Which languages do you speak and how did that impact your life?

American English and Dominican Spanish, with some universal Sign Language.

Growing up, not much. After all I grew up in NYC in a heavy Spanish neighborhood. So I was able to communicate with my grandparents who spoke no English to some extent. I’m able to communicate with my family members and other people throughout the city.

It wasn’t until I was older that my Spanish speaking side made an impact. Because I was able to help an English speaker communicate with a Brazilian Portuguese speaker that was a tattoo artist. I was able to help a primarily Russian speaking elderly woman, due to my experience with communicating with mute friends and relatives.

I grew up with sure a diverse language landscape all around me that it’s so natural for me that I don’t get how special it is to be multilingual. That was until adulthood. I can also understand assist people with different disability barriers.