Title:
Problems over the Border
Subject:
Spanish, Translation, Immigration,
Grade Level:
All levels
Rationale:
This lesson will reveal the many complex problems of illegal Mexican immigration and its effects on the Mexican people. Through popular music, the students will gain an understanding of the difficulties Mexicans face.
Objectives:
The student will be able to:
- Listen to the song and fill in words that are left out.
- Translate the lyric.
- Discuss the political and social significance of this problematic situation.
Audience:
Spanish classes (all levels). This lesson can be modified for Social Studies classes if the lyrics were put into English.
Time Frame:
This lesson could take approximately one class period of around fifty minutes. It could take longer if the discussion is more involved.
Materials:
Song lyrics of “Migra” from Santana’s Supernatural CD.
Background:
The group Santana (namely Carlos Santana) has been a dominant force in American music, as well as Latin American music for at least 30 years. They are still popular today, having just won a Grammy for Best Song, “Smooth”.
Procedures:
Provide song lyric to “Migra”.
Delete some of the lyrics.
Students fill in the lyrics that are missing.
Allow students to listen to the song several times (as needed).
Go over the missing lyrics with them to ensure accuracy.
Break students into pairs to translate the song.
Pose certain questions to the entire class dealing with illegal immigration.
Hold a class discussion on Mexico’s illegal immigration.
Ask what it might be like if you were in Mexico trying to cross the border to have a better life in the States.
Evaluation:
Have a form containing a checklist: filling in of missing lyrics, translation of the song, discussion of the meaning behind it, enthusiasm for subject matter, etc. The teacher will walk around the room to assess their progress and to observe each pair.
Selected Recordings:
“Migra” recorded by Santana on Supernatural, Arista Records, Inc., 1999. (R. Taja, C. Santana, & T. Lindsay)
“Migra” is a slang term for the border patrol/police and is derogatory. ‘Pinche’ is a swear word in Spanish, so it could be excluded.
“Migra”
Migra Migra pinche Migra Migra, Migra “blanking” Migra
Dejame en paz. Leave me in peace. (repeat)
(repeat)
Malicia veo en tus ojos
Desprecio en tu corazon.
(repeat)
Es hora de reconocer que Wickedness I see in your eyes
Todos somos una voz Contempt in your heart. (repeat)
Abraza el concepto It is the hour of recognizing
Venimos de la misma voz that we are all one voice.
Me necesitas tu a mi mas Embrace the concept.
Y mas que yo a ti We come from the same voice.
You need me more than I (need) you.
People people let’s start
Together let’s do it right
People people let’s love one
Another I know we know how
Me necesitas tu a mi mas y
Mas que yo a ti
(repeat)
Migra Migra pinche Migra
Dejame en paz
People people let’s love one another
I know we know how.
