Don't be surprised when Saturday Night Live parodies this with some language other than Spanish.

The U.S. does not have an official language but it does have a common language, which is English, which is now as common a language as you will find on the International stage.

Best rule of thumb is to use the appropriate secondary language in specific communications when the subject matter calls for it. But by no means in the U.S., should any language other than English be given primary status. This is on basis that the introduction of a rival language creates unnecessary barriers to communication and confusion. Battles over language are usually ego-driven. Witness Quebec and the problems Canada has there. And also for that matter any place where the French-speaking populice chooses to selectively know English when convenient. They'd insist we all learn French. Oui.

this makes me feel good about America. and as a west african i have always had a major problem with america. someone is thinking in the White House! This is no small thing, i can tell you. It's highly significant not just for Cubans or hispanics but for many others. to speak someone else's language is the height of respect and fraternity. so for me it signifies a real change in the mindset of america's leadership, a commitment to real partnership of equals.

i don't think all communications should be in multiple languages but it would be a good policy for sensitive issues. america will be speaking directly to those who are most immediately impacted - and it's not always just the american taxpayer/voter. US makes decisions that can transform lives across the planet! why shouldn't we hear from the white house in our own languages?

TJ, Good point. Something I hadn't considered. --Michael Sebastian

Anonymous@1:35 is right. The U.S. has no official language. That said, as a hater of political correctness for its own sake, I don't see the harm in incorporating Spanish language into communications every now and then. However, in all practicality, the concept of assimilation has been an American hallmark and a source of national strength and pride for many generations. Because the culture has for the most part respected and embraced its diversity, while encouraging assimilation, it has tapped its strengths while rising to international leadership as a singular nation.

When the commitment is made to a dual-language approach to all communications, however, you open a real can of worms. The sheer cost of all communications skyrockets. Then you run the risk of offending non-English and non-Spanish-speaking constituents, and it never ends.

To Monique -- We, the people of the United States, do not have an official language. Seriously. The research I did on language policy during my undergrad pointed me to an interesting fact: the founding fathers were so divided on the issue of official language, they tabled the issue. If they had declared one, a poll of the folks in office at the time showed that the official language would likely have ended up being German.

From where I sit as an international PR and media consultant and international TV producer, the Spanish version of the press conference talks directly to three groups. 1. The 38 million+ Hispanics in the US, including tens of thousands of Cuban-Americans who may not think too fondly of the current Cuban regime. 2. Cuban government officials and 3. Spanish speaking countries in Central and South America as well as Spain, etc.

For me, this is an indication that the US government wants to reach out in the "language of preference" to its international and domestic Latino audience.

BRAVO!

Joe Carleo, APR
Advanced Language and Media Svcs

I don't see the point of the address being in Spanish. The language of business is English and it is also the official language of the United States. Will briefings be done in Chinese on human rights issues etc?

Krystle's comment reminds me of an old one:

A mugger walks up to a PR guy and says, "Give me all your money."

The PR guy says, "I have no money on me, but I can get you an article in the Times."

The mugger shoots and kills, the PR guy. Eventually he gets caught and his mug shot is published in the Times.

Moral of the story: Sometimes PR's not the right tool, the end isn't how you imagined it, and it doesn't justify the means.

He can speak Martian, I could care less, but as for Cuba, it's a sworn enemy (so is Venezuela), in collusion with those who still wish to destroy us and you wonder why they're on our "Naughty List?" Did you ever hear about the Cuban Missle Crisis? Some things haven't changed much fundamentally since then. More below the radar now, but not changed.

You can't charm leftist dictators, as we will soon find out.

It is so great to see the White House adapting to overcome the communication challenges between Spanish-speaking Americans, Cubans and those who speak English. What better way to send a message to the world that America is ready for a diplomatic approach toward a country that has been on our "naughty list" for years. This is great PR for the White House, but even more, this is great PR for America!