Is it just me, or "immigrants" need to learn the English language if they want to be here.....?

Question

... my parents were once immigrants, but they made the effort in learning to speak English. But why people that have lived here for years, dont even try to learn the language??? Why do we spoil/ accomodate them. If a Latino/Hispanic where to migrate to China, Japan, or even Kuwait- they wouldn't bother to translate stuff in Spanish for them. I do understand people migrate to the U.S. for a better life. But I still dont understand how most of the Latino community, start to have a boat load of kids. And take advantage of the state (ex: Medicaid, Welfare). I'm not trying to sound racist. Does anyone understand where I'm coming from?

I totally agree with you, Skysmommy.

To: Wide Awake and Sassy Angel

Please forgive me for my grammar. I rarely f**k it up. But my parents, both had to work hard, raising two toddlers, and still made the effort to learn English, they didn't go to school and learn it, they just picked it up. And it's not about criticizing them. I have family that dont speak a word of English and I tell them to learn, have their children teach them. They use the excuse that's "it's too hard, plus there's people here that speak Spanish and there's not need to learn English".

Good point, CS!

Answer 1

I agree, English is important and must be learned by all immigrants. Carlos Mencia, the comedian, mentioned that the DMV has tests written in many different languages to accommodate the immigrants. Is that necessary? Shouldn't they take the test in English because all the signs are in English?? If you can't pass the test in English then please don't share the roads with me.

Answer 2

I totally understand where u are coming from. I live in Western Oklahoma and we have alot of Hispanic immigrants here, and while most of them are some of the nicest people I've met, I get annoyed when they come in to where I work and cant speak English, then have the nerve to get annoyed with me because I cant communicate with them. Did they forget where they are? We are not required to learn other languages, we shouldn't have to. It is their responsibility, as far as I'm concerned to learn the language of the country in which they live, I would do the same if I moved to Mexico. I think that in order for them to obtain a visa or citizenship here they should have to take classes to learn the launguage, they would be better off anyway, being better able to understand what was going on around them. I am not a racist, and certainly dont want to sound like one, but am I wrong in thinking this way?

Answer 3

I agree with Wide Awake. Instead of criticizing others you should really take the time to improve your English skills. Regarding your question, maybe if they didn't have to find jobs that no one else will take in order to barely support themselves, earning very low salaries, taking care of children, and dealing with a complete new world they would actually have the time and disposition to learn english. It is easy to point fingers when you don't know the conditions in which some immigrants survive, and how difficult it can be to learn a language. I do agree that some have the capabilities and possibility to do so, and they should to better their standard of living. Your comment just sounds harsh...

Answer 4

They should indeed, in fact how would they communicate. If they want to live in a English speaking country they gotta know English. The school system and the Health care system in the states is in a huge strain. Not all illegals are bad but the fact that they are sucking up hard earned money from men and women all across this country is hurt full.

Answer 5

Yes I agree. I know that many people will say, 'but this is a free country and they should retain their 'right' to their language.' I don't agree that we have a 'right' to any language. Language by it's very nature is public domain. We have the freedom to voice our opinions and we can choose whichever language we like to communicate that in. However, if I want my voice to be heard in an English speaking country, then I best make an effort to learn the common language. I also don't think it's appropriate to make adjustments to labels etc mandatory just to accommodate one group of stubborn people. And yes, my grandparents came here and took it upon themselves to learn the language. They didn't force it upon their children, so as much as I'd like to know German and Finnish, I grew up with English.

As far as those people who converse in public in their own language when they are fluent enough in English, it's just rude. They know that most people around them don't understand it and they can keep their conversation 'private.' If they really want privacy, they should take their conversation else where. What I really would like to do is to learn a few of these languages and then surprise these morons by making a comment on their conversation. Yes, it's being rude to cure rudeness, I know, but just once it'd be fun.

Answer 6

I did not move to Mexico to reside. I don't have any situation with viewers that are not able to talk a lot English once they come to the states. I have a situation with folks who transfer right here and don't have any purpose of assimilating to our tradition. In order to talk a language "FLUENTLY" as you set it, you could ought to reside in a nation wherein that language is spoken as a major language for a minimum of 2 years. Therefore, your query is a moot factor besides. ie. you are not able to study to talk a language "FLUENTLY" BEFORE going to a nation wherein that language is spoken. Yes, I had been to Mexico two times. I have spent a majority of the time in places wherein English is spoken because of tourism. I have additionally ventured into places of Mazatlan and Purto Vallarta wherein the normal English talking visitor could now not on the whole move. I'll say it once more "I don't brain travelers now not being competent to talk the language. It's the folks who wish to transport right here and feature Absolutely no purpose of assimilating to our tradition that are supposed to study the language." Also, a couple of of years in the past, I used to be promoting vehicles for a big midwestern dealership. I had a buyer who would now not talk English (most effective Spanish). I labored the whole vehicle manage my confined abilities of Spanish and just a little support from his five yr historical daughter. He has been again to buy extra car's from me in view that then. Even even though I now not paintings there, I have assisted him within the acquire of a vehicle in view that then.

Answer 7

You have to improve your English...! 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

Answer 8

I understand exactly where you are coming from, and I don't think you sound racist. I would go to the Asian places to get my nails done, and alot of the time the ladies there would speak in their language, and say things about the patrons. And i would always think that if we were to go to a country like China, or Korea...would they patronize a place where the workers don't even respect them enough to speak their language? I would say no. And i think it's only right for immigrants to learn our language before they are allowed to live tax free for seven years or take adavantage of our states resources.

Answer 9

I totally understand. If you come to the country you should assimilate. The early settlers of America had to do it. I believe in helping them but we shouldn't be the only ones who change. Seems like some people come here and have their kids go to school and they don't do well because they don't know the language.Their family doesn't know it either and sometimes never learn it. Who says the family is even literate in the first language. It makes it hard for all of us! I believe that if you come from another country you shouldn't come here and try to only have the Americans change. Some people don't like our beliefs and they try to force us to change our beliefs for them. I am talking about prayer in school and religious expression. We have to take our stuff out of stores because they are offended. Why don't we stand up for ourselves and have them learn our ways like they did when they first started this country! I am on my soap box..oops!

Answer 10

Every Democrat congressman disagress with you.

My people learned English. That's what immigrants who wanted to be good Americans and fit into the system did, then.