Using your second or third language to connect with that particular community bridges the communication divide, and connects with individuals on a more personal level. A few Tuesday’s ago, Oregon Representative Chris Harker, an Washington County entrepreneur and Democrat who represents District 34 joined co-hosts Ruth Ibarra and Victoria Hernandez on Radio Tonalli at KBOO Community Radio 90.7FM to discuss in Spanish the upcoming 2011 Oregon legislative session, the challenges facing the state, revenue shortfalls, budget cuts and importance of becoming engaged at the civic level. Probably along with thousands of others who listen to Radio Tonalli weekly had no idea that Rep. Harker was bilingual, if not fluent. Radio Tonalli has previously interviewed former politicians and elected/appointed officials, military veterans, journalists, and social activists. One of a handful of Portland Spanish talk show programs, Radio Tonalli is educational in nature with regulars like Dr. Yves Lefranc and provides a counter-balance to the all Spanish-music stations and fills the huge void in much needed community-oriented/driven discussions.
Rep. Harker connected with the Spanish-speaking community in a personable, friendly, transparent and open way–by listening carefully, being himself, using humor (where appropriate) and sharing his insight as the district 34 representative. Like many who are fluent in Spanish, I found the interview helpful as it transcended English and Spanish. It helped me gather my thoughts and cement new ones about the employment, and economic challenges facing Oregon and the nation. Rep. Harker, in particularly connected with Portland’s Spanish-speaking community, and everyone else that streamed it online and it was very much welcomed.
David Molina is the Founder and CEO of BilingualHire and blogs here and here with his BlackBerry. He reads his email daily and you can follow him on Twitter (@davidcmolina) or contact him anytime.