Is it racist to expect people living in another country to learn that country's language?

Answer 1

No it's called integration and if you live in a country you should know the language(s) of that country.

Answer 2

Too many people come into this country and are here for many, many years yet never try to learn our language. I know personally people that are from different countries and have lived in this one for 20 years yet can not speak our language. I have never been racist but I am so tired of hearing foreign language every time I call a company or reading it on the back of forms.
Use to, to become a US citizen you had to be able to answer history questions and speak some english, now days...we have translators. I do not understand.
I feel it should be required to speak the country's language that you reside in for a long length of time, especially do not expect that country to accommodate your language by the extent it has gotten to in this country.

Answer 3

It's not racist. I think its just common sense. If you move to a new country where you don't speak the language, you need to learn it so that you can communicate with people.

It's kind of understandable though if say people get their 70 year old parents to come live with them. They can't really be expected to learn english or whatever. But if their going to be answering the phone, set up an answering machine so they can screen the calls. I hate calling someone and all I keep getting is their elderly mother who can't speak english.

Answer 4

yes and no,
im only 20 and ive grown up in 6 different countries including UK, China, India and the US.
people in China and India understand that a foreigner may not know Chinese or Hindi and so they help you out with the little bit of English that they know. people in the UK and US are sadly not so tolerant with the language barrier.
i guess it depends on how long you plan to stay in a country. if you want to permanently reside somewhere, yes it would be common courtesy on your behalf to learn basic communication in the native language but if you are there for only a couple of years and don't plan on staying forever, and can get by with a translator or other resources, i say its fine.
but i do think that its very rude to sing a country's national anthem in a language that it is not suppose to be sung in.

just my 2 cents

Answer 5

Why would anyone want to live in a country that they can't understand the language? No I don't think it's racist.

Answer 6

You have got to be kidding. If all services were in the language of the country, do you have a choice? Learn or go without. OR MOVE.

Answer 7

You know who complains the most about foreigners not learning their resident country's language? People who were born in rich, well-developed countries. Learning a second language is difficult, particularly if you do not have the money, resources and time to take language lessons. Most foreigners come to better-developed countries because their native countries are oppressive and lack the opportunities we (North Americans, Europeans, etc) take for granted. So give these people a break. They are just seeking the same same good living conditions the rest of enjoy by pure luck, and they do not mean to offend you when it takes them years to learn the native language. Trust me, they want to know the language. They want to get on in life like everyone else.

Answer 8

No it is not racist. It is common sense that there is a need to communicate with the indigenous people. It also shows that you respect their culture. If you plan to make another country your home you owe it to yourself to integrate. Learning another language doesn't mean you have to give up your own culture.

Answer 9

It Absolutely is not racist in any way, shape or form to
have people living in another country to learn that country's language.

Answer 10

Not if the people living in the other country expect to stay there without having there heads kicked in! ( unless of course they speak english best language in the world!)