Key Organizations Fighting Against Structural Language Injustice within Higher Education in Houston as Located on the Map
Hello! I'm Emily June Strathouse, a graduate student at the University of Houston
working towards my MA in English, specializing in environmental literature and ecocritical literary criticism. I'm deeply interested in environmental justice and equally passionate about promoting linguistic justice through sociolinguistic awareness and critical perspectives. This post has been greatly inspired by the invaluable readings of several key figures and scholars in the realm of sociolinguistics and language justice who make valuable claims and construct incredible works to better understand the construction and maintenance of language ideologies,
hierarchies, differences, and pedagogies. I am extremely dedicated to advocating for language rights and justice, especially with a focus on Spanish bilinguals and heritage language learners in Houston.
As a native Houstonian, I've observed a considerable amount of instances where my
Hispanic friends, coworkers, and classmates have shared experiences of linguistic injustices or witnessed such injustices firsthand. In many instances, my Hispanic peers, who are heritage Spanish speakers yet do not identify as bilingual or multilingual, one express similar experiences or sentiments about their language learning or expression despite never having interacted with one other. I began to notice overarching trends across my friend groups and different crowds. Within their language community, these heritage Spanish speakers feel a lot of weight and, at times, shame for the disconnect they feel they have from their culture, express discontent with their parents for not sharing their cultural language, voiced that they could not speak Spanish, but they understood it, and they took the minimum amount of Spanish in school but (most of the time) in the “Native Speaker” course. Even as I spoke with my heritage Spanish-speaking students, I heard reverberations of these shared feelings, ideas, and commentaries.
Reflecting on these experiences, I felt compelled to honor such personal narratives and
explore the ideological structures that inform their intersections to promote a healthier, antiracist, and more productive approach to languages, languaging, and linguistic justice. For me, doing linguistic justice means acknowledging and addressing these systemic issues while advocating for inclusive and empowering language practices that respect individuals' linguistic backgrounds and identities. I attempted to take an introductory step towards advocating for linguistic justice with this project by acknowledging the discrepancies between the treatment of distinct intellectual fields, particularly how these become complicated across racial lines, and by highlighting the important advocacy work of Houston organizations for Spanish-speaking populations.
Valuing Language as an Extension and a Foundation of Self and Culture: Sustaining and Amplifying Community Language Justice Work for Hispanic Populations in Houston, Texas.
When critically examining the fight towards language justice in the local context of Houston, Texas, the struggle of Spanish-speaking communities must be amplified and endorsed. Within a richly diverse city- the most diverse in the nation- the majority of Houstonians share common experiences of linguistic injustice inflicted upon them colloquially, structurally, or otherwise, given their use of a minority language. For many Hispanic bilinguals in Houston who learn their native language at home, such challenges extend beyond pure linguistic barriers; they grapple with being overwritten or mistreated within their cultural communities and navigate within systems that may not fully recognize or honor their linguistic heritage, especially depending on their fluency.
For more information on language injustice and language difference in higher education, see this and this insightful resources.
Carmen Kynard’s text “What a Difference an Error Makes- Ongoing Challenges for ‘White Innocence,’ Historiography, and Disciplinary Knowledge Making” is one of the major overarching motivators for this assemblage of linguistic advocacy groups for Hispanic bilingual populations in Houston. Working referentially with the idea of language difference as articulated by the California Department of Education, “having the ability to speak another language that is different from the language used for instruction or used by the majority of people,” Kynard’s piece considers the context of basic writing emerging from raciolinguistic liberation movements. They aim to highlight struggles against racial injustice and critique the positioning of certain texts within higher education, particularly within rhetoric and composition studies. The larger project of this text is to challenge the traditional views on teaching composition in centering white comfort and voice along with English monolingualism.
I am motivated by this piece (among other radical criticisms of language learning and reinforcing systems in the U.S.) because of its explicit condemnation of active, oppressive systems in the United States that "link language, culture, and immigrants quite explicitly" that result in the reinforcement of uninformed, racist, and unproductive views of language in higher academia especially (608). Such ideas are what contribute overall to the monoglossic and monolinguist ideologies that are conditioned into the American psyche as they are structurally backed. Kynard makes the crucial point that the language ideologies that dominate the United States are so distinct from those elsewhere as we are not (as) surrounded by other languages geographically, so to the monolingual American, we do not need to learn them, as other societies do (606). Given our fixed education systems, we do not consider foreign languages as natural to our societies and institutions, and consequently, minority languages are otherized, stigmatized, and devalued. Kynard reflects on the held notion that "because of mass immigration, we are becoming many nations" as if learning many languages distinguishes populations into separate things; this is how engrained monoglossic ideologies are in the American mind (609). Some languages are functional in academic settings and fields as a means to an end, the end being an enriched English proficiency. In contrast, minority languages such as Spanish are viewed as a linguistic deterrent. In my view, learning more languages is never an imposition on the fluency of any other language but a benefit. It is important to connect heritage speakers with their culture and, by extension, their language while also emphasizing the benefit of diverse languages and languaging practices as a whole. The following organizations, groups, and movements actively work to see the end of such linguistic injustice against Spanish and Spanish speakers in Houston, both in these academic spheres and outside of the academy.
Accordingly, this post delves into local organizations, support systems, projects, and programs that are dedicated to language justice for Hispanic bilinguals- particularly heritage learners- both within higher academic spheres and otherwise.
Through this visual map, I aim not only to highlight these initiatives' physical location but also to amplify their voices and missions, shedding light on the imperative need for linguistic liberation and the celebration of linguistic heritages that are valuable and necessary.
Key Organizations Fighting Against Structural Language Injustice within Higher Education in Houston as Located on the Map
The MAES chapter at the University of Houston promotes linguistic justice by embracing inclusivity and linguistic celebration in higher education, especially through translanguaging practices and outreach efforts. They emphasize community and cultural connection with translanguaging phrases like
"Once in MAES, Always Familia!" and provide information about upcoming events and meetings in both English and Spanish. By offering resources and opportunities in both languages, they create an environment where Latino engineers and scientists can thrive academically and professionally while celebrating their cultural heritage.
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
The SACNAS chapter at the Univeristy of Houston shares an important mission statement:
“The SACNAS chapter at UH celebrates, supports, and encourages true diversity in STEM, with special emphasis on helping students find meaningful connections within the UH research community, flourish intellectually, and make social connections during their time at UH.” It is imperative to this organization that Chicanos/Hispanics and Native American students find voice and representation in STEM circles through their “focus on cultural events that celebrate the culture and backgrounds of our chapter members, professional development events that assist our chapter members with career development, and outreach events through which our chapter works to increase support of minority students in the sciences throughout the greater Houston area.”
HACER | Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice
According to this Rice University student organization,
“HACER is the verb “to do” in Spanish, and that is exactly what we are known for. HACER strives to be an inclusive space for people of Latine descent and for people who want to learn about the beautiful intricacies of Latin American culture, connect with others of Latine descent, and help move the Latine community forward.”
Through community service, cultural events, and the promotion of social awareness, this organization amplifies and reinforces Hispanic culture as formative to the fabric of Houston and Spanish as a language of value within higher education.
Organizations Fighting Against Structural Language Injustice in Houston:
The Alley Theater, a major cultural center for Houston, Texas, is one of the richest epicenters of expression and community and has a strong reputation for producing a wide range of classical and contemporary plays and performances.
Located in the heart of Houston’s downtown theater district, the Alley is the first on this list of linguistic justice advocates who is working to embrace multilingualism and expansive modes of expression in Houston. On their project, the Alley Theater writes:
“The Alley Theatre is proud to join together with well-established cultural and social organizations and Houston-area schools to foster community and reinforce Houston’s presence as a diverse arts center that serves every neighborhood in its community.”
“Houston is a city that is more than 45% Hispanic... many social and economic barriers prevent these residents of all ages from feeling welcome inside Houston’s major arts institutions. Those working in the community are reminded that there are few opportunities for Houston’s Hispanic community to communicate in-depth culturally specific theatrical expression. Thus, Alley Theatre launched its El Zócalo initiative in 2017.”
Notably, El Zócalo is Spanish for town square; “This cornerstone initiative fills this void by creating Hispanic programming. America’s rich Hispanic legacies inspire the programming.” This group is enacting powerful language activism by highlighting and amplifying Spanish voices in the arts, increasing opportunities for multilingual forms of expression and experience, while opening doors for Spanish bilinguals in the city to connect with their or another culture. This program enriches the city’s blossoming language landscape! Explicitly, the Alley Theater writers on “Language Justice” as a powerful way to describe individuals’ fundamental right to have their voices heard. The note that “Houston is the 4th largest city in the United States. It has the third-largest Hispanic population in the US. 38.94% of Houstonians speak Spanish. The Alley continues to connect with its community with its Language Justice program.” Through book readings and workshops, the Alley Theater connects Houston’s diverse Hispanic community, leaving members to express they “realized there are many people who experience the same things in the Hispanic community” – Workshop Participant.
Accordingly, intangible yet intensely palpable structural and cultural influences on Hispanic populations are recognized and felt through the Alley’s important work!
Importantly, the “Alley Theatre’s Language Justice initiative aims to “in-reach” through increased Spanish language in all spaces. It is seen in marketing and communications. This includes specialized campaigns with Spanish-language media, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Bilingual signage and Spanish-speaking Guest Services staff, as well as Spanish language materials and events such as simultaneous translations for select performances, are all included in this initiative.” Spanish has become a normative language through this initiative, and it has the potential to send shockwaves through current modes of communication in Houston. The Alley Theater exemplifies translanguaging and emergent language justice practices by integrating Spanish directly onto its website. This makes it fully accessible and not tucked away in a separate section—it's simply there!
Learn more about the importance of language justice at the Alley Theater here:
https://www.alleytheatre.org/importance-of-language-justice-at-the-alley/
https://www.alleytheatre.org/community/el-zocalo/
According to their website, 24 Hour Translation Services is an incredible resource for the “48% of Houston residents who speak a language other than English at home.” This company works with individuals as well as larger groups to offer access to monolinguals of languages other than English to overcome linguistic barriers.
Of such groups, there is a distinctly large Hispanic population in Houston who can make use of this resource! This organization recognizes the implications of cultural significance and awareness when working from one language to another- they note that their “team of translators in Houston is not only bilingual but also have the cultural knowledge necessary to provide accurate translations. [They] guarantee that [their] translations won’t lose the original message or intent,” thus maintaining the integrity of the language without stripping it of its authenticity and unspoken connections.
Works Cited
Alley Theatre. "El Zócalo." Alley Theatre, www.alleytheatre.org/community/el-zocalo/. Alley Theatre. "The Importance of Language Justice at the Alley." Alley Theatre, www.alleytheatre.org/importance-of-language-justice-at-the-alley/.
HACER |Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice. https://hacer.rice.edu/#:~:text=HACER%20%7C%20Hispanic%20Associatio n%20for%20Cultural%20Enrichment%20at%20Rice.
Kynard, Carmen. "What a Difference an Error Makes: Ongoing Challenges for “White Innocence,” Historiography, and Disciplinary Knowledge Making". Vernacular Insurrections: Race, Black Protest, and the New Century in Composition-Literacies Studies, SUNY Press, 2013, pp. 197-232. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781438446370-012
MAES at UH. "Home." MAES at UH, https://maes-uh.webnode.page/. SACNAS at UH. "Home." SACNAS at UH, https://sacnas-uh.org/.
24 Hour Translation Services. "Translation Services in Houston." 24 Hour Translation, www.24hourtranslation.com/translation-services/houston.