How do you feel about the fact that almost everything has to be bilingual?

Question

... And that most of the only-English speaking Americans are unable to get good jobs unless they are bilingual?

Do you think that it's fair?

Might I add that English was declared the official language of the United States about two months ago?

I'm bilingual, and am not xenophobic, by the way. Just asking.

I don't expect the rest of the world to speak English, moron. I expect the American people to speak English.

If you would would read the rest of the question, brainiac, you would notice that I AM bilingual. I know plenty of people who have been unable to get a job because of their inability to speak fluent spanish.

This was not a racist question for racist answers. I don't want any KKK crap in here. This was a question for the people in America who feel that this is or isn't right.

If you feel that it's okay, give reasons to support it. If you feel that it's not, give your reasons to support that, also.

I just want to know where everyone stands on this issue.

Answer 1

I believe anyone that comes to the US, to live or work, should be required to learn English.(read, write and speak)

English is the official language of the US, and we should not be required to accommodate any other language.

When you think it about it..if we are going to accommodate the Spanish speaking people, why shouldn't we do the same for person's who speak...Chinese, Vietnamese,French,German..etc...

After all we shouldn't discriminate..right?

Answer 2

It frustrates me that I can't read billboards down the street from me because they're in a language that isn't even ours.
I applied for a job at a bank before. I went through the testing, got a phone interview, and then I got a letter stating that the bilingual position has been filled. I didn't apply for a bilingual position, lol.
Definitely think it's ridiculous when I go to eat at a fast food place and the person can't speak English well enough to take my order correctly.
And I don't think I should have to press 1 to continue in English.
If I moved to another country I would certainly learn the language, but it seems to me that people expect us to accommodate to them....and a lot of us do. It's ridiculous.

Answer 3

I don't think everything should be bilingual in the United States, since the official language is English. Maybe only in tourist destinations, like Florida, where the rich Latin Americans (or should I say Hispanics?) leave lots of $$$ to help the American economy. Or do you think all Latin Americans are illegal immigrants and poor? No, they speak several languages and travel all over the world. They are educated. So, to the people that criticize Hispanics so much, better think twice next time.
How much racism in these answers!
But to just answer your question, pepperkittyn, I think English should be the only official language in the U.S. About the fairness of getting better jobs if you are bilingual (or trilingual, etc.), that happens everywhere in the world. Candidates who speak more than one language are usually preferred.

Answer 4

Quite frankly, when it comes to languages, I think Americans are lazy and stuck-up. In most countries in Europe, all students are required to know at least two languages to graduate- and that second language is usually English. If they take the trouble to learn our language, why shouldn't we take the trouble to learn theirs? And Americans rarely learn to speak the language before they go to a different country, so why should we expect others to learn our language before coming here? It's entirely hypocritical.
I don't think that people should HAVE to know another language to get a job- I think it's a good idea for everyone to know more than one language, but it can't be forced here in America. In an ideal situation, there would be enough jobs to go around so that these extra requirements wouldn't be necessary- but in reality, employment is slim and applicants are many, and the people with the most skills will get the job. And a language is a helpful skill.
On a cultural level, I think that bilingualism is a wonderful thing. It promotes cultural diversity, and diversity is what makes the world a great place to be in. If all cultures were the same, the world would be unbearably boring. So my opinion is, if you want non-english-speaking people to respect us by learning our language, we should show mutual respect to them by at least trying to learn some of theirs.

Answer 5

On the first part to your question, I am comfortable with many things becoming bilingual in this country. Of course we are refering to bilinguals in America as people who speak at least English and another language(s).

Yes it's true there are some immigrants who do not speak English (and communication can be difficult at times) and then there are those who speak English but are more comfortable with their native language (and that's okay, it takes a lot of time and effort to master a language -- I know lots of native English speakers still trying to master their own language) . But why would I be uncomfortable with anyone who speaks two or more languages with one of them being English.

The reason the USA government acknowledges these languages is because it is democratic and reasonable to make sure people are informed and understand their rights (that includes citizens who are Hispanic, French, Italian, Chinese, etc.). As for the marketplace, well rules of supply and demand still apply. If citizens demand it (which in this case usually means if it is profitable to provide a service such as speaking in a foreign language), then the market will provide it. The reason businesses are hiring bilingual people whether it be Spanish, French, Italian or Swahili, is because they are providing a profitable skill/service. NBC for example owns Univision (a Spanish TV Network) because it can make a profit advertising to Hispanics.

As for the second part to your question, I completely disagree that MOST only-English-speaking Americans are unable to get good jobs. Most people I know only speak English and most of them have great jobs and I live in California where bilinguals are numerous. Let's face it, you have to speak English to even get a good job. And as long as English reigns in the USA, which it does and will for as long as I can foresee, it's the non-English speaking people who will struggle.

Being bilingual is merely an advantageous skillset that expands ones horizons. There's nothing wrong with improving oneself. This is, after all, America.

Answer 6

We live in a multicultural society. Walk down the halls of your nearest hospital. Chances are the doctors and nurses are bilingual. Go to the nearest university....I would bet that the professors are bilingual.
Do you drive your car fueled by gasoline from another country?
I had a tumour removed by a black surgeon. All these people have English as a second language.

Get a little more education, hang out in different groups and see if you will change your opinion. Save your question and see if you think the same in ten years.

Answer 7

I think that having everything bilingual is a great testiment to the diversity and potential of this country. A land where people can be who they are and maintian their culture. I think it's great.

As for the not getting jobs part....i'd say it's fair. I mean the employer decides the criteria, and a bilingual person is much more of an asset as they can deal with more than one type of client/customer. Being bilingual makes an applicant that much more flexible

Answer 8

I think it's great. People should learn as many languages as possible.

I definitely think it's fair. It takes effort to learn another language, and if you put forth that extra effort you should be able to reap the benefits with a good job.

The world is filled with many different people who speak many different languages. The more languages you can speak the more you can learn about the world.

If you don't change, and learn with the pace of the world you will get left behind.

Answer 9

Spanish is the language of bull fighters and drug dealers.

There is no academic reason for learning Spanish.
French is the language of diplomacy and finance.
Latin is still the language of law and medicine
German and Russian are good languages for engineering.
Greek is the language of biblical scholars.

I guess spanish would be helpful if you
plan to only eat fast food,
or supervise coolie labor,
or work with spanish speakers.

English has replaced French in almost every venue
except romance.
In every Asian country -
ENGLISH is what they learn after their native language.
Learning Spanish in China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and on and on just doesn't happen.

English is the language of International Business and Aviation.
English is used in nearly every International Business transaction
to negotiate the deal.
International flight crews speak English
because the control towers are operated in ENGLISH.



Any butthole Mexican who comes to the U.S.
and doesn't learn English
is just being an @$$.

Answer 10

Well, Switzerland, for example recognizes 3 languages. French, German and Italian. They are the most educated first world country. They are a true democracy.

The reason they recognized 3 languages is because they share borders with these countries and recognize they are the majority there. Hispanics are becoming a majority in this country, like it or not, it would do us good to know two languages, wouldn't you say? What do you really fear?

Answer 11

I can not inform it out of your writing. You write greater than many US born 15 yr olds. Since you are involved, even though, I'd advocate practising studying aloud in English. If you would like, you would cross to the library and assess out a guide on CD and the identical guide in print so that you would listen any individual else studying it and be particular you are doing it with an American pronunciation. Just be definite that the guide you get is learn through an American and no longer a British character or it's going to supply you 3 accents! I believe it is distinct that you understand Mandarin. Many Americans desire they would talk a overseas language; I took categories however not ever particularly received the grasp of it. You'll discover it very valuable later in existence, however I realize that proper now you believe it makes you unique. You discover it less difficult to talk Mandarin with no need to believe an excessive amount of since you discovered it so early. Things we gain knowledge of very younger generally tend to stay with us the longest. Be sufferer together with your mother and father. Think approximately how rough it's been for them to gain knowledge of to talk English; you understand it takes extra inspiration for you and you've gotten been speakme English for a lot more of your existence than they've. It takes plenty of braveness to transport to yet another nation in which you have got to gain knowledge of a brand new language, new customs, new the whole thing.