Why is it such a "crime" to speak different languages in this country (USA) ?

Question

I notice many people complaining that USA should have an English only policy.

When my co-workers speak Spanish,Italian,or Portuguese, there is always someone who breaks up their conversation with, " I'ts America, speak English."

Answer 1

Those who say it is a crime need to show a law to prove that it is. There is no law on the books as to what the national language of the U.S. is. English IS the language of government in the United States and thus is the unwritten standard but there is no law that says so.

I think those who call it a crime feel uncomfortable being around those who choose not to speak English because they don't understand what is being said. There is also the frustration factor of being forced by social pressures to have to learn, print material in or teach in other languages because those speaking other languages don't have the same social pressure or need to learn the unofficial standard language of the United States.

Answer 2

Our primary language has always been English . When people complain it is because they feel that if you are going to live in our country at least learn our language so you can communicate with us , they feel this is only common courtesy . I agree . I have heard that the Spanish speaking people are fighting to only have someone who can speak both English & spanish be hired for jobs in our country . What kind of crap is that ! If I move to their country then they can make the rules . I AM NOT IN ANY WAY PUTTING ANYONE DOWN FOR WHO THEY ARE . I do however beleive the American people should keep control of who does what in OUR COUNTRY !!!

Answer 3

Yeah it is rude like going to a store an the Asian speak English but always talk to each other in whatever language that is. Like i was at another store and this guy was trying to sell this lady something, and he had her interest. But then another lady who spoke the same language was probably telling her don't do it, in another language. I don't know their nationality but I do know it is rude when your speaking to someone in English while someone Else in a different language.

The reason it's rude is because they do it deliberately.

Answer 4

It isn't a crime. But if you go to France the majority of people speak French. I think if you come to America you should speak English or at least not expect Americans to adapt to whatever language you're speaking. I mean truthfully would you move to China and not know a word of Chinese?

Answer 5

It is not a crime, and it is not wrong to speak different languages. But, one must learn the language we speak, and not expect to have signs in another language, and cater to that language. And, I am talking about Spanish. People have come from all over the earth, and when they came here, they worked to learn to speak English. It should be no different for Latinos.

Answer 6

huh? I don't understand your question. There are many bi-lingual people here and many people who speak even more languages than two! Is there a prejudice here that I am missing?
I've seen no evidence of this. Of course, I'm in a back-woods rural state. That may have something to do with it.

Answer 7

Because it's rude to speak in front of a person in a different language, especially when you know that that person doesn't know that language.
I mean how do we know that your not talking about us behind our backs?

Answer 8

Because the stupid, insecure racists feel threatened by languages they don't understand...

Answer 9

It's not a crime it is RUDE,in mixed company.