Why, exactly, don't we (the US) want to consider Spanish a second language?

Question

I know I'm going to get a lot of angry replies for this one, but making Spanish a second language makes perfect sense to me. Think about this for a second: when you go to some other country (anywhere in Europe, Asia, etc.), everyone under the age of eighty speaks perfect English. It is polite to try and learn a few phrases, but you are not expected to speak their language fluently (in fact, in Japan, they refuse to believe that anyone not born there can speak their language...this got them in trouble in WWII, but we won't go there). So why don't we do the same thing? Now, I'm not suggesting that people who immigrate here from a Spanish-speaking country shouldn't learn passable English--on the contrary, they should make sure they can speak it fairly well before they arrive--but I just think it wouldn't hurt to be a little more cosmopolitan when it comes to languages. It's not going to threaten English in any way; it would still be the first language. So why is it such a touchy issue?

I say Spanish because that's the language that we come into the most contact with, besides English. We're closest to Mexico and South America, which is mostly Spanish-speaking (well, Spanish and Portuguese). I agree with aslongasitrocks, though; I think everyone should be at least a little bilingual. I heard somewhere that everyone should speak at least three languages: their own language first, then a language that would be useful in their country (so Spanish in the US's case), and then another one, just for the sake of knowing another language.

Guys...I thought I made it clear in my explanation that I DO, in fact, believe that immigrants should learn passable English before they come here. It's just that we should learn a little Spanish at the same time. Please read my question a little more carefully.

Answer 1

(Technically, not even English is an "official" language of the US; it's simply by far the most predominant language spoken in the country.)

As I understand it, those who are native speakers of Spanish typically reside in those states closest to Latin America, so it is in essence a localized issue. It simply would be impractical to expect, say, the state of Wisconsin to provide Spanish translations for everything (from road signs to legislation).

Adopting Spanish as an second language might be more practical in states like Texas and Florida, but these states are rather conservative and probably invest much nationalistic pride in the English language. So the debates there will not be over the practical concerns, but over national identity: should America expect more "melting" in its melting pot, or should it support multiculturalism?

Answer 2

Why do we need a second language?
I have been to a variety of countries around the world also. Unually the most english you hear spoken is in the tourist areas. Most typical citizens of those countries speak their native language.
If I go to an overseas tourist area, I expect to be spoken to in that country's native language, but if they want me to buy that souviener, or order that special meal, they use my language because it benifits them.
I live in a major tourist area in the United States, and I have heard many talented english speaking Americans speak to their guest in many different languages. It is their job to speak different languages.
Many Americans aren't the least bit concerned with becoming "cosmopolitan". It seems to me that many of the young people in this country are far too concerned with being "cosmopolitan" and being concerned with what people in other countries are doing, and what's "hip' over there. Yet they know nothing about their own country, and they don't care. Everything is a "fad". These generally are the young people that wouldn't ever consider taking their turn at serving their country, military, government, volunterism, or any other way. They are selfish and only do things that benifit themselves directly. It is time to shut down our borders, teach our own kids english, teach them about our country and then teach them about other countries that they so much want to emulate. The truth might scare them.
So, why did you say we need a second language? Why Spanish, and not Arabic, German, Japaneese, Polish, French? Why Spanish.
My great grand parents learned english, and made sure it was the first language used in the home and in public. They didn't need a second language, nor did they want one. We don't need one either.

Answer 3

1 language does make things a lot simpler, however, there's a lot of benefits to learning a second language, particularly at young age. Some research suggests that it makes it easier to learn mathematics and music.

The problem with the government forms in two languages I find even more interesting. I mean, a couple years ago I passed the mensa test (I find it funny that mensa means stupid in Spanish), and they've got a vocab section that was pretty easy because I read a lot. But, I had to fill out the employer's section of an INS form for an H1-B a few years back and I had no idea what the questions meant. And they were in English. And I'm an 6th generation American who passed the the freakin' mensa test. I still have no idea what those forms said. I sent them to the company's HR lawyer. How are non-native speakers supposed to fill out these forms, when native speakers can't?

Answer 4

Well, maybe it's because there are a lot of Spanish speaking people who claim to not know any English but once you are talking about them losing money, or the possibility of them making money or you are insulting them they all of a sudden learn English pretty fast.

I knew this girl from Ecuador who was here for 7 years (moved here when she was 14 and didn't know a word of English) and learned to speak English so well that she hardly had an accent. Then there was this other Hispanic woman who lived here since she was 1 and claimed not to understand a word of English. So the Ecuadorian and I would talk about the other Hispanic woman who would later ask the Ecuadorian why we were saying this and that, specifics of our conversation, about her.

If you are living in another country it would be expected of you to learn their national language, here it's expected that we learn Spanish to accommodate them.

I don't hate immigrants, at all. I can't stand laziness and excuses. I have known many immigrants who came here legally and got a job, learned the language and not tried to 'white' themselves, but just tried to be a part of our culture while retaining their own customs. We all need to accommodate each other, but when you move to a foreign country, you are supposed to assimilate to that countries ways, not the other way around.

Our great grandparents came here from Europe and did it, why can't they?

Answer 5

why should we? i think most people (and i have to agree) would think if people want to live here they should at least try to learn the language. i think its touchy because it seems as though many immigrants dont even bother to try. i know for my bf there are alot of spanish speaking guys at work and it has caused problems and even put them in danger because they can't understand the simplest english instructions...like LOOK OUT!! they want to live and work here but can't understand the street signs, the news, and/or the most simple instructions from employers, now if i got a job and couldn't understand what my boss meant by 'file this' i'd be fired...so why shouldn't they be? not to mention people get very frustrated when they call a company for service (or whatever) and the person on the other end can't understand or be understood. if i was going to a spanish speaking country i wouldn't EXPECT them to understand my language, it would be my problem to learn to communicate with them because i'm in their country.

Answer 6

I know there's alot of prejudice against hispanics in america, and for the most part I find that sad. They may speak another language, but they're still people. I agree that Americans should learn more Spanish; at least a little bit. I worked in a fast food place for two years and we had alot of Hispanics come in to order that spoke very little English. It's helpful to learn a little bit of Spanish so you can at least understand them a little bit. And you know what? Most of the time, they were grateful and even helpful. They'd help me with my Spanish and I'd help them with their English. However, I believe that if you're going to move to America...you should learn the language. But I think that if Americans learn at least the basics in Spanish... it will help them learn English.

Answer 7

Because this is not Spain, or Mexico. Most other countries in the world speak English..but it is not to be polite to America....It is because we do so much global business...and because of former colonization by the English, etc....
Couldn't you change your question around and ask the same of Immigrants....if you really want to be a part of a country, and it's culture, you learn their language. Would you move to Mexico and not speak Spanish?

Answer 8

If your going to be living in ANY country you should be able to speak the language of that country The people of that country should not be required to learn your language . No other country imposes a second language requirement Why the Hell should this one?

Answer 9

I disagree. I don't think we should make it a second language at all.
However, I think Americans should be taught a different language from the beginning, as well as English. I think everyone should be a little bilingual.

Answer 10

we don't need a second language in this country, people can't use English correctly ,so why try to teach 'em a second language