Workforce Language Services

As Mattawa, Washington’s population has increased incrementally over the past twenty years, so have the difficulties borne from the language barrier.  Since the majority of this small town’s population growth has come from Mexican immigrants, many of whom are migrant workers, the town is trying to catch up to being able to provide services in Spanish. 

That language barrier has engulfed the community, which has grown over the last 20 years from 300 to about 3,200 year-round residents. Nine out of 10 Mattawa residents speak Spanish at home, and 8 out of 10 adults speak English “less than very well,” according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

The Columbia River basin community, surrounded by miles of fruit orchards and vineyards, has tried to deal with its language barrier informally.

From the first gas station to the last retail shop, signs advertise goods and services in Spanish and English. The tiny library offers bilingual story time for families.

The U.S. Department of Justice began working on a comprehensive plan to address the language barrier with city government and the police department after a Civil Rights complaint was filed. 

Adopted in March, the plan is unique in Washington and is seen as a bellwether for cities with similar demographics. The plan requires Mattawa to employ at least one bilingual employee during regular business hours and to make vital information available in Spanish as well as English. It also requires the police to have qualified interpreters on call at all times.

The interesting twist on this plan is that it is required, where many communities with similar demographics have taken some of these measures of their own volition.  Of course, these measures take money and the main objection to implementing plans to alleviate the language barrier. 

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