I mean, when you call a company, Verizon, for instance, you have the option to pick English, push 1, Spanish, push 2. I mean it isn't a big deal to push the 1, but why have it in the first place?
Who was the one that decided we should use Spanish as the second choice?
2006-11-23 09:07:06 · 17 answers · asked by Gnome 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
The retailers and companies because they don't want to shut out those who don't know English. So, they cater to them so that they can communicate. Same thing on products at the store -- they will sell more if those who only know Spanish can read the labels too.
I don't think it is considered a "second language." They just want to make everyone happy, including themselves by selling more.
2006-11-23 09:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by Goldenrain 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never been in situation where English was the first choice and Spanish the second, but then I have never been to the US. Maybe the asker should remember that there are people living outside the US too before saying that Spanish is the second language, because internationally, it is not considered to be so. Depending on which country you are in, the main language of that country is usually considered the first language, and English usually the second.
2006-11-23 09:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by farang_friend 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the country you are living. Verizon is an American company that is why the first choice is English. I live in México, and when you have to choose (like in your example), Spanish is always the first choice, then English. Take care★
2006-11-24 12:26:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because a large number of people in parts of the USA speak only spanish. By offering Spanish as a form of communication between Verizon and their customers they increase sales to spanish speaking people. And it's a low-cost change that can be easily and quickly done.
2006-11-23 09:10:08 · answer #4 · answered by Curious George 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There are many Spanish speakers living in the United States right now, and Verizon is trying not to restrict itself to customers who only speak English.
2006-11-23 09:28:58 · answer #5 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
WHO? You ask! Legally, that's the company's decision and it's purely a business decision. Why? Why don't you ask them? Write a letter to the CEO of the firm and ask. I can tell you why right now. Because of the high number of Spanish speakers. If you own a business, you want to cater to your customers, don't you? If you don't and your competitors do, you are out of business quicker than you can ask "Who was the one that decided we should use Spanish as the second choice?".
2006-11-23 09:57:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
what? =s its there for people who want to hear whatever in Spanish. It's more common then many other languages so of course it's bound to be close to number 1. Why should English automatically be number 1 anyway?
2006-11-23 09:10:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think its just because english is more popular. In about 50 years, spanish will be the first language in the US.
2006-11-23 09:08:24 · answer #8 · answered by Phil S 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In this case, Verizon decided it. It is because they want to enable their service to be usable for Spanish speaking customers.
2006-11-23 09:09:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Years ago when my ancestors came to the US they had to learn the English language. They were not given a choice!!!!!!
2015-01-07 02:37:21 · answer #10 · answered by Ray 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋