The debate over whether or not signs should be posted in English and Spanish has gripped the United States on various occasions. Individuals against bilingual signs typically present the argument that since English is the official language of the United States, immigrants must learn and use it. Those not against dual language signs generally have a different understanding of the challenges of learning English and the importance of language to culture. Most often these people remember their grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ inability to speak English and their reliance on communication in their native tongue.
In Milwaukee, there are locations that post notices in Spanish and English. Some may find this irritating, but bilingual signs have always been a feature of the brew city. One Milwaukee resident of Polish heritage remembers looking through his grandparents’ items and finding printed notices in English, German, and Polish. He thought, why do people get upset about Spanish-English signage when that has been the trend all along in Milwaukee?
Moreover, it was not rare for ethnic businesses in Milwaukee and other cities to post signs in their front windows reading, “English spoken here.” If there was no sign indicating the use of English, an individual could safely assume that the language of the old country was the only one utilized.
Italians, Germans, Poles, and many others came to Milwaukee for the employment opportunities it presented. Many worked ten to twelve hour days and while English language classes were offered by agencies such as the YMCA, there was little time left in the day after work and family to study English. For many, the English they learned came from interaction with English speaking individuals at work.
So, why do so many people forget the use of bilingual signs in the past? Forgetting or romanticizing the past can lead to unfair assessments of the present. Where do you stand on the issue? Bilingual signs: an unwanted annoyance or necessary reality?
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