WHY START THIS GROUP? MSNBC reports - "In Miami, Spanish becoming primary language" http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24871558/

An Anglo from the Midwest, I've lived in Miami Beach for 14 years now, and love it! It has diversity, culture and a cosmopolitan flair, a great climate. For me this is home. The above article cites US Census estimates showing 27.2% of Miami-Dade County residents speak only English (I'm one of those guys), while 58% speak Spanish. The numbers are projected to move toward an even higher percentage of Spanish speakers and a lower number of English only speakers in the years ahead.

So, for me, it has become clear that learning the Spanish language is essential if I am to enjoy the Miami experience to its fullest. I'm studying Spanish under one of the most gifted linguists in South Miami, Carlos Diaz. He says my fluency will expand greatly if I immerse myself in the language regularly. Many of my Anglo friends have some degree of Spanish linguistic skill, but often find themselves stuck speaking in the present tense, or really uncertain about how to create proper sentence structure.

There are many reasons to learn Spanish, especially if you live in Miami. The job market is tight right now and the need to be bi-lingual in order to compete has never been greater (not just in Miami but throughout the US). Many Miamians are in bi-cultural relationships, have friends whose first language is Spanish or simply want to improve their ability to communicate competently for travel to Hialeah - or perhaps even more adventurous trips to Central or South America, or Spain. Others simply enjoy a challenge and are looking for a way to keep their minds agile by learning a new language.

Spanish educators attest that one of the crucial elements of learning a new language is hearing it spoken regularly, and engaging in regular conversations with native speakers who are patient and willing to help you learn. Let's face it, most Spanish speakers in Miami are bi-lingual and it's simply easier for them to speak English than to go through the laborious task of trying to speak Spanish with their Anglo friends and co-workers who are just learning the language. While one might assume that the large Spanish speaking population here would make it easier to learn Spanish in Miami, this attitude plus a multitude of regional dialects all spoken within our county, creates a set of unique problems for the English speaker trying to learn Spanish as a second language.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this meet-up group to devise creative, low cost opportunities for those who wish to learn Spanish to gain this crucial exposure to the language in comfortable settings, with willing native Spanish speakers present to complement whatever language learning method English speaking members may be using. This group will meet in interesting locations, restaurants, cultural facilities, festival settings and homes to expose members to as much of the diverse Hispanic cultural in Miami as possible.

There are 28 primary Spanish speaking countries, and all of them are right here waiting to share their cultures and dialects with us. We can (and will with everyone's participation) immerse ourselves in the cuisines of Central and South America, learn about rich cultural gems in our own back yard like the Spanish Monestary, dance (or appreciate) salsa, flamingo and other Latin dances, watch Spanish films together, learn to cook Ropa Vieja, learn about Spanish wines...the possibilities are limitless! All the time, our focus will be on developing a context for those who wish to expand their ability to learn and become fluent in the Spanish language.

WHO SHOULD JOIN: This is an open group. Anyone with an interest in developing their understanding of the Spanish language, or those fluent in Spanish who would like to help others learn are encouraged to join this group. Not every event will appeal to everyone, but with enough members we should be able to develop multiple meetup events for those with varying skill levels and interests. I ask you to answer a few questions when you join so I can gauge what activities might be most interesting to the group.

Know a Latin restaurant owner who would like to host our group one evening? A Latin bar with a great happy hour? A member of an Hispanic cultural group who wants to share their culture? Are you, or a friend in a Mariachi Band? Join our group - and help our Anglo members learn about your beautiful language and fascinating culture, all without leaving South Florida!

All ideas are welcome. This is a new cultural experiment and will be as great as those who join and help make it a success.