Spanish heritage learned, handed down by farmers

March 29, 2015
Source: The Daily Iberian

“Jaime (James) is pronounced ‘hi-me’ and not ‘jay-me’. And Juan (John) is actually ‘hu-an’.”

Similar explanations as these are often given by two Segura brothers — sugar cane farmers — from New Iberia when pointing out to interested individuals the correct pronunciation of their Spanish names. The siblings do this partly to reaffirm their pride of ancestry through their father, Donald, as well as to honor their mother, Catherine, who named them.

“Yes, it was my idea,” Catherine confessed, “... because with our Spanish surname it was important to put that unique stamp to their ancestry.”

Furthermore, on their own initiative, Jaime and Juan began learning the Spanish language. This was an obvious extension of their strengthening bonds to their heritage. However, it was also a practical way to better communicate with their foreign workers.

“We started learning about six years ago,” Jaime admitted. “We just took it slow and it started to sink in.”

Juan added, “I’ve always liked learning new things. It’s definitely important to learn this language. In fact, I sometimes catch myself thinking in Spanish.”

Utilizing a very logical approach, the brothers wrote down a list of useful words and expressions like “stop,” “go,” “caution,” “fix tire” and so on. They then asked their Latino employees for the Spanish equivalent.

“I think all of this is necessary. If you don’t speak it today ... you’re at a great loss,” Juan remarked.

As Jaime nodded in agreement with his brother, Catherine beamed at her sons.

The Seguras are a sterling example of what a close-knit family can achieve when they add foresight to their deep attachment to their heritage.

Juan’s son Jacob helps his dad on the farm, and also speaks Spanish. He has now become such an asset that the foreign workers not only respect him but also frequently invite him to eat with them. This camaraderie has increased his proficiency in that language.

“I’ve always told Jacob that you have to be bi-lingual in this day and age,” Juan stressed.

Not to be outdone, Jaime acknowledged that his daughter, Shelby, also works on the farm, sometimes as a tractor driver. A recent college graduate, she learned Spanish in high school. She and Jacob are now the unofficial interpreters for the employees.

Catherine explained that it’s vital today to learn Spanish “... in view of its worldwide usage.”

Her statement stirred my interest and I decided to find out exactly how the mother tongue of old Iberia compared to other major languages. According to Wikipedia, the number of people around the globe who speak it as a first language is about 470 million. That classifies Spanish as the second most-spoken native language, trailing only Mandarin Chinese.

Partly inspired by her sons and grandchildren, Catherine often attends Spanish lessons taught by Jim Viator. Delving even deeper into that culture and its ties to our community prompted her to become a founding member of La Asociacion Espanola de Nueva Iberia. The work she does for this group cannot be underestimated.

By using the implements that are their inheritance--the Spanish language and devotion to their heritage as well as to each other--the Seguras forge into the future on a solid foundation.

Remarkable families do remarkable things.