Public is or Public are: “British English tends to see either a plural or singular verb, pronoun or noun as acceptable, depending on the context in which the collective noun is used. American English, however, is considerably more rigid in sticking with the singular. Though they too may reconsider occasionally, based on context.”
“The first English colonists in North America soon encountered their Spanish rivals in well-established settlements.”
In The Story of English (1986), a book sitting literally right in front of me on the bookshelf in the home office, the authors noted that my native tongue borrowed “bellicose Spanish words (reflecting contemporary conflicts) like desperado and embargo.”
Later, it’s more generous: “The first English colonists in North America soon encountered their Spanish rivals in well-established settlements from Florida to Sante Fe, and it was from here that English acquired such everyday words as barbecue, chocolate and tomato…
“To this day, American English has borrowed more words from Spanish – like enchilada, marijuana, plaza, stampede and tornado – than from any other language, and the list is growing year by year.
“The [19th-Century cowboys’] contact with the horse-handlers brought a number of new words in American English: rodeo, stampede, bronco, chaps, lasso, mustang, lariat, pinto, poncho, ranch.”
I thought about this because I happened across this article in April 2019: 111 English Words That Are Actually Spanish. Unsurprisingly, several state names are included, such as California; Colorado – “red-colored”; Florida – “flowery”; Montana – mountain; Nevada – snowy; New Mexico – Nuevo México; Texas – the Spanish adopted the word tejas from the language of the indigenous Cado people, meaning “friends” or “allies”; Utah – from the name of the indigenous Ute people, via Spanish yuta; and probably Arizona.
I wouldn’t have guessed 10-gallon hat – from tan galán (so gallant), or possibly galón (braid). Or alligator – el lagarto (the lizard) were on the list.
The article also correctly notes: “English isn’t the only language with a penchant for absorbing words from other languages. Many words that English has acquired from Spanish originally came from other languages, mostly those of native American populations that were subjugated by the Spanish colonial empire.’ Popular “examples that entered English vernacular through the Nahuatl language in Mexico” are noted, including the aforementioned tomato.
See also an article from thoughtco: When Spanish Words Become Our Own; Adopted and Borrowed Words Enrich English.
Dalai Lama, Chicago in May 2008:
“The universe is in a constant state of becoming—an ongoing miraculous creation. Every day we awaken to that miracle with gratitude, respect, and compassion for all who share the gift of being.”
The English as a New Language (ENL) Home Study program provides an excellent opportunity for non-native English speakers to gain a better understanding of our language and culture.
Here’s a list of resources compiled by Jeanne Finley in November and December 2017 and shared, not just with her permission, but with her encouragement.
The terminology used here: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages); ESL (English as a Second Language). Very recently, the term ENL, for English as a New Language, has been used, primarily because some English language learners (ELLs) are picking up a third or fourth language.
Please comment regarding updates, changes or corrections.
*Some classes may require registration in advance. Call for details.
Classes: Albany area/Albany County
– Albany: Adults Albany Public Library, Washington Avenue branch, 161 Washington Avenue Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org Christina Darling, Program Coordinator, (518) 631-2926. ESOL, beginning, intermediate. Free.
– Albany: Adults Albany Public Library, Pine Hills branch, 517 Western Avenue Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org and Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, intermediate, multi-level. Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–12 noon. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults Albany Public Library, Delaware Avenue branch, 331 Delaware Avenue Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, (518) 463-0254 (ESL), www.literacynycap.org ESOL, beginning, intermediate. Tuesday and Thursday, mornings and afternoons. Call to register. Free.
– Albany: Adults Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School, Building A, 1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, multi-level. Monday and Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults Albany Medical Center, 22 New Scotland Avenue Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, multi-level. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 57 Hurlbut Street Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, multi-level. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 475 State Street Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, multi-level. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults Albany Literacy Zone, Trinity Alliance, Capital South Campus Center, 20 Warren Street (518) 449-5155, http://www.trinityalliancealbany.org/literacy-zone/ Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ Shannon Cornwall, (518) 694-4533 or Maria Huntington, (518) 694-4567. ESL classes ongoing. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12 noon. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults Trinity Alliance, 15 Trinity Place Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESL classes ongoing. Mondays through Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
– Albany: Adults and children ages 5-13 RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus), 240 West Lawrence Street (518) 621-1041, (518) 567-4354, (518) 505-1737 www.risse-albany.org Adults: ESL Group Instruction, September–June: Monday–Friday, 12 p.m.– 6 p.m. July & August: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Levels 1, 2, and 3. Must register for orientation session. Free. Children ages 5-13: New York State Licensed ESL After-School program, September–June: 2:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Call for appointment. Children ages 5-13: New York State Licensed ESL Summer School Program, July & August, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Call for appointment.
– Albany: Adults USCRI (United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants), 991 Broadway, Suite 223 Martha Butler, Program Coordinator, Office for New Americans, (518) 459-1790 (extension 8008), www.RefugeesAlbany.org Beginner classes. Next enrollment period December 18, 2017 – January 10, 2018, for classes starting week of January 8. Classes 3-4 days per week, 4 p.m. –7 p.m. Pre-test required; call for appointment. Free.
– Albany: Children pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5 in Albany City School District Delaware Community School, 43 Bertha Street (518) 475-6750, http://www.albanyschools.org/Academics/Dual-Language/DualLang.html Dual Language Program, Spanish-English only. Child must be registered in district.
– Albany: Children grades 6–12, refugees and immigrants in Albany City School District Albany International Center, North Albany Academy, 570 North Pearl Street (518) 475-6900, http://www.albanyschools.org/Academics/ENL-Refugee/AIC/AIC.html Rachel Stead, Principal, rstead@albany.k12.ny.us Lily Htoo, Home School Coordinator, lhtoo@albany.k12.ny.us Serves about 175 refugee and immigrant students from throughout the City School District of Albany who are in the early stages of learning English and will benefit from targeted instruction and support in all subjects. Students spend an average of two years in the program before returning to their middle school or Albany High School. Child must be registered in district.
– Albany: Adults and children Empire State English, 24 Aviation Road, Suite 100 (518) 729-5407, http://esenglish.org English language programs for adults: Kim Andersen, President, Eileen Lee, Academic Director English language programs for children: Elizabeth Suparmanto, Registrar ESL and part-time classes. COST: see website Sister program, Capital Region Language Center, offers English language instruction for children, http://esenglish.org/other-programs/ Troy location coming January 2018
– Albany: Adults Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) of Hudson Valley Community College, 30 North Russell Road, 2nd Floor, Albany (518) 273-1900, http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/programs.html#ESL ESL, three levels. The ESL programs allow students with limited English proficiency the opportunity to master speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English. Apply online: http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/ Must complete assessment. Free to qualified applicants. ALSO LOCATED IN TROY at 431 River Street.
– Albany: Adults Masjid As-Salam, 276 Central Avenue (518) 463-6275, http://www.masjidassalam.org/Pages/default.aspx English class, Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 noon Classes held at 280 Central Avenue. Call first. Free.
– Guilderland: Adults Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Avenue Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org ESOL, advanced. Free.
– Watervliet: Adults Watervliet Library, 1501 Broadway, #1 Sponsored by Capital Region BOCES, (518) 862-4707, http://www.capregboces.org/ ESOL, multi-level. Tuesday and Thursday, 12 noon–3 p.m. Must register for orientation session. Free.
Classes: Troy area/Rensselaer County
– East Greenbush: Adults East Greenbush Community Library, 10 Community Way Sponsored by Questar III, (518) 479-6838 https://www.questar.org/education/adult-education-and-workforce-development/literacy-programs/ Adult ESOL classes and assessment: John Parker, John.Parker@questar.org ESOL, mixed levels, Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.¬–12.30 p.m. Requires assessment beforehand, with $35 fee, can be waived, otherwise free.
– Troy: Adults Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) of Hudson Valley Community College, 431 River Street (518) 273-1900, http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/programs.html#ESL ESL, three levels. The ESL programs allow students with limited English proficiency the opportunity to master speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English. Apply online: http://www.hvcc.edu/eoc/ Must complete assessment. Free to qualified applicants. ALSO LOCATED IN ALBANY: 30 North Russell Road, 2nd Floor
– Troy: Adults YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., 21 First Street Sponsored by Questar III, (518) 479-6838, https://www.questar.org/education/adult-education-and-workforce-development/literacy-programs/ Adult ESOL classes and assessment: John Parker, John.Parker@questar.org ESOL, mixed levels, Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 a.m. ¬– 8:30 a.m. Requires assessment beforehand, with $35 fee, can be waived, otherwise free.
Classes: Schenectady area/Schenectady County
– Schenectady: Adults Schenectady Public Library, main branch, 99 Clinton Street Sponsored by Literacy NY Greater Capital Region, (518) 452-3381, www.literacynycap.org Christine Katchmar, Program Coordinator, (518) 452-3382 ESL, intermediate tutoring. Free.
– Schenectady: Adults Phyllis Bornt Branch Library and Literacy Center (ESL), 948 State Street Sponsored by Washington Irving Adult and Continuing Education Center (518) 370-8220 or (518) 370-8230 http://wiec.schenectady.k12.ny.us/adult_education/classes/english_as_a_second_language ESL: Monday and Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. Free Courses for College-Age Students
– Intensive English Language Program, University at Albany Center for International Education and Global Strategy Science Library G 40 The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills. After successfully completing the IELP, many students enter one of UAlbany’s degree programs. (518) 591-8172, e-mail: IELP@albany.edu http://www.albany.edu/ielp/ COST: see website, http://www.albany.edu/ielp/About_the_Program.php
Classes offered in 8-week sessions. There are five 8-week sessions offered throughout the year. Students take a placement test and enroll in the number of sessions necessary to achieve their desired English language level. There are seven levels of English offered, from basic to university-ready advanced. 8-week sessions are offered 5 times per year in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Apply at least one month before the start of a new session. The IELP also offers 4-week sessions throughout the year, with shorter courses. 4-week sessions are offered 10 times per year in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Apply at least one month before the start of a new session. Full-time students study 20 hours per week. Part-time students can choose to study 4–16 hours per week.
– English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL Advisement, Hudson Valley Community College (Troy) http://www.hvcc.edu/departments/las/efl/esl.html HVCC is one of only a few accredited schools of higher education to offer credit-bearing English composition classes to non-native speakers. In addition, the school provides classes for those who need basic communication skills, as well as for those who are interested in perfecting their English. Contact the English as a Second Language Advisement Office: Advisor: Noah Kucij, e-mail: n.kucij@hvcc.edu, (518) 629-7393 Fridays, 11 a.m.–noon and by appointment COST: see website, http://www.hvcc.edu/catalog/tuition/index.html International students application: http://www.hvcc.edu/admissions/forms/admintl_app.pdf
Websites, Videos, and Home Study Resources
– Schenectady: Steinmetz Home Family Investment Center, 120 Emmons Street (518) 370-8220 http://schenectadywiec.ss12.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx ESL Study at Home program, Thursday, 12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Must register. Free.
– Through Capital Region BOCES: The English as a New Language (ENL) Home Study program provides an excellent opportunity for non-native English speakers to gain a better understanding of our language and culture. The program, which concentrates on reading comprehension and writing skills, is beneficial for students who have progressed beyond basic levels of ENL. Individualized packets of instruction are delivered to the library nearest to a student’s home every two weeks, for him or her to pick up and complete. The program is free for students age 21 and older. For information and to register, call (518) 862-4707 Application required first: http://www.capitalregionboces.org/CareerTech/AdultEd/PDFs/Application%20EEPfor2017.1.pdf
– Oxford Picture Dictionary and its related workbooks: Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary, Reprint Edition by Jayme Adelson-Goldstein and Norma Shapiro
You can buy this online at Amazon.com or order it through a bookstore. There are additional workbooks, which are for all levels of people learning English:
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Low-Beginning Workbook, Workbook Edition by Jane Spigarelli
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Low-Intermediate Workbook, Workbook Edition by Marjorie Fuchs and Margaret Bonner
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: High-Beginning Workbook, Workbook Edition by Marjorie Fuchs
In 
Here’s a list of resources compiled by Jeanne Finley in November and December 2017 and shared, not just with her permission, but with her encouragement. 