Kent Rinehart laughs as he and his classmates tackle the challenges of learning a new language. (Todd Brison/El Nuevo Tennessean)

Speaking the language: Physicians adapt as Hispanic population grows

By Todd Brison

JOHNSTON CITY, Tenn. – It is difficult for a parent to explain birth control to a child. That topic gets even more complicated when things are the other way around. This is exactly the situation Spanish teacher Holly Melendez found herself in when she accompanied a Spanish-speaking friend to the doctor’s office. “Even as poorly as I was interpreting, the other doctors asked me to come down and help them out with someone else,” Melendez said.

Becoming bilingual

Kids, parents take steps toward new language

By Rebekah Wilson

Often when a family moves to the United States, the children learn English in school but continue speaking Spanish at home. The learning process is enjoyable for some, especially young children, but can be more challenging for others. Kindergarteners Xochil and Jerandy Muñoz said learning English is fun, and the teachers are helpful. They attend South Side Elementary School in Johnson City, Tenn. and have translators and classes to help them learn English.

Esperanza with grandchildren Evan Miller and Trinity McClain. (Photo courtesy of Esperanza Joseph)

Declinar la ciudadanía americana

La lealtad va muy lejos para una mujer de Greeneville

Por O.J. Early, traducido por Paulette Galeas
Read this story in English
JOHNSTON CITY, Tenn. – Un visitante que llegue a la cocina de Esperanza Joseph probablemente la encontrará inclinada sobre el mostrador con las manos embadurnadas de harina de maíz, preparando tamales, quizás para un evento en su iglesia. Esperanza, de 65 años, sirve tamales y otros platillos mexicanos tradicionales desde su niñez, y utiliza su talento culinario como una de las muchas formas de estar activa en la comunidad. Ella ha vivido en Greeneville, Tennessee desde la década de los ochenta y ha estado en los Estados Unidos por más de 40 años. Por lo menos en las dos últimas décadas, de alguna manera Esperanza se ha opuesto a la tendencia nacional.

Esperanza with grandchildren Evan Miller and Trinity McClain. (Photo courtesy of Esperanza Joseph)

Choosing against citizenship

Loyalty goes a long way for Greeneville woman
By O.J. Early
Lea esta historia en español
A visitor to the kitchen of Esperanza Joseph will likely find her leaning over a counter, arms caked in cornmeal, preparing tamales, perhaps for an event at her church. Joseph, 65, has been serving up tamales, and various other authentic Mexican dishes, since her childhood, using her cooking talents as one of many means to become an active community member. She has lived in Greeneville, Tenn. since the 1980s and has been in the U.S. for more than 40 years. And for at least the last two decades, Joseph has been bucking a nationwide trend – sort of.