Just curious...seems to me if I moved to Spain, I'd learn Spanish.
2006-08-28 10:12:45 · 30 answers · asked by Tom 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
No....English is not the official language of this country, so I don't think it should be required. This country was founded on the "melting pot" idea, and I personally think it would actually un-American to require it.
2006-08-28 10:20:37 · answer #1 · answered by Oh...that dude 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would have no problem learning English if I was a native Spanish speaker. but at the same time, I would want to be able to take my time learning this new language.
many times, the children that are placed in school to learn English are not given enough time to even develop their native tongue. I don't think this is right. they should be given at LEAST 7 years to get to know their own language at full length before they are expected to transition COMPLETELY into English. (And I'm not saying 7 years of Spanish only; English is OF COURSE introduced during this time, but it is not hammered into their brains.) Being bi-lingual is a wonderful thing, and we should ALL strive to reach that goal: whether it be English and Spanish/French/ German/ Cantonese/Taglog/Russian or any other language that is used in the United States. If the resources are there to allow students to learn two languages adequately, they should be given every opportunity to master both languages.
2006-08-28 17:23:49 · answer #2 · answered by one_sera_phim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow are you moving to Spain? Or was that just a smart asss comment towards immigrants. Can I ask why do you care if people here know English are you afraid they are talking behind your back? Maybe people here all should know English but who would actually enforce that? Don't we have enough to worry about, you know with the terrorist and all the "wars" going on now? Why do hicks like YOU feel that you own this country and make up the rules, I do beleive god owns this country and if he wanted everyone to speak exactly the same he would have made it that way. Let me guess you support Bush don't you? You should move to Spain so the people there can treat you like you treat immigrants here,.
2006-08-28 17:19:53 · answer #3 · answered by Star 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe if you investigate the naturalization process (for you public school students, that means the process of becoming a citizen for an immigrant) you will find there is a test on our government and political system, and it is in English.
Immigrants are not required to become citizens. Until they do, they can't vote legally, as much as the libs want to allow it.
By the way, we have a steady stream of Americans who move to Mexico, areas such as San Miguel Allende or Guadalajara and its suburbs, and many of them DO NOT learn Spanish.
2006-08-28 17:18:39 · answer #4 · answered by retiredslashescaped1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, English should be required of all U.S. citizens. English is the official language of the U.S. With all of the illegals popping up and popping out, Spanish may become the official language by the year 2020.
2006-08-28 17:18:17 · answer #5 · answered by JistheRealDeal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ah, but Spain has never billed itself as 'The Great Melting Pot' as the US has.
There are a number of countries with more than one official language. Canada, with French and English. Belgium, with French and German in addition to their own language.
Switzerland, with English, French and German, in addition to their own language.
Tahiti, with French in addition to their own language.
The main thing is that there must be some way to communicate with all citizens. If it is a bilingual country, then all official announcements must be made in both languages, and translation services should be readily available for courts, etc.
2006-08-28 17:20:27 · answer #6 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, people who move to the U.S. should have to learn English, only in America will we let someone come here and not be able to communicate with the general population, if you were to move to Mexico they would make learn to speak Spanish and become Catholic.
2006-08-28 17:37:47 · answer #7 · answered by Voni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Citizens? Certainly.
2006-08-28 17:16:59 · answer #8 · answered by Dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a common argument for people who are for border control etc... (not saying it's bad or good, just saying)
Frankly part of me does and part of me doesn't. I want people who move here to know the language or have plans to learn the language. English isn't this country's official language, we dont' have one. Personally I like that. I like the idea of a langual (sp) melting pot. I like other languages... Just the fact that most people here speak English... and that I wouldn't move somewhere to live without knowing the language, I know what you mean.
I really dunno tho. I leave this arguing usually to the people who have strong opinions.
2006-08-28 17:29:37 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, My husband is from a foreign country and the first thing he did was learn English.
2006-08-28 17:27:09 · answer #10 · answered by Tammy B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋