Thirteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The 1990s saw communities of Mexicans and Guatemalans immigrating in search of labor opportunities not only in traditional gateway cities like Chicago and New York, but also in small towns like Georgetown, Delaware. Generations later, place and identity continue to play significant roles in the geographic and social divide between ethnic groups in this small, historic, mid-Atlantic town. Notwithstanding the steady current of immigration, the presence of newcomers often continues to be deemed “out of place” by those who want to preserve an anachronistic, partly raced conception of Georgetown as a historic landscape. Grappling with demographic, social, and economic change, local organizations have formulated large-scale rebranding and revitalization projects for the town in recent years. The language barrier, however, stands as an impediment to efforts to integrate Hispanics in the Georgetown community. Significant data indicates that language barriers frequently alienate Hispanics from jobs, businesses, and social interaction. This paper will present original interview data from members of key Georgetown organizations and community groups to show that Hispanic ESL adults in particular have difficulty navigating basic life necessities like securing housing, finding work, and starting businesses. These disparities contribute to the town’s reluctance to accept large-scale project proposals regarding the town’s landscape. Drawing on original interview data and past findings, this study argues that the importance of providing large-scale basic dual language support for ESL adults in the Hispanic community is essential in bridging the socio-economic and cultural disparities currently faced by the Georgetown community, as well as others like it.