The author presents her appreciation and defense of Spanish as it is spoken in New York City, especially among Puerto Ricans. She believes that the institution of bilingual education in the city's schools is an important first step in elevating Spanish to the position it deserves as a means of instruction and communication. The instructional materials still need, however, to reflect the predominant culture of the Hispanic population. Closely related is the need for well-trained Spanish-speaking teachers who can easily relate to the educational problems of the students. These measures will help to reverse the negative self-concept that Puerto Ricans have of themselves and their language. With such a change of attitude, the author believes will come the self-respect necessary for a true appreciation of Puerto Rican Spanish, which when spoken properly is different but in no way inferior to Peninsular Spanish. (SK)