Press Release
GENO'S STEAKS IN PHILADELPHIA GETS A SPANISH AND ENGLISH DICTIONARY
2006-06-13
GENO'S STEAKS IN PHILADELPHIA GETS A SPANISH AND ENGLISH DICTIONARY
El Monte , CA. June 13, 2006. "This is America , when ordering speak English" - reads the sign at the Geno's window but if you can't order in English, you may not be able to read the warning message either, right? But that is besides the point. Today, Velázquez Press, publisher of the Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary sent an open letter and a much needed English and Spanish dictionary to Joseph Vento – owner of the legendary Geno's Steaks.
Daniel Morales of Velázquez Press said: “The American immigrant experience and freedom of expression are alive and well. Mr. Vento is a son of immigrants and his appreciation for the English language is unparalleled. The issues at hand are communication and the challenges of human interaction in a modern world where a foreign land is a short plane ride away and people who primarily speak other languages are living the American experience themselves. Velazquez Press will continue to press the issue of the understanding of culture consciousness and appreciation for the differences among people, including language. We will do our best to facilitate that exchange and as such, we are sending Mr. Vento a copy of our dictionary.” The letter sent to Mr. Vento is printed in its entirety below.
Joseph Vento
Owner
Geno's Steaks
1219 S. 9 th . St.
Philadelphia , PA 19147 June 13, 2006
Dear Mr. Vento:
The Philadelphia Cheese Steaks at Geno's Steaks known as the best of South Philly are a charming staple in the city of brotherly love. Over the last four years, the city of Philadelphia has taken great strides in increasing and welcoming tourism from the U.S. and abroad and they have done an excellent job. Understandably, tourists from across the globe have been flocking to Philadelphia and a great number of them can't speak English, which could be a problem if they wish to patronize your establishment. Also, you may have noticed a shift in demographic make-up of the city favoring multiculturalism and making it difficult to implement a “English Only” rule. We applaud your decision of encouraging your staff to gladly “ help non-native speakers order in English” and your willingness to not turn any customer away. Enclosed is a copy of the Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary , we are certain that it will help you and your staff communicate properly with the tourists and residents -whose primary language is Spanish- wishing to patronize your establishment. Feel free to contact us for assistance regarding better understanding of your Spanish speaking costumers and look forward to a healthy exchange of ideas as our country continues to strive and enrich by the contributions of all people.
Best regards.
Daniel Morales
Communications Director
Velázquez Press
About Velázquez Press
Velázquez Press is the publisher of the Velázquez Spanish and English Dictionary ; f or over 150 years it has been recognized throughout the world as the preeminent authority in bilingual Spanish - English dictionaries.
For media resources, interviews and other information please contact Velázquez Press.
Daniel Morales , Communications Director
Velázquez Press
9682 Telstar Ave. STE. 110
El Monte, CA 91731
Tel. (626) 448-3448 ext. 212
Fax. (626) 602-3817