The other day I ran into Hy Vee for a handful of random items I needed for a recipe. Nine times out of ten, I check out with an associate, however because I was in a rush and the lines were quite long, I decided to use the "Self Check Out" kiosk. Since I also speak Spanish (or at least make an effort to), I often choose the "Espanol" option for this kind of interface, likewise with ATM's and such.
I completed my transaction with the robotic self checkout system, effectively eliminating any human contact from my shopping experience, however I was able to justify this with a little practicando in Spanish. The interface provided detailed instructions in Spanish through text on the screen AND a soothing and spicy female voice using perfect Spanish pronunciation.
So far, so good. I was disturbed and shocked in disbelief once I received my receipt, for though the entire transaction proceeded in Spanish, my receipt was printed exclusively in ENGLISH! Now, if you've shopped at HyVee before, you know that you receive a fuel discount of $0.05 or more when you gas up at a Hy Vee gas station.
Now tell me this: What good is a Spanish speaking self checkout system if my receipt is printed in English? Is HyVee trying to avoid doling out fuel discounts to Spanish speakers? Some might use the tired "If you want to live in MY country, you need to be able to speak ENGLISH, or else you can go back to YOUR country! George Washington Abraham Jefferson didn't fight in the Spanish-French Independence Civil War so that my kids have to learn EhspHaneole"
I encourage you to write to HyVee using the link posted above, and alert them of this oversight as I have. If that computer is smart enough to tell me how much Apple Cider Vinegar costs in Spanish, and HyVee is wealthy enough to sponsor a flippin marathon in DesMoines, certainly they can print a receipt in Spanish. If you disagree with me, you're LOCO AMIGO!
Sincerely,
Geraldo
I agree with Jerry aka (John/Geraldo) the first time I went to Hy-vee and Wal-Mart the showed me the "Hispanic isle" which in reality are products which most Latino, or Hispanic may or may not use such as Ortega or Old El Paso brands. Mostly everything we make is homemade, because it gives it the natural flavors making it authentic and traditional dishes.
If these major companies can use technology to recognizes products as well as using Spanish speaking kiosk they should be able to print a dame recipient in Spanish as well, all the computer has to do is recognized the UPC bar code.