Imagine being
part of a global community that is divided by language. That’s the reality of
those of part of the African Diaspora. We are scattered across the globe and, although
we look alike, we often can’t even communicate with one another due to the
language barrier.
But what if you
could break that barrier down? What if you could reach people that look just
like you? What if you could enter their world, a completely different lifestyle
and on a completely different life path from what you’re used to and bond? That’s
what Bill was able to do with Spanish. Being fluent in Spanish has allowed him to
break down the barrier of language and connect our global community in
different countries. Read on to find out how he learned Spanish and was able to
connect with the community.
BGLL: Tell us about yourself. Who are
you and what do you do?
Bill: My name is W. Bill
Smith, I’m African American and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My
native language is English. I am a retired workforce development professional where I helped
job seekers overcome barriers to employment and compete successfully in a competitive
job market. Currently, I am a certified professional résumé writer. I help
people with great barriers to employment, such as prior criminal convictions,
homelessness, long stretches of unemployment, welfare to compete successfully
in the job market.
I also am the creator of African
American – Latino World, a blog where I chronicle my lifetime exposure to the Spanish
language and various Latin American cultures with a focus on its African heritage.
For years, I’ve been an avid salsa dancer and love and appreciate music from
various parts of Latin America. In addition, I achieved the highest award in
Toastmasters International, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) having won multiple
public speaking contests over the years.
BGLL: With such a love for the
Spanish language, I take it that Spanish is another language that you speak? Do
you speak any others? How did you get started on them?
Bill: I speak Spanish, some Russian, and can meet & greet in
Arabic, French, French Creole, Amharic, Tigrinya, Tagaolog (Filipino), and
Mandarin. I self-taught myself Spanish. Thanks to all my Puerto Rican neighbors
while growing up near Spanish Harlem in New York City, it’s my favorite
language.
As far as the others, when I’m around a certain number of people
frequently who speak a certain language, I want to learn some of it. For
example, when I lived in Oakland, CA where there are Ethiopian and Eritrean
communities, I frequent their restaurants and start picking up on the
languages.
BGLL: What opportunities have you
been able to take advantage of due to your language knowledge?
Bill: Thus far, I’ve traveled to nine Spanish-speaking countries including
Cuba, Ecuador, Colombia and Perú, making every effort to connect with their
black communities and experience, first hand, the black experience in their
respective countries. I connect with them by taking part in their social
activities and cultural events.
BGLL: What three tips would you offer
to those who want to become fluent in other languages?
Bill: Get the basics; vocabulary and grammar. Take a vacation in the country of
interest and enroll in a language
immersion school where your instructors speak no English, nor your tutors or your host family. Read Spanish literature and
watch movies with subtitles.
BGLL: Where can we find you to learn
more about what you’re doing?
Bill: Log into my blog, African
American – Latino World, I also can be
found on Facebook both under the name
W. Bill Smith. And with my fan page, named after my blog African American –Latino World.
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