When I tell people that I am Puerto Rican, some of them assume that I can speak fluent Spanish. My response is always the same: “No, I don’t, I’m sorry.” My parents were both born in New York so we spoke English in the house and I learned Spanish from the classes that I took in high school. While I can understand a few words in Spanish I am embarrassed that I don’t speak the language fluently. I feel like I am missing out on a part of my heritage.
I know that I am not the only Latina that feels that way.
According to a recent article by nbcnews.com, “In recent years, the phrase ‘no sabo,’ which is the incorrect way of saying “I don’t know” in Spanish (the correct translation is “no sé”) has become synonymous with young Latinos who aren’t fluent in Spanish.” The writers of the article Edwin Flores and Maya Brown cited the ways that TikTok has helped Latinos feel better about themselves for not speaking fluent Spanish. “In one TikTok video, a “no sabo” teen asks her sibling if she’s seen the “crayola” their mom is looking for, meaning carriola, or stroller. Another video shows a no sabo “olympics” where teens are quizzed on the correct Spanish word.”
Individuals like Ana Saia and Jesus Garcia have created content showcasing either what it is like being a no-sabo kid, or how no-sabo interacts with fluent-speaking Latinos.
Ana Saia:
@saianana Embrace the “no sabo” mi gente ✌️#peliroja❤️👩🏻🦰 #latina #nosabokids #nosabokid😮💨 #halfmexican #growinguphispanic #paratipage #familyreunion #ifykyk #fypシ゚viral #paratipage #latinostiktok
Jesus Garcia:
@mrchuy
It makes me feel a little better knowing that I am not the only person in the world who is Latina and doesn’t speak Spanish. I’m happy that others feel the same and they’re sharing their experience and making people smile. Being a no-sabo kid doesn’t take away from the fact that you are a part of the Latino community. Whether or not you decide to learn Spanish is your decision.
