PRESERVING THE MOTHER TONGUE: Language, Authenticity, and Conscience for Spanish-speaking Parents

I’ve been thinking.

Historically, fluent Spanish-speaking communities held high expectations for the authenticity of Latino portrayals in cinema. Actors tasked with these roles were scrutinized closely, and those who delivered their lines in poor or broken Spanish often faced harsh criticism from the audience. This vigilance stemmed from a deep sense of pride in our linguistic heritage and a desire to see it represented accurately and respectfully on the global stage.

However, as I reflect on the current trajectory of cultural and linguistic preservation, I’ve come to recognize a shifting paradigm. The concern no longer lies solely with the actors’ ability to embody Latino characters through language but rather with our own communities’ diminishing emphasis on passing down the Spanish language to the next generation.

This gradual detachment from our linguistic roots has led to a scenario where our children, and indeed future generations, might find themselves resembling the very portrayals we once criticized. The newer generations, you know, the “no sabo kids,” slowly but surely becoming the sound of the actors whose imperfect Spanish we once mocked. These butchered depictions of our language, slowly becoming less of an anomaly and more of a mirror reflecting our own linguistic challenges.

This evolving landscape prompts a crucial question: Are we, as a community, investing enough effort into teaching our children Spanish, thereby ensuring the preservation of our mother tongue? The reality is that the responsibility to uphold our linguistic heritage falls on us.

If we find ourselves concerned with the authenticity of Latino roles in media, perhaps it’s time to look inward and address the foundational issue of language preservation within our own homes and communities. I’d love to hear from you or at least have you ask yourself the following. I’ve asked myself this more now than ever: how can we better support and prioritize the transmission of our language to ensure that future generations can both appreciate and contribute to the rich tapestry of our cultural and linguistic identity? How can we pass down our language when we ourselves rarely speak it at home?

With respect, OFT

An Open Letter For Faith

 

 

Thinking of Buying a Jogging Stroller? You may want to read this post.

I am often asked about my jogging stroller. Questions range from, how good is it on dirt or concrete, where did I buy it, how much did it retail for, what to look for in a stroller, ya-di, ya-di-ya. When it comes to workout routines, trust me, I am NO expert. I am however a person that is always on the go, enjoys walks and occasional jogs. For everyday use, I move forward on my sleek and versatile black (Jake) UPPAbaby Vista. Yet, as much as I love my Vista, it is not necessarily built to withstand long jogging on irregular terrain. And that’s where my BabyTrend Expedition RG comes in.Most of those that know me, know I am obsessed with diving into research before investing a dollar into a new product. Therefore, it is only natural that I would engage in such exciting venture before deciding on a jogging stroller. And that I did.

In this post, I will not cover the details behind why I decided on my stroller of choice over other strollers (mainly because I believe there are far many other great strollers out there that can meet your very particular needs). Nor will I discuss compelling contenders. What I will however do, is let you in on the nuances that helped me make a decision so that when and if you decide to purchase a jogging stroller—whichever one that may be—you can save yourself some time, money, avoid common mistakes and instead, get right to the heart of the matter.

Don’t be like me, and avoid making the following 3 silly assumptions

1. A high-quality jogging stroller must come with a big price tag.

2. All stroller handles are standard size.

3. Strollers need to be on the heftier side, ehemm, heavy

Before you make a decision…

THINGS TO CONSIDER/LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A JOGGING STROLLER

Certification your stroller of choice should be certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

Five-Point Harness Systemsimilar to the seat harness in your infant carseat, the harness system on your baby’s stroller should go over your baby’s shoulders, hips, and between the legs.

Safety Leash  not all jogging strollers have this feature but after reading so many reviews, and watching so many videos, I’m convinced, a safety leash should be located on the back of the stroller to wear around your wrist. This leash prevents the stroller from rolling away from you if you trip and fall or a wheel comes off.

Parking Brake this  may come in the form of a foot or hand brake. Always double check that the parking brake is fully engaged and holds the stroller firmly in place.

Fixed Wheel Option this is such an essential safety feature when considering a jogging stroller. Having a loose wheel can prove dangerous and threatening when jogging uneven paths and taking sudden turns. Look for a stroller that gives you the option to have a fixed front wheel.

Sun Cover/Canopy  to protect baby from the sun, sudden rain, and cold air.

Tire Quality a good quality stroller should have three wheels with air filled tires. These tires will give you and the baby a smoother ride and you a better walking experience.

Reclining Seat Option a reclining seat option is important for the baby’s comfort when sleeping, trying to also enjoy the view during walks.

Don’t be fooledinto thinking that a high quality jogging stroller needs to be expensive. Strollers are built to perform. There are many high quality, top-performing strollers currently on the market that are both aesthetically appealing, and affordable. (I paid the least I ever imagined paying for mine and I absolutely love everything about it! I honestly couldn’t justify overspending on yet another stroller after putting BabyTrend to the test against other top names and more expensive models, and seeing how Babytrend outperformed in every area.)

Handles and height—There are also many strollers on the market that have handles so long, and a body so tall, you’d think they were specifically designed for people 5.8″ and taller. Since this is not something the stroller carrier will typically make mention of, and you will not always read about it in the reviews, you may want to consider testing at a local store before shopping online.

Weight—One more thing to consider testing is the weight of the stroller. Jogging strollers should be on the lighter side of things, they should be easy to get in and out your car or home, fold and unfold, and light enough to run with, and maneuver. Jogging strollers are designed to withstand the wear and tear of walking and jogging workouts, they should be able to handle a good old unpredicted bump on the road.

Note: I am 5.1″ While closed, the stroller hits below my waist line.

Jogging or walking with your baby is a great way to get out of the house and on the road to regaining the shape you were in before your pregnancy. It is also a great way to renergize your mood and connect both you and your child to your neighborhood and nature. When the dust settles, making an effort to get out and engage with nature, is what it’s all about.

Until next time.

Stay true,

O