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WEST VALLEY CITY -- Should someone who speaks Vietnamese have to learn Spanish to shop in West Valley City? What about someone from Samoa?
West Valley Mayor Mike Winder and Councilman Steve Buhler say the language barrier is making it hard for people of all backgrounds to do business and live in West Valley City. So on Tuesday, they announced the West Valley City English Initiative.
The 2010 Census is expected to show that 45 percent of the population of West Valley City is made up of ethnic minorities, Winder said. West Valley City reflects the diversity that is modern America. Vietnamese businesses stand side by side with Mexican businesses and the like.
45 percent of the population of West Valley City is made up of ethnic minorities. -2010 U.S. Census
Having such a diverse population can pose several challenges that may impact the city. City leaders want to strengthen what they say should be a common bond: English.
Winder said people who do not speak English have problems communicating with neighbors, doctors and government officials as well as doing day-to-day things. They also tend to earn less and are more likely to be unemployed, he said.
"While there is much discussion about immigration on the state and federal level, on the local level the largest obstacle to becoming a cohesive community is the language barrier," Winder said. "I feel that the West Valley City English Language Initiative is a strong step in the right direction by encouraging all of our residents to learn and use English as quickly as possible."
Rhosby Barker, director of Casa Chiapas, said, "Some of the problems we have is people don't follow the rules, but sometimes they don't understand the rules."
Esperanza Vicente is a cashier at Tinochtitlan Market. He went to high school in West Valley and thinks the English initiative is a good idea.
"You need to learn how to get along with a lot of different people, because they're raised differently, and [have] different religions, and everything's different," Vicente said.
There is no mandate to speak English in West Valley; Winder says instead, the proclamation is meant to encourage people to use English as the official language of the city.
"The West Valley English Initiative is intended to unite the community through a common language," Buhler said in a written statement. "We hope to enhance the sense of community by encouraging all residents to learn a common language that can be spoken at home, in neighborhoods, at schools and throughout the city."
Besides, Winder said, it just makes sense.
The initiative encourages residents to learn and speak English. During a press conference Winder unveiled a new website, www.englishwvc.org, where resources are listed for anyone who wants to learn English.
Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, supports the program. She said it helps promote integration of the immigrant communities, which, in the end, helps improve the economic and social opportunities for immigrants.
Utah Minutemen Project co-chairman Eli Cawley called the proclamation a first step to dealing with the consequences of illegal migration. "(It's) a necessary step toward moving forward together," he said. "Knowing, speaking English, not only lessens certain anxieties in our community but will bring more economic success as well."
Under the initiative, people who successfully complete an English course will be recognized with a certificate during a council meeting.
The proclamation also encourages all West Valley businesses and housing providers to use English in signs, advertisements, promotions and menus.
At a restaurant which caters mostly to Spanish-speaking customers, they already have an English menu. They say adding new signage will cost a bit more, but likely draw new customers.
At Casa Chiapas, Barker says you can learn English or learn to play the marimba or guitar, even pick up computer skills or hair styling; but it all starts with language as the common bond.
"We want people to start learning and to go back and enjoy being in the United States," Barker said.
He hopes everyone embraces the initiative.
"Because you don't know English, you don't even know what is going on," Barker said. Learning the language will give you the freedom you need."
The mayor says the American dream is to live a prosperous life, and one way to achieve that is to speak the official language of the state of Utah.
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Story compiled with contributions from Jed Boal, Marc Giauque and the DMC News Division.