or relearn Spanish, or what Spanish-speaking Latine parents hear from their kids and partners, and why.

You and public media play a vital role in shaping perceptions and promoting inclusivity. I am confident we as media can celebrate the special nature of Latinx identity and the heritage that unites our diverse community. 🟢

Cafecito: stories to discuss ☕

• The 2023 Latino Podcast Listener Report from Edison Research is out. ✨ According to the latest findings, monthly podcast listenership among Latinos has increased 52 percent since 2020, growing nearly four times faster than among the general U.S. population.

• The Seattle Times looks at a Washington State AM station serving audiences in Spanish, where the Hispanic population is growing, with news and public affairs programming. ⚡

• A new University of Houston report raises questions about voter support for building better relations with Black and Latine communities; and how white Democrats are political outliers compared to Black and Latinx voters. 🗳️ Axios on a conversation to follow in 2024.

• As more Latino comfort foods like empanadas, arepas, tamales, and pasteles become familiar on the American dining scene, foodies are developing an appreciation for these fried, baked or cornmeal-based specialties. 🍽️ NBC News has more.

• Zocalo Public Square examines what it means to be brown amid America’s binary racial dynamics. ⌚

El radar: try this 📡

• Check out Hispanic housing trends. A new initiative called Home Ownership Means Equity aims to increase homeownership among Latinx people in the U.S. by creating 4 million new homeowners by 2030. 🏠 WMFE covered the program launch locally in Orlando. You might want to see about traction locally.

• Showcase Latinos in classical. 🎶 Classical music is not typically associated with Latinos. KNKX profiles Paula Madrigal, a Mexican, female conductor, leading the Seattle nonprofit Orquesta Northwest. Are there local leaders near you?

• Let La Dia de los Muertos foster community. 💀 I mentioned the Bay Area Ofrendas profiles I’m on at KQED. This year, we’re making it part of the station’s iconic community commentary series Perspectives. Check out how we vet participation here.

• See about primary-school learning. Connecticut Public focuses attention on a fifth-graders in New Haven learning about Hispanic history. 🏆 Given the news coverage of schools and diversity, such efforts regionally could be a good story to check out.

• Ask how local libraries are addressing Latinx communities. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries and the Roberto Hernandez Center have collaborated on a new podcast which aims to highlight important people, places, and moments in Latinx history. 💻 Your organization might explore whether municipal or university libraries in your area are launching similar efforts.

The next OIGO is here Nov. 3. I’m excited to share that I’ll be working with WVIA as part of its bilingual advisory board. ⭐ I should also mention I’m always happy to talk with your organization and help you, too. I don’t charge for such conversations; this kind of thing is my life’s work and so I’m happy to connect.

🥤 You can buy me a coffee if you’d like to support the newsletter.