Workforce Language Services

An exihibit displayed at Miami’s Freedom Tower art gallery until March 7th has some non-Spanish speakers confused because almost all of the accompanying text is only in Spanish. 

The exhibit sounds like it would be fascinating to those interested in the immigrant experience, but the author of the article was disappointed that the signage has not been adapted for English-speakers who would like the full impact of the photos and accompanying commentary.

In defense of Miami Dade College, it has been – overall – a bastion of bilingualism. In this instance the college is sort of a passive vessel, hosting an exhibition supplied by agencies of the Spanish government. If Spain really wants to reach out to all Americans – and not just to Hispanic Americans and others with a reading knowledge of Spanish – it should consider providing fully bilingual signage for such exhibitions as this, and for other events in Miami intended to promote Spanish culture and to foster international trade and tourism.

Before coming to Miami, Laberinto de Miradas was displayed in Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, where of course no English translation was needed. For this venue, someone at the cultural center or the consulate should have adapted it to the distinctive linguistic needs of Miami.

To read the rest of the author’s commentary, click here.