Jadyn Cabrera is a staff writer of the Daily Titan. All opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the Daily Titan.
My great-grandfather was the only person in my family that was born in Mexico and with his passing, I felt that I lost the strongest connection to my Mexican heritage.
I have always felt that I am not Mexican enough because I do not speak Spanish and I thought I would never be able to fully connect with my culture. However, I have realized that language does not define whether I am Mexican enough or not. There are many different aspects to culture that can make people feel connected outside of language.
CSUF assistant professor of American Studies Sara Fingal provided insight on Latino identity beyond being able to speak the language.
“Someone can be authentically Hispanic without speaking Spanish,” Fingal said. “Cultural identity is multifaceted and language is only one component of cultural identity. Cultural identity includes many things, including traditions, food, family and community connections.”
While Spanish is an important part of the Mexican community, Cal State Fullerton associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies and director of the Latinx Lab Gabriela Nuñez said through email that many people growing up were discouraged to speak Spanish, especially in schools.
“I find it troubling when folks use Spanish or lack of Spanish as a marker of shame or a measure of authenticity. It’s also important to remember that our U.S. schools have historically punished students for speaking Spanish,” Nuñez said.
Although I wish I could speak my native language, I have found other ways to strengthen my connection and help me embrace my Mexican heritage as a Mexican American.
One of the ways that I found a deeper connection to my heritage has been through music. Different musical traditions have served as a direct way to learn about my Mexican heritage, culture, history and current events through artists’ storytelling.
One artist that helps me feel in tune, not only to my culture but my great-grandfather, is Vicente Fernandez, a Mexican mariachi singer and one of the country’s most beloved artists. Every time my family listens to his music, we think of our grandfather.
In addition to my Mexican heritage from my great-grandfather, I have Puerto Rican roots from my great-grandmother, and Bad Bunny’s newest album makes me feel closer to the culture more than ever.
Multiple tracks off of “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” express the appreciation, pride and love for his country of Puerto Rico. Songs like “NUVEAYol” and “LA MuDANZA” explore the gratitude he has for his upbringing.
Having music help me connect with my culture is something I am grateful for. Some may think that it is not the same since I do not speak the language. That may be true, but listening to the lyrics and reading translations not only expands vocabulary and pronunciation, it forces people to pay attention to the song’s context.
Talking to family and friends about the Latino community is another thing that helps me feel connected.
Nuñez mentioned the importance of learning from our ancestors and its role in helping people connect to their heritage.
“In the Latinx Lab for Storytelling and Social Justice we have many projects that emphasize how humanities and storytelling is one important way for students to bridge the gap they feel to their cultural heritage,” Nuñez said.
Asking questions about where my great-grandfather came from and hearing stories about his childhood helps me visualize what it was like in his birthplace, Michoacan.
Connecting and sharing stories with the people around me has helped me realize that even though I do not speak Spanish, our families grew up with some of the same traditions, eating the same foods and practicing the same religion.
Not being able to speak Spanish should not define whether someone is Mexican or not Mexican enough. By focusing on someone’s ability to speak a language rather than shared cultural and social experiences, we risk isolating generations of Mexican Americans that are otherwise trying to reconnect with their heritage.
Embracing my culture, learning from those around me and having pride in being Mexican American without speaking Spanish is what makes me feel Latina.
