Im asking because so many people are saying that if you want to live in America, learn how to speak english. Is it really fair to say that since most Americans don't know a foreign languge themselves and go to other countries expecting eveyone there to speak english? Just a thought....
2006-09-15 08:20:11 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I mean fluency in another language besides english, not just knowing how to count and say the alphabet in another language.
2006-09-15 08:24:04 · update #1
American schools do require language to graduate smartass.
2006-09-15 08:24:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Most high schools do require or strongly promote you taking another language. The two most common are Spanish and french.
As far as someone moving to this country and having to learn our language... there were a few languages that were widespread when this country was founded. My understanding is that they voted and English won. They could have just as easily chosen German as our native language. So anyway, English is our countries language. So of course if you want to become a citizen of this country you should be expected, even required to learn our language. They wanted to come live here right?
Also, from me personally, if I moved to another country I would definitely want to learn their culture and language out of respect for them. If I went to another country on vacation and needed to buy something and someone knew English then they are just more likely to get my business then someone I didn't understand. Like businesses here hire people that know Spanish to be able to get business from Latino customers that don't communicate well in English.
2006-09-15 08:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by eileen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can see both sides to this. People forget that, for immigrants from non-English speaking countries, English *is* a foreign language and culture! On the other hand, learning a language methodically from scratch develops analytical and cognitive skills, helps memorization, etc. Also, the more languages you know, the more of an asset you'll be in the business world.
2016-03-27 02:36:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people do study one foreign language in school, as most schools require it for graduation.
But the question of why should Immigrants English..?? The official language for the US is English, and most business is conducted in English.
Tell me why should the US citizenry be required to understand Spanish if they don't care to learn it?? It isn't the language of this country, and don't let me see any whining about Latino pride and that BS....My fathers mother was from Mexico and I get the issue... But it doesn't hold water!!! So my Latino cousins S**t or get off the pot, it's time you got your English verbal skills squared away.
2006-09-15 08:38:08 · answer #4 · answered by tincre 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If I were planning to take up residence in a foreign country, I would definitely learn their language. I don't think 'foreigners' should have to speak English. Just the ones who want to live here.
For the record, I speak French and Spanish in addition to English.
Most high schools do offer instruction in other languages.
2006-09-15 08:23:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey if I move to another country you bet your britches I will learn the language! I wouldn't expect them to know English. And my school did require a foreign language as does the college I currently attend.
2006-09-15 08:29:06 · answer #6 · answered by BeC 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to take 2 years of a foreign language in high school to graduate. What are you talking about? If you move to Italy shouldn't you learn Italian? If you move to Japan shouldn't you learn Japanese, What makes America any different?
There shouldn't be more Spanish radio stations than English, and there definitely shouldn't be signs that are only in Spanish. I don't want to have to translate things in my own country.
English only in America!
2006-09-15 13:40:25 · answer #7 · answered by Ckarri` 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are you serious? Most Americans don't know a foreign laungage? Then you say Not just the alphabet and numbers? lol Are you serious thinking that? Americans are fluent in many laungages.
On to your question, Yes, I agree there should be an easier way for immigrants to learn our langauge.
2006-09-15 09:03:11 · answer #8 · answered by GeorgiaGurl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish they would! Some high schools do require it, but children learn languages better younger. Kids in Europe learn English from an early age, and they're talking about world politics while our kids are struggling with, "The pencil is on the table"!
2006-09-15 08:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
1) Few Americans want to leave america
2) Those that leave DO want to learn the language of their new country
3) The few exceptions would never EXPECT their new county to accomodate them by learning English
4) and THOSE few exceptions who enter other countries ILLEGALLY would never riot in foreign streets about their "rights". They would all be quickly arrested if they did
2006-09-15 08:25:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋