10 Struggles of Being a Latinx Who Doesn't Speak Spanish

By Emilia Benton
Getty | Paul Morigi
Getty | Paul Morigi

A Latinx who doesn't speak Spanish: for some, it's like spotting a unicorn. No, actually, not really (contrary to the reactions you might get upon sharing this detail about yourself with people), it's reported that the number of Latinx who only speak English is increasing.

You know that your identity as a Latinx is not tied to your language skills, but some you encounter might have a few issues with that, responding with surprise and perhaps maybe even one or two rude comments. If you're a Latinx who only speaks English, read ahead for some struggles you might recognize very well.

01
When you tell people you don't speak Spanish but can understand it very well.
Warner Bros.

When you tell people you don't speak Spanish but can understand it very well.

And then they start talking about you right in front of your face.

02
When yet another person tells you what a good skill it would be to speak Spanish in today's economy.
Giphy

When yet another person tells you what a good skill it would be to speak Spanish in today's economy.

For the millionth time. Probably haven't heard that one yet, have you?

03
When you get stopped on the street by someone asking for directions in Spanish.
ABC

When you get stopped on the street by someone asking for directions in Spanish.

You'll try to help them, of course, but the feelings of frustration are probably mutual here.

04
When people try to give you a hard time for choosing to take Spanish classes in college.
Fox

When people try to give you a hard time for choosing to take Spanish classes in college.

If you don't speak Spanish, you obviously could use the help, just like anyone else. And trust us, this is not taking the easy way out, nor is it an easy A.

05
The judgmental looks you get when you tell another Latinx you don't speak Spanish.
Disney

The judgmental looks you get when you tell another Latinx you don't speak Spanish.

Could do without them, thanks. Likely not for lack of trying, you know.

06
Or worse, when they give you looks of pity.
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Or worse, when they give you looks of pity.

It's not the end of the world, you know! And there's always still time!

07
When people laugh and think it's hilarious to watch you try to say something in Spanish.
Giphy

When people laugh and think it's hilarious to watch you try to say something in Spanish.

Latinx or not, this is just not cool, are we right?

08
When you want to practice but people won't even give you a chance.
Giphy

When you want to practice but people won't even give you a chance.

Chances are you do know how to say exactly what you want to say in Spanish. If only people would give you a chance to think about it before going straight to English!

09
When people say you're not a real Latinx because you don't speak Spanish.
Giphy

When people say you're not a real Latinx because you don't speak Spanish.

I'm sure someone with no ties to Latinx culture is the perfect judge of that.

10
And when a friend or classmate tries to tell you they're fluent after a few semesters' worth of classes.
Netflix

And when a friend or classmate tries to tell you they're fluent after a few semesters' worth of classes.

Haha, nice try. If it were that easy, we'd all be "fluent."