Language induces an identity crisis for the children and grandchildren of Latino immigrants

Many second- and third-generation Latinos feel insecure about their Spanish-speaking abilities. Shaul Schwarz, Verbatim/Getty Images for Be Vocal

A young Latina mother I was interviewing once laughed uncomfortably as she described her sons’ embarrassment when put on the spot by older Latinos.

They would speak to her sons in Spanish, before quickly adding in the same language, “How awful! You don’t understand me in Spanish?” Her sons would then sheepishly reply – in Spanish – “Yes, I understand. But I don’t speak it.”