It doesn't have to be a fact, just ideas or opinions.
2006-12-03 13:46:11 · 9 answers · asked by culture_killer 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
espamn-Wow, chill out. I never said anything to offend immigrants. I asked for opinions and some people said "it wouldn't" which is perfectly fine. I never said "IT HURTS IMMIGRANTS TO LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE, TELL ME WHY".
2006-12-03 13:54:51 · update #1
Before answering that question could you explain why english speakers are soooo reluctant to learn another language ?
It is practically an insult for them to suggest them to learn a second language
2006-12-03 13:50:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm an immigrant here in Switzerland. I'm having a hard time learning German; the reasons that would also apply to American immigrants learning English may be:
limited time and money
sense of isolation from the mainstream community, on the other hand a sense of community with speakers of my own language
the unpleasant feeling that you just don't seem as smart speaking a language you haven't mastered
sense that you're betraying your home culture if you do make an effort to assimilate/especially if that means speaking the community language with your children
realization that the better you are at the new language, the less accomodating some people will be when you can't express yourself or when you act "foreign"
2006-12-03 22:08:02 · answer #2 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did an essay about bilingual education in the USA (comparing the Hispanics immigrants living in USA who must learn english at school) most of the time, the immigrants are hurt in the way that they feel we wanna erase their origins and identity. Another thing is that most of the immigrants who feel hurt about it, are the parents of the children who have to learn a second language, because that means they also need to learn it to be able to help their kids in their studies and future projects.
2006-12-03 21:52:39 · answer #3 · answered by domy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an daughter of immigrant parents, it's extremely important to learn a second language....especially English. I see it as pretty much as a global language, it's used everywhere around the world. It can only be a benefit for anyone learning a second language.
It's also required in America (for citizenship) to read, write and speak English.
2006-12-03 21:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by Lidya D 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No it shouldn't hurt! I'm tired of having to listen to English and Spanish before making a selection on phone calls etc. If I wanted to speak Spanish- I'll go to Spain or Mexico.
So why don't we introduce other languages too? Like my dialect (bini- Nigeria), Chinese, Russian, Germany, Phillipino, French, Arabic, and the close to 5M Africa dialects--- it's unfair to all other immigrants and America as a whole. If you live in Rome, do as the Romans do- if you live in America, please learn and speak English. Good question- thanks.
2006-12-03 21:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by BadAss 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Education is always the best option, why not not to improve yourself with a new skill. and while we're at it, why does it just have to be immigrants? why can't it be Americans too?
2006-12-03 21:49:39 · answer #6 · answered by espamn 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it wouldnt hurt them, and infact in Oz we offer free English lessons, and its also been made part of the new Aussie citizenship test - if you dont want to learn English you can't stay!
2006-12-03 21:48:56 · answer #7 · answered by Aussieblonde -bundy'd 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In my opinion, it would not hurt them at all.
2006-12-03 21:47:33 · answer #8 · answered by Tony M 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
first they would have to have the mental capacity to do so, most of them don't..................
2006-12-03 21:51:14 · answer #9 · answered by sex kitten ll 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋