A video posted on TikTok showing a Cuban woman recently arrived in the United States has sparked laughter, empathy, and comments from users who felt a connection to her situation.
In the video, uploaded by the woman's daughter-in-law, we see the moment she receives a call regarding food stamps. Amid nerves and her son's guidance to press the correct option and indicate that she only speaks Spanish, she decides to hang up the phone due to her lack of English proficiency.
"Newcomer struggles. She got a call about the food stamps and hung up because she doesn't know English," reads the caption on the video. This captures one of the experiences of Cubans—and surely many other immigrants—in their early days in the United States.
The post, shared by @isaurax30dias, has generated a wave of empathetic and humorous reactions from users on the platform, who quickly began sharing their own similar experiences.
"Imagine me arriving in Chicago in 1995 when there weren't even Spanish-speaking representatives for calls to companies. I used to get desperate with a dictionary, folks. Now at least there are cell phones." "We've all been through that." "We're so lost with English, it's so stressful." "I got calls from jobs and said I knew English, then hung up because I barely understood anything." "Poor thing, she got nervous. We all go through that." "Oh my God, the food stamps." "Oh, that's me." "Literally, such stress," are some of the reactions.
Have you or someone you know experienced something similar as a newcomer?
Common Challenges for Newcomers to the United States
Here we address some frequently asked questions about the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly focusing on language barriers and the adaptation process.
Why is language a significant barrier for newcomers?
Language can be a major hurdle because it affects communication in daily activities, access to services, and job opportunities. Without proficiency in the local language, many newcomers feel isolated and struggle to integrate into society.
What support is available for non-English speaking immigrants in the U.S.?
There are various resources available, including language classes offered by community centers, online courses, and translation services provided by some government and non-profit organizations.
How can newcomers overcome the initial fear and anxiety of language barriers?
Newcomers can overcome fear and anxiety by practicing the language regularly, seeking support from community groups, and using technology to aid in communication. Patience and persistence are key.