It started with Imagination

Have you ever imagined books where English, Spanglish, and Spanish blend seamlessly? Can you picture characters that walk the world between languages? How about rhythmic sentences where words in English and Spanish bounce off one another in the same beat? Well, I didn’t just imagine this, I lived it and wrote characters that are like me in that way. In my books, “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” and “The Devil That Haunts Me,” the characters reflect real-life conversations and experiences of those living between languages and cultures. This blend of languages is a deliberate choice against xenophobia, treating all languages equally without italicizing Spanish elements.

My Resistance

But this narrative choice is more than an artistic whim; it’s a stand for cultural authenticity and resistance against the forces of assimilation and erasure. By weaving together English, Spanglish, and Spanish, I feel that I am mirroring the linguistic reality of countless individuals who navigate multiple languages daily. This approach in books not only enriches the narrative texture and brings authenticity but also challenges the monolingual mindset that dominates mainstream literature.

In creating worlds where language barriers are blurred, the books I write offer a window into the lived experiences of bilingual and multilingual communities. These narratives celebrate the complexity of identity, acknowledging that language is deeply intertwined with culture, memory, and self-expression. Through the adventures of my characters, readers are invited to reconsider the notion of language purity and embrace the beauty of linguistic diversity.

A Stand Against Xenophobia

Moreover, this intentional mingling of languages serves as a subtle critique of xenophobia and linguistic prejudice. By presenting Spanish on an equal footing with English, without the visual cue of italics, I assert the legitimacy and value of all languages in storytelling. This choice challenges readers to question their biases and consider the impact of language on inclusion and exclusion in society.

The Beauty of Bilingual Narratives

Ultimately, my use of blended languages in “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” and “The Devil That Haunts Me” is a testament to the power of literature to bridge cultural divides and foster empathy. Through the lens of speculative fiction, these stories offer insights into the joys and challenges of living between languages. These stories also invite readers to explore the rich tapestry of the human experience that emerges when cultures collide. As we journey with characters who embody the intersection of languages and worlds, we find ourselves confronting our assumptions and opening our hearts to the myriad ways people communicate and connect.

In this era of global interconnectedness, stories that celebrate linguistic diversity are more important than ever. They remind us that language is not just a tool for communication but a vessel for culture, history, and identity. By embracing the confluence of English, Spanglish, and Spanish in my writing and other’s writing, I hope to bring a more inclusive and understanding world where every voice, no matter the language, is heard and valued. I challenge you reading this to grab a multilingual book and give it a try, it may surprise you.