Language and Culture

Speaking a different language and having a different culture makes the interaction of Latinos with businesses, public services, and the health care system difficult.

Outsiders' Views

All of the outsiders perceive that the language barrier is a significant challenge for Fuquay-Varina. Learning English is viewed as a critical step for Latinos as they assimilate to a new culture and attempt to establish a connection with the town and other residents. In interviews, outsiders frequently referred to the various opportunities for learning English. Wake Technical Community College partners with the Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church to offer free ESL classes to adults throughout the week, while providing childcare during morning classes.

One outsider pointed out that although the Latinos recognize the need for learning English, their main focus is upon survival and "making it" from day to day. For this reason, outsiders perceive that many Latinos know a minimal amount of English, just enough to be functional, and do not pursue further language competency through ESL classes. For those who choose to start ESL classes, the commitment may become burdensome; they are tired after working long hours, and eventually some of them drop out of the class.

Outsiders noted that some businesses and services are beginning to address the language barrier by providing materials in Spanish and catering to the Latino community. For example, Food Lion and other grocery stores are providing traditional Latino products, foods and spices. Health care providers are adapting as well. The SRC has a small number of bilingual staff in its economics and health departments. In addition, the police department is distributing information in Spanish, aiming to hire bilingual officers, and sending officers to Spanish classes. Also, Fuquay-Varina Methodist Church offers classes to teach Spanish to all interested community members.

Hence, outsiders see the need to provide solutions on both sides: Latino community members attending ESL classes, as well as businesses providing materials in Spanish and hiring bilingual workers. Yet some outsiders believe that addressing the language barrier alone may not be sufficient. As one outsider claimed, there is a "need for mutual understanding--Americans and Latinos need to learn each other's ways." In other words, the cultural gap warrants attention, especially by health care providers. One outsider believes that "the technology of health care is [foreign to] the Latino population, because it is different and impersonal…greater understanding on behalf of health care providers is needed, because oftentimes a conflicting cultural view is imposed on Latinos."

Insiders' Views

The Latinos living in Fuquay-Varina readily admit that the language barrier is a serious concern and that it is one of the greatest challenges they face. It is of primary importance with employment, because "employers always ask first about your language skills." It is also an issue in interactions with the health care system. The Latino community has appreciated the fact that the SRC provides translators; additionally, its members have expressed the desire for all clinics to pattern themselves after the Newton Grove clinic, which they reported as having sufficient interpreters and good service overall. Furthermore, they wish that businesses would hire more Spanish-speaking workers, although they realize that there are a limited number of bilingual people living in Fuquay-Varina.

Some Latinos are trying to learn English through day-to-day interactions with native English speakers or by taking classes. However, there is resistance on the part of some. One Latino community member stated that on occasion, he encounters Latinos who tell him, "what would it benefit me to learn English? Because I am going back to Mexico." In his estimation, such people do not seem to realize the importance of learning English.

The cultural barrier presents another concern for Latinos. It has been difficult for them to understand the way that different systems operate in the United States. This unfamiliarity with the laws, regulations, and customs is a hindrance to the Latino community. For example, many Latinos believe that landlords treat them unfairly, but they feel powerless to do anything, because they are unaware of the laws that regulate housing. (See Housing section for further details.)

Furthermore, the health care system is foreign to Latinos, who perceive that the way medicine is practiced here greatly differs from the medical practices to which they are accustomed in their home countries. In fact, there is a mistrust of the health care system. Many Latinos shared that they do not see the results of the care they receive, nor do they understand all of the testing or diagnoses. Some reported stories of hostile interactions with providers, during which there was extensive misunderstanding and possibly discrimination as well.

Many Latinos believe that "medicine in the United States is very expensive. Sometimes after paying for all of the medical bills, people don't have enough left over for groceries." In addition, they believe that the time spent interacting with the provider does not validate such a high cost; from their perspective, technologically advanced equipment is often used for a short time period, and the bill is unreasonably high. By and large, Latinos are aware of the benefits of health insurance, but many of them do not have coverage because of the cost involved. For these reasons, some Latinos prefer herbal remedies or healers. They know of healers in the area who usually offer fair prices. However, in spite of the cultural clash that often occurs, the dominant practice is to access the health care systems of Fuquay-Varina and outlying areas.

Comparison

The outsiders and insiders agree that language and cultural barriers are formidable obstacles that prevent effective interaction between Latinos and the businesses and services of Fuquay-Varina. However, the outsiders are more likely to see that Latinos need to learn English and seize the opportunities to take ESL classes. On the other hand, many insiders appreciate the bilingual service they have received and wish that it would be extended into all sectors of life. Cultural differences are perceived by outsiders, primarily those who work closely with Latinos. While insiders and outsiders agree that cultural conflict is evident in the health care system and in other areas of life, it is primarily the Latinos who face the fallout from cultural clashes, the evidence of which rests in their own life experiences.

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