when the european explorers came to america, why didnt they bother learnin the language that was spoken here??

Question

why did those guys force the natives to learn english n spanish n watever else they spoke? were they too lazy to learn the language?

Answer 1

Many did learn the languages of the people here. Our American past isn't free of some pretty ugly things. But it doesn't mean we have to take 100 steps back. A common language is necessary for this to work. Too many languages seperates people and haven't we learned some lessons on how that doesn't work? I don't feel like going through the nightmare again.

Answer 2

Many of the people who interacted directly with natives (e.g. trappers and fur traders) DID learn native languages (especially in the north east, where contact was most frequent in early days and most members of the Iroquois Confederacy spoke the same language, Mohawk). However, for the vast majority of people there was simply no need to learn native languages, since there was not regular interaction. Since the native population was eventually largely eliminated, this need never emerged. For natives, however, contact with whites became increasingly necessary, as did the need to learn their languages to communicate. In addition outside of America many natives were converted to Christianity, and participation in the Church hierarchy often required the use of a European tongue.

Answer 3

There were many different languages spoken by the Indians.There was no central one that the majority spoke.
a lot of people did learn some of the Indians language..You are really reaching on this one.There is no correlation between the illegal and the American government.This nations business is conducted in English,the language of business is English,the language of money is English.Every other legal immigrant group that has come to this country learned English with no problem,but they were LEGAL.The illegal first has no right to be in this country,I don't care what language he speaks.
He is a criminal so I don't care.I speak English,Spanish,Cajun French and I am learning Japanese for an up coming business to Japan next year.
I also am a legal American.Like I said you are really reaching on this one...
No amnesty
Deportation not legalization
Vote in NOvember make your
voices heard
in Washington
We have the power of our legal VOTE use it

Answer 4

There were no reference books, the natives having no written language. And they had no immediate plans to stick-around...just pillage and scram.
Groom a guide, explore, then report back to the Head Shed where they'd come from. Queen Isabella Was far-sighted enough to 'venture capitalize' one memorable venture.
And then...And then...And then along came Jo-o-ones.

Answer 5

Why are the criminal hard workers so lazy to learn and speak English is what I want to know. We all know some form of a language now don't we. In America, you should speak what the majority does. I know people who can speak fluent Cantonese, but English is how they address all others. Amazing, the are not so lazy; wish others accepted that diversity in my nation. hmm.

Answer 6

Actually, some did. However, we didn't ask the Native Americans to pay for our schools and give us services and still demand that they speak our language, too, which I think is what bothers people.

As for forcing Native Americans to speak English, I think we should have left them alone. I believe the people who did this honestly and insufferably felt they were doing a service to the Native Americans, but I think they should have been able to choose, personally.

Answer 7

Because the tribes also spoke different languages. Some of the early traders did learn the language.

Answer 8

Well we have obviously relaxed that idea - no one has to learn English that comes here. You can't even go to the DMV and find a driving ed book in English...its all in Spanish. There are little towns within the cities...ie China Town, Little Italy, etc... where there are people that live and work here and don't even associate with an English speaking American.

So stop trying to stir the pot on something that doesn't even matter in 2006.

Answer 9

A little Puerto Rican boy, living in the cultural heart of America, ie; New York, has the temerity to waste a free education by asking silly questions on his day off from school?
Find an outdoor hobby, you will be healthier. Go walk in the Park.

Answer 10

Nope arrogance, they thought they were superior to the natives. Having conquered the natives, they could pretty much do with them what they wanted to. Considering the atrocities humans can do to others, I think asking someone to learn the generally accepted language of the land is fairly small thing to ask.