“Jovenes Hispánicos: Campañas se Vuelven Hacia El Spanglish para Atraer Su Voto!
In the past two decades, campaigns have seen a strong influx of young Hispanic voters. In an effort to reach and include this desirable demographic, campaigns have begun seeking new and innovative ways to target this community. One well-received initiative has been the use of "Spanglish," a type of language that combines Spanish and English, among Hispanic voters. For those already familiar with Spanglish, this language can be a great way of bridging the language barrier that some younger Hispanic voters may have in understanding a campaign platform or message. Through Spanglish, campaigns are able to communicate in a more relatable and comfortable manner. This type of engagement helps to establish a connection with younger Hispanic voters that is not always visible with other ethnic minorities. In addition to allowing candidates to communicate more effectively, Spanglish also allows them to better hear the voices and concerns of the Hispanic population. By showing an understanding of the language barrier they may face, campaigns are sending the message that they are there to serve the entire community, regardless of language. There is also the potential for campaigns to use Spanglish to great success outside of their direct interaction with voters. For example, both television and radio ads can be tailored to the demographic while still using language with which younger Hispanics are comfortable. It is indisputable that campaigns are quickly recognizing the power of using Spanglish to reach out to young Hispanic voters. By showing a willingness to understand the culture and language of this generation, campaigns are signaling to Hispanic voters that they understand what is important to them and are willing to go the extra mile to build trust and show respect. With specialized attention being given to the Hispanic population, it is clear that the power of Spanglish will continue to be a major player in campaigns for years to come.