Revolution and a new national consciousness made Mexicans defensive about their language. They did not put their street signs in Aztec (the Irish went back to Gaelic), but they became sensitive about encroachments on their Spanish. In 1924, rugged old President Plutarco Elías Calles forbade use of any other language on storefronts, on signs or in advertising. All over Mexico municipalities put his decrees into local law. So Blue Bars became Cantinas Azules, Fashion Shops became Salones de Modas. After a postmaster refused to deliver mail to Chapultepec Heights, Mexico City's fashionable...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
