Spanish TV Network Teaches English

As the presidential election approaches, one issue is heatedly debated about English language. Should English be the only official language of the United States? Are all immigrants required to reach a certain proficiency level of English before being granted citizenship?

Latinos have a lot of stakes on this issue. Most of them came over crossing the southern border; many live in the Hispanic communities and don't speak English.

Not that they don't want to. Some say that they have no money or time, or both, to take the classes. So one of the Spanish-language network came out a solution. According to the report from L.A. Times:

Garcia will get a little help keeping his resolution in January when the Spanish-language television network Azteca America launches a series aimed at teaching English to its nationwide viewers. Called "Survival English," the show will focus on basic language skills for real-life situations such as renting an apartment, shopping at a market and visiting a doctor's office. The television program represents a major departure for Spanish-language media and one that Azteca officials hope will foster assimilation of Latino immigrants and boost their political and economic clout. It also addresses concerns of some elected officials and other critics who assert that speaking English should be a priority for all immigrants.

The same report also says that the television program will air on weekends and last 15 minutes to an hour.

If that's all it takes to learn a new language, we wouldn't have this immigrant not speaking English issue at all. A political move? or a marketing gimmick? Stay tuned.