Why do Americans have to learn Spanish?

Question

I think if the Mexicans (or any immigrant) come to America, they should at least learn our language. They're always trying to change our American heritage.........Am I wrong? Or should we eventually have La Cienta on the Chinese day of........ during our Christmas break?

I'm not talking about being open-minded and furthering my education-If I go to another country, I'll learn their language. And I know other countries that have to pass a language test.

I'm talking America, right here right now. Don't you hate it when a group of people are in the mall speaking a different language? It's RUDE.

I agree, for education, yes. But it's not acceptable other words.

Answer 1

I agree that since English is the official language of the US that all citizens should be able to speak it... but at the same time I think everybody should be able to speak at least one foreign language too.

Answer 2

A good way to look at this issue is to realize that if everyone who came to this land was required to speak only the language of its current inhabitants we would all be speaking Navahoe, Cree or some other dialect of the native americans who were here when Europeans began colonizing the New World. The colonists brought their customs, culture and language with them, but they still needed to communicate with people who were already here, and the natives needed to communicate with them.

My feeling is that there may come a time when English is no longer a majority language in the U.S. How soon or even if that will actually happen, I don't know. A lot of factors are involved. I do believe, however that people on both sides of the language barrier would be smart to see that sticking solely to their own language and looking down upon those who don't speak it is neither a wise nor a beneficial habit.

Look at it this way: If you are a businessman in an ethnically diverse area, where multiple languages are common, would you want to do business with (read as: paying your bills) the portion of the available customers who speak only your language? Or, would you want to be able to profit from every possible customer? Most businesses would select the latter option, but would realize they have to be able to communicate to do so.

From the other side of the coin, why would a customer want to limit his buying options to those vendors who only speak his language? Competition would be significantly reduced, and the buyer may end up paying more for the same product.

Finally, who knows what might happen if two cultures with differing languages learn that of the other. Respect, understanding, friendship, peace?

If only....

Answer 3

American heritage is built upon all the immigrants that came to this country,If you really want to be American try being a Native American we are the true americans.I live in Tampa and we have a very large population of Cubans,Puerto Ricans,Mexicans.Almost all of them speak english enough to get by except for some of the older ones,I am thrilled they are here and all other countries but us speak at least 2 languages!I can't imagine not having my cafe'con leche or my carne con papa,and my favorite is flan and all the Mexican food.Adios!hasta Luego!Also my Native language was Cherokee,try learning that,it was here WAY before english,and Lakota and Fox and Cree and 100's more.

Answer 4

Because Spanish is the moment so much spoken language in America. We haven't any respectable languages, but when we did I consider they might be English and Spanish. There's a enormous Spanish talking populace in America, no less than across the edges - California, Texas, Florida, New York. It is smart to be trained Spanish.

Answer 5

I believe that if you choose to live in a foreign country you should learn the language. I do not believe that any country should have to cater to any nationality besides it's own. Please do not confuse ethnicity with nationality. There are enormous costs associated with having to print material in several different languages, and there is also a bias where jobs are concerned if you are forced to require your employees to speak in numerous tongues. English should be the national language of America, and if choose to immigrate to America you should learn as requirement of citizenship. However, while I believe that government business should be conducted in English, I think private business has a right to cater to whatever languages they like. Further I believe that people can speak in whatever tongue they choose accept in cases of dealing with any tax supported institution (Driver's License, schools, etc.).

Additionally I did learn Spanish when I was in school. If you are not moving to a foreign country I do not think you should have to learn any language except by choice.

willaljo_9902: Your argument is slightly incorrect. Spanish is not the largest spoken language in the world. I believe that honor goes to Chinese. However if you have actual evidence to the contrary I would be happy to retract my statement. I will admit though that Spanish is spoken in more countries.

Answer 6

I don't have anything against LEGAL immigration as long as the immigrants speak our language (ENGLISH) even though it isn't official. ILLEGAL immigrants can go back to where they came from and go through the normal immigration, but if they insist on coming over, they should know the language so that they can fit in socially.

As for us learning Spanish:
I love and speak the Spanish language, and I think that everyone should speak at least one other language besides English, be it Spanish, Irish Gaelic, Russian, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc.

Answer 7

first of all why do people keep writing that Spanish is the most spoken language of the world when that title goes to Chinese??? anyways, i do believe that any immigrant who comes to America should learn English. I think that it is so screwed up that people who only speak Spanish get catered to everywhere even in school. I have nothing against speaking Spanish (I'm learning it myself) i just think its not really fair to all the other people who speak Chinese, Tagalog, Sanskrit, etc who HAVE to learn English to get around in the U.S while the Spanish speakers get the easy way out. I think those people who don't want to learn are just being lazy, i mean its not like there are any English classes being offered in any community center, community collage, YMCA or whatever.

Answer 8

Because like every other American who speak a different language.. German, Polish, French, Italian..etc.. You are forgetting.. there are Mexican Americans who are citizens that speak Spanish. You may belong to the "invisible race" because your ethnicity is NOT evident in your physical makeup like some people are. Just because you can be judgmental doesn't give you the right to bash Spanish people.. this is a free country and it was founded by immigrants and made by immigrants.. that still applies today!!!!

Answer 9

English is not the official language of america. There is no official language. In the early 1800's they were considering making it German, but eventually they just settled on leaving it open.

I agree they should learn English, especially if they're coming into contact with the public (like being a bus driver or something) simply because it makes it easier for everyone, but they don't HAVE to.

Answer 10

Not to offend you, and certainly any other culture, but HAVE TO isn't exactly accurate. Also again, no offense, but I hope you outgrow those sentiments.

What is a fact however is that this country, USA, allows, encourages, invites other cultures,,, and it's pretty obvious why,,,and has little to do with language.

I was born and raised here, I live here still. My primary language is English, although it's the most difficult, confusing language I've ever encountered.

I suspect that since the country was founded by diff nationalities, races, etc. and who all spoke their own languages initially, we maintain that attitude to this day. It would be kinda rude at the very least to suddenly impose blocks on people who wanted a better life,,,which the USA offers over so many other nations.

I also suggest that change comes through osmosis and assimliation, not by force,,,especially in this case. Since our national population is ever increasingly of Hispanic origin, can't you assume they may actually want to learn our language? AND is it wrong for us to learn theirs? If for no other reason than simple communication in having to deal with each other.

This may further bum you out, but one day, down the road, we may likely all be one color, and of one language.

By the way,,,I've been in many places throughout the world, and believe me, the majority of people in any other country I've been to, are not stressing as you are. In fact many don't care at all if I learn their language or can communicate. In most cases they didn't invite me, and hope I won't stay,,,too long at least.

Here's one, in a different language for ya. Aldara shared this with me, bless her sweet soul. "Erleichda" (Lighten Up)

Rev. Steven

Answer 11

I agree that ANYONE from a different country who comes here should learn English. My Mom came from Austria in 1954, the year I was born, and would not allow German spoken in the home, so I never learned to speak German. BUT, she learned English, which is the most imporant thing. I do believe it is good to know a foreign language though.