There are so many people in the US and Canada and everyone is from a different place in the world. Not all speak English and some can not be understand thus this language barrier? So, should it be stressed upon that everybody should learn to speak English?
2006-06-13 16:35:10 · 13 answers · asked by Kitty Lucy 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
no. This is america, our language is english. If people are going to reside here, they should learn to speak our language. If you moved to africa, would you expect everyone there to start learning english just for you? NO!
2006-06-13 16:39:33 · answer #1 · answered by nursegirljay 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How can people actually be stupid enough to believe English is a universal language and that everyone on Earth should be expected to know it? If we're going to be practical, why not just ask everyone on Earth to learn Chinese, since it's the most widely spoken language? After all, it would be easier for the Chinese and would overcome that language barrier you're talking about, right?
If you yourself have a hard time understanding people who speak other languages, why don't you take on a little responsibility and try to learn another language yourself? Until you have at least attempted to acquire a second language, I don't think you have any business running around telling other people how many (and which) languages they should speak.
I really cannot believe how ignorant and hateful Americans are becoming; I swear! Where did all the Americans who embrace tolerance, liberty and diversity go?
2006-06-13 20:09:49 · answer #2 · answered by magistra_linguae 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think it is rude to ask some one to speak at least conversational English. Basic conversational English. Would you travel to France or Russia or China without at least learning some of the language to get you by? It is not necesary to learn the entire language but a general knowledge would be great. In certain part of the U.S. it is acceptable to speak other languages more than English. The South West speak a LOT of Spanish, Louisiana, espcially around New Orleans, speaks French/Creole. If you plan on staying here more than just traveling, it would be nice if you spoke a little more English than just conversational.
I am in no way an advocate for the U.S. to be English speaking only. More Americans need to get off their lazy butts and learn other languages. Beacuse let's face it people, Asian Invasion is here.
2006-06-20 13:59:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asking someone to learn English and insisting that everyone speak English are not the same thing.
Yes, you can ask someone to learn English as long as you are willing to learn his/her language.
No, it shouldn't be stressed that everyone learn English. Who chooses which language everyone should learn? What an incredible loss of culture it would be if it was decided that every person had to speak the same language.
2006-06-13 16:41:58 · answer #4 · answered by sgtcjl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Italian and every turist who comes here expects to find everywhere people speaking his language, signs written in his language. It is ok, they are in italy for a few time. But I think that for foreigners who live in America is not easy to learn English fluenty if they have not studied it and if they are not so young. And when they have learnt some English it is very tiring speaking it every moment because you can never relax. So...try to be tolerant, they will learn English.
2006-06-13 21:49:45 · answer #5 · answered by serez100 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that its rude. I think its inappropriate. Depends on situation. I am learning spanish because I feel later in years that you will have to be bilingual to have a job. Many jobs down South Florida you have to be bilingual. We have a popular country. I live in a tourist town, and I deal with that all the time.
But then again I also believe that if you are going to be here, you should know the language. I would not expect for them to know English b/c I come to their country. And they wouldn't. They would look at me all crazy like I was speaking jibberish.
2006-06-13 16:40:22 · answer #6 · answered by strizzaight_trippin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anyone should have to speak English. I do think if you are living in a country that speaks the English language primarily then to make life much easier it would be in their best interest but it should not be required.
2006-06-13 16:41:43 · answer #7 · answered by spitly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The United States is the only country in the world where foreigners come and expect you to speak their language.
No it's not rude...what's rude and makes me mad as spit is the amount of money spent for example, on ballots printed in the US for elections in 5 or 6 languages. Disgusting.
2006-06-13 16:41:04 · answer #8 · answered by dixie_til_i_die 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they are a citizen of the United States should they be required to know English. When we go to another country we take a book with us so we can try to communicate.
2006-06-13 16:48:11 · answer #9 · answered by clbinmo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the person is going to stay in any coountry for an extended time then yes they need to learn the native language of that country.
English, spanish, german, arab, or any other that is out there.
2006-06-13 16:42:11 · answer #10 · answered by ddrose734 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋