Editor’s note: This article delves deep into the world of Mexican Americans who do not speak Spanish, often referred to as “No Sabo” kids. It explores their experiences, challenges, and the beauty of their cultural journey. El Paso, a multicultural city, plays a significant role in this narrative, as Mexican and Chicano culture runs through its veins. These kids are not less Hispanic for not being fluent in Spanish; rather, they are on a path of self-discovery and healing.

Unraveling the Hispanic Identity of "No Sabo" Kids

Understanding the Challenges

Emri Nuñez, a 22-year-old server at Crave, shares her story. Due to her parents being “No Sabo” kids themselves, she only understands basic Spanish. In her three years in the food industry, she has faced some sour encounters for not speaking Spanish. “The ones that kind of look at you like ‘seriously you can’t speak Spanish?’ Or they think I’m lying like if I’m trying to be rude or something,” said Nuñez. She emphasizes that the bad encounters are mostly from the older generation, who are more judgmental. However, the younger generations are more understanding and helpful.Nuñez recounts an interaction where a man took time out of his day to explain and teach some Spanish words and responses. This moment helped her embarrassment dissipate. “It could be pretty nerve wracking, I guess knowing that someone is more comfortable speaking in Spanish because I’m not as comfortable. I can understand (Spanish) a lot, but being able to really speak back it’s hard to do,” said Nuñez.

The Healing Process

For Nuñez, there is healing taking place in the learning process, especially for her inner child. She practices every day and asks questions. She says while she is learning, it goes back to her childhood and the burning desire to speak her native language.22-year-old Aneley Munoz was taught the basics of Spanish by her parents up until the age of six. Her boyfriend, who is fluent in Spanish, is a learning experience for both of them. They teach each other and surround each other with different cultures.With this learning relationship, there is an equal takeaway. Munoz talks about how her high school best friends, whose parents only spoke Spanish, were considerate of her as a “No Sabo” kid. They never pushed or forced Spanish on her. “They kept that consideration that I don’t know Spanish. After a couple of years of knowing them, when I do speak Spanish with them, that’s when they start picking up their Spanish,” said Munoz.Munoz explains that language is not everything; it doesn’t dictate someone’s ethnicity. She constantly keeps Spanish at her forefront in her life. “I’m constantly listening to Spanish music—I listen to the lyrics to learn. Also, home cooked Mexican meals from my grandma and mother. There is so much around El Paso that it keeps the Hispanic culture alive!” said Munoz.Ultimately, the “No Sabo” kids’ love for their cultural language is at the heart of their journey. By building a support system to guide and inspire their eagerness to learn, they are healing their inner child and their relationship with Spanish.Dominique Macias is a staff photographer and may be reached at [email protected]