I also wanted to comment on your point about 'in the USA speaking another language is still not appealing.' Actually it's pathetic and especially when it comes to Spanish which is the official second language and globally the second most spoken language. The US' concept towards languages other than English is an embarrassment. Those in the US who are bilingual or do speak a second language have an advantage and should it see as a privilege although the perception globally when an American can speak a foreign language is total shock.
-MP.
I definitely understand your point, but I am going to play devils advocate. USA is a country built literally on free labor of African Americans following the migration of Europeans who eventually learnt English. It is modus operandi for immigrants to learn the language of the country they now call home. Why should Americans of all backgrounds and Latinos have to bend backwards to learn Spanish while it should be the new arrivals job to integrate? Spanish is the official second language globally but it isn't economically, yet. Why would any American want their tax paying dollars focus on one group of people? What about the Chinese,Indian, Polish, and non Spanish speaking communities?
Also I find Latinos aren't globally and have tunnel vision as much as Americans. They don't want to learn about other cultures. They only travel back to their home country and haven't grown outside of their comfort zone. Besides South Americans from mostly Argentina, Chile, Venezuela and a small group of Colombians, their perception of the global sphere is very dim. Unfortunately,the majority Central Americans and Caribbean Spanish speaking population are still lingering in the dark ages due to lack of proper education albeit; there is exception to this stereotype.
Those that are bilingual do have an advantage but a disadvantage for Americans and non Spanish speaking community in their own country. I find some Hispanics are very arrogant now when they can't find someone to speak in their language as if someone owe them this service, it's a courtesy. This is the main reason why USA has a Head of State fomenting hatred out of fear of the citizens losing their privileged status . Even the assumption of bilingual automatically meaning English/Spanish is erroneous. There are many bilingual X language/English speaking Americans. America needs to EEO for all.
Also, due to globalisation America will need to catch up to the rest of the world when it comes to communicating in a language other than English.
P.S. thanks for the recommendations, I actually read P. Juan Gutierrez "Trilogia sucia de la Habana" which depicts the raw side of the Cuban populace. Isabelle Allende is a great writer, who has a way of making her stories come to life. I also find her command of the Spanish language to be very magical and coming to life. Another observation is unfortunately Dominican Republic doesn't have a renowned writer besides Junot Diaz who doesn't write in Spanish. Do you have an idea of this hypothesis. Thanks again.