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I grew up on the Mexican-Texan border and therefore obligated to speak both Spanish and English. I say ‘obligated’ because my stubborn nature was fully developed since birth, I did not want to live in Texas, I did not want to speak English, I “would not, could not” want anything to do with the USA. Mamá knew better, as mothers always do.
Since then, as a frightened 5 year old, I have been translating, interpreting for myself, for my grandparents, and for my father. I remember once, as the family crossed the border, fearing the birth of my younger sister. I pleaded with my mamá, not to have her baby on the US side. “Why?” she asked. “Because I, we, will never understand her,” I replied. I feared that being born in the US would automatically make one an English speaker. Ooh, if only language was that easy. Well, she was born in the US and I, and sometimes we, don’t understand her, although it’s not because she speaks English. Since then, I have been curious, amazed, and intrigued by language and its culture. Language has been my fear, my struggle, my joy, and my wonder. I have studied language and continue my studies, as language is a living organism that is continually evolving and developing.
Norman Rockwell Illustration
The study of language is not only the analysis of linguistics. It is also done through reading. Literature, so much more than just an interesting read, gifts the reader the language’s culture; its love, its hurt, its passion, its anger. As a young girl I read an abridged Spanish edition of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and it was not until high school English class that I learned that Tom and Huck were American friends from the state of Mississippi. I was heartbroken knowing that these friends were not Mexican, yet intrigued by my youthful misconception. Reading this novel in two languages, interpreting the languages’ vocabulary, and relating to the languages’ cultures have gifted me an appreciation for language, culture, and literature.
It is from these life experiences and from these gifts that I have made language my work, my life career. I wish to share these gifts with others, the gift of language and culture, and the gift of literature. Allow me to share in the necessity and advantage of being multilingual and multicultural, so that your contributions, your thoughts, and your gifts are further shared forward.
Contact me at tcravet@SententiaVera.com to discuss and collaborate in a literary Spanish/English translation project that you would like to share with others. I am also available for cultural product reviews, specifically books, music, film, and video. Contact me to discuss arrangements and timelines. In addition, I would be happy to join you in your cultural celebration. Send me the invitation and contact information to schedule a conversation about your press release, invitation announcement, and after party review. Lastly, visit my online multicultural bookshop, Dulce Bread & Book Shop, to peruse over 2 million titles available for your next read or project, and to share or gift!
