why is it so hard to learn the language of the country you are in??

Question

I am not saying just here in the U.S.A I mean where ever you go. when I went to Germany with the army I learned at least conversional german.Why do people expect the rest of the world to make it easier on them when they will make no attempt t omeet anyone else half way. At this rate there should be only one language recognised world wide so that there is one less thing to be angry over...

Answer 1

You know, it's funny because some other people from the USA, probably not yourself, would claim that immigrants who go to your country should be demanded to communicate in English, and you want people in their native countries to try to communicate with you "half way" between their language and English.

I would rather agree with you. All human beings are genetically, 99.9% the same, and only a 0.1% is different. We shouldn't let artificial barriers come among us. And language is one of the highest barriers of all.

As for the idea of one language for the whole world, let me tell you there have been several attempts to find one. The most important one was Esperanto, created around 1880. And probably the second most important is Ido, which was born in 1907, as a reformed version of Esperanto. Both of them are still alive, and I am myself an Idist (that means I practise and study Ido). Other international languages are Interlingua, Interlingue (yes, two different languages, there) and Novial. But internal differences, personal prides, and most importantly, the political determination NOT to let one language replace English, have made all of these attempts fail so far.

BTW, if you're interested in Ido, here's a link to begin with. Notice this isn't a commercial activity, so this cannot possibly be considered as spam or publicity. I'm not selling anything, for there's nothing to sell.

Answer 2

Don't you think it would be boring if we all spoke the same language? Would you also prefer us all to be the same color and same religion too? English may be a dominant language in several parts of the world, but not everywhere. People should keep their languages, cultures etc. because that is what enriches us as a species on this planet. It is unreasonable and narrow minded to expect everyone to just loose their languages and cultures when they arrive in the United States of White America.(Can you speak any of the Aboriginal languages of this Continent, i.e. Apache, or Cree?). Try asking some of the people you see or hear speaking a different language to teach you some of their language and you will get a very nice response, as they will get the feeling that you care and accept them. Vive le differance!!!!!

Answer 3

If you are just visiting a country or temporarily stationed there, there is no need to learn the language. A small guide book will do fine, BUT....If you intend to take up residence and survive in another country and prosper, you need to learn the common language of that country. There is not and should not be any way around it.

Answer 4

I personally feel that if you are going to take your "CHANCES" and go to a foreign country you should...1. Learn their language first.
2. Go with someone that can speak for you. Which gives you the opportunity to not say anything at all? 3. Go to an area such as a resort that specializes in knowing your language. And more so. #4. Stay were the heck your at!!!

Answer 5

Many countries do teach English to students at a very young age, and the US could take a lesson from them. Trying to get a high school kid to learn a foreign language is torture--teach them when they're young, and learn more easily.

Answer 6

try slowly..