Exploring Spanglish at The Kindness School
What Is Spanish English Called? – A Journey at The Kindness School
At The Kindness School, we celebrate language, culture, and connection. One fascinating topic that comes up often in our classrooms is how languages blend together. A perfect example of this is the mix of Spanish and English—something many of our students and families experience in their daily lives. But what is this mix actually called? And what does it mean for communication, identity, and kindness?
The Language Blend: Spanglish
The most common term for the combination of Spanish and English is Spanglish. Spanglish is not an official language, but rather a way of speaking that blends elements of both Spanish and English. It’s used widely in places like the United States, Latin America, and even Spain—where cultures and languages mix naturally.
At The Kindness School, we view Spanglish not as a mistake or confusion, but as a beautiful symbol of how language evolves. It reflects real life, where families speak in multiple languages, switch between tongues, and express themselves in the way that feels most natural. For many bilingual students, Spanglish is a part of who they are.
Where Do We Hear Spanglish?
Spanglish can show up in conversations, songs, movies, social media, and even in classrooms. Imagine a student saying, “Voy a hacer my homework ahora,” which mixes Spanish (“Voy a hacer” – I’m going to do) with English (“my homework now”). It might not be grammatically perfect in either language, but it’s meaningful and understandable—and that’s what matters.
In places with large Spanish-speaking populations—like California, Texas, Florida, and New York—Spanglish is very common. At The Kindness School, many students come from multilingual homes and feel proud to express themselves in more than one language. We teach them that being bilingual or multilingual is a superpower—not a weakness.
Why Do People Use Spanglish?
There are many reasons why people mix Spanish and English:
Ease of communication – Sometimes a word just comes to mind more easily in one language.
Cultural identity – Spanglish reflects the speaker’s background and community.
Emotion and tone – Certain emotions might be easier to express in one language or the other.
Habit – If you grow up hearing Spanglish, it becomes a natural way to speak.
At The Kindness School, we support students in expressing themselves authentically. If Spanglish helps a student share their ideas, emotions, or creativity, we celebrate that. We also help them build a strong foundation in both English and Spanish, so they can confidently navigate both worlds.
Spanglish in Education
Some people wonder if using Spanglish in school is a good idea. At The Kindness School, we believe it’s all about balance. While we help students learn proper grammar and vocabulary in both languages, we also create space for real-world expression. We want students to feel seen and respected, no matter how they speak.
Teachers encourage students to code-switch—that means knowing when to use formal English, formal Spanish, or Spanglish depending on the situation. This skill empowers students to succeed academically and socially.
Spanglish as a Sign of Connection
More than just a language blend, Spanglish is a bridge. It connects generations, cultures, and communities. Grandparents may speak mostly Spanish, while children grow up speaking mostly English. Spanglish becomes a way to meet in the middle—a shared language of love, memory, and home.
At The Kindness School, we believe in the power of language to unite people. Whether you speak English, Spanish, or a mix of both, your voice matters. We teach students to honor their roots, respect others’ languages, and grow into kind, confident communicators.
Final Thoughts
So, what is Spanish English called? The simple answer is Spanglish. But at The Kindness School, we know it’s more than just a word—it’s a reflection of identity, diversity, and connection. By understanding and embracing language in all its forms, we create a school culture where every student feels at home.