We often talk of cultural and linguistic competency. But in application, what does such competency mean? How is it operationalized?

As we have discussed Latinos/Hispanics are a growing population in the deep south. As part of adjusting to that emerging population many places, including storefronts, are starting to post signs in multiple languages (namely English and Spanish).

In a community mapping exercise over a year ago in South Carolina, I came across this series of signs posted on a storefront that was undergoing construction. It was one of the few signs I had come across that was in English and Spanish.

The sign notes “Danger: restricted area. Danger Hard Hat”. Serving as both a way to let people know they should not be entering if they have no business to be there. It also notes that it is dangerous to enter without protection (i.e. hard hat).

The verbiage that was translated into Spanish is the “No Trespassing Sign” that says “prohibido pasar.”

What are your thoughts on this sign?

Posted by Miriam Y. Vega, PhD @miriamyvega