Do you think immigrants should learn English instead of expecting us to speak their native lanquage?

Question

This Country speaks English. If we went to their Country we would be required to speak their language. It should be the same here.

Answer 1

`Si (Spanish). Ya (Swedish). Da (Russian). Youbetcha (Brooklyn).

Answer 2

There are over a hundred languages spoken in the USA ranging from Native American languages to everywhere else. The dominant language that most people understand is American English (not to be confused with British English). If immigrants choose not to learn the dominant language, that's their choice. Being stuck in a dead-end job is a consequence of that choice. We are under NO obligation to make their lives easier by approving a secondary language in this country.

If we approved a secondary language, we'd have to approve a third and a fourth and why not require that all signs be in EVERY language in the USA?

Answer 3

If they want to live and work here then they should be able to speak, read and write the english language. English is the number 1 language in the United States.

Answer 4

Yes, I do. But what I notice a lot of on these boards, is that a foreign person makes an effort to put their question in English and people are criticising them because it is not perfect, ie spelling and gramatical errors. It is just another way of putting immigrants down. They probably wonder why they bother trying, as it is not even appreciated. It takes time to pick up a foreign language, and the hardest part is writing in another language. People should take that into account and stop being so harsh, when half of them can't even spell themselves and their native tongue is English! HTH : )

Answer 5

As cliched as this may sound, "When in Rome do as the Romans do" In English speaking nations , I am of the opinion that it is definitely beneficial to learn English in order to be able to put across your points of view in a lucid manner.It will certainly cut time when things have to be done urgently. However whether to learn it or not should be voluntary.When English speakers go to other countries it will certainly benefit them to learn the local language for the same reason. However there too, it must be done on a voluntary basis. English has emerged as on of the most versatile languages of our time and it has emerged as the lingua franca of the world and bridges several linguistic as well as cultural divides. Its knowledge has become beneficial if not imperative in global communication.As a foreign national myself, I am discovering its growing utility with each passing day

Answer 6

Many immigrants do desire to be trained English and assimilate into the American tradition. However, in a few places with prime concentrations of immigrants from a special situation, a few look to have the perspective that they do not have to be trained English due to the fact their pals talk their local language. They convey that perspective to their jobs. They assume executive groups to print matters of their language. The subject I reside in has sufficient Spanish speakme men and women that it's elaborate to acquire a leadership role or a role running with the general public until you're bi-lingual. I realize of different regional places that the equal exists with different languages.

Answer 7

Yes . You are correct. A decade ago to learn English, you had to attend costly English classes or purchase course material like tapes and books. Now you can learn English for free from the comfort of your home using the Internet. The BBC and the British Council offer a number of on line courses, which teach written and
spoken English. You can also improve your English by watching television programs and reading English newspapers. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/qnzpt You can duide them to this site...!

Answer 8

this shouldn't even be a question up for debate. When my grandparents LEGALLY immigrated here from Germany, they followed the procedures and worked very hard to learn English and adapt to their new home - why should that ch age for ANY immigrant wanting to move to ANY country?
Imagine that we (THE USA) handled the immigration this poorly from the beginning, bending over backwards so the immigrants would not have to assimilate to their new home, and each group from all the different places remained specialized and segregated? This would not be the UNITED States of America now would it? It would be a bunch of separate little countries.....

Answer 9

Yes.

How about paying for it via a tax on employers of immigrants?
(Phased out after a proficiency test?)
Do employers have to pay Social Security tax on immigrants?

Might not make immigrant labor as cheap...

In return, make citizenship easier? x months less waiting?

I started this when the question first appeared several hours ago and was interrupted. So, I don't know what's been answered since. A - fresh perspective on a several hours old question.

Answer 10

Where are your ancestors from? This country is based on immigration from somewhere else, for all of us. Even the native americans came here from somewhere else, but they were the first ones here. White people came over here & took over & insisted this is their country & "english", (from England) became the language. We are such an arrogant country, no wonder we are unliked by so many others. That said, I think everyone should try to make an effort to learn english, only because it is the most used language here. I believe that we should also try to learn about other heritages & languages if we are from here. Most americans are so prejudiced and closed minded & that is such a shame.
There are such rich cultures & beautiful traditions from all over that we could learn about.
It would be soooo nice if we could see the beauty & the sameness as humans, instead of always trying to see the differences & trying to divide & seperate.

Answer 11

I don't think that immigrants expect us to speak their language. They know that if they want to live here, they need to learn English. Most do, or at least make an attempt to do so.

If you're speaking of Spanish-speaking immigrants, they don't expect us to know Spanish. Most learn English. However, there are a lot of Spanish speakers in the U.S., which makes it a little easier on them.