I've seen so many Americans in this forum use the term "When In Rome..."?

Question

referring to how they think Spanish-speakers should be forced to learn English.

So my question is this....How many people who have actually been to ROME, ITALY and are AMERICAN learned & spoke Italian when you were there?

After all, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," right?

Just curious.

Iceplayr....But I do understand double standards. Thumbs down for you too.

ts_flanders......term Pronunciation [turm]
n –noun 2. any word or group of words considered as a member of a construction or utterance.

slack action....it benefits ANYONE to learn a second language. How backwards is YOUR thinking?

Wondermom....Really? That hasn't been my experience at all. I've been to several countries on vacation & I've not only expected but found that the natives of the country DID speak English to accommodate me for the few days I was there.

Answer 1

I haven't made it to Italy yet, but I speak five languages as of now. If I was looking to stay for an extended period anywhere, I would make an effort to learn the basics of the language. A five day stay in another country does not warrant fluency in the language of your host country(though the basics are certainly rewarding), building a life in a whole new country does. There is a HUGE difference between a visit and a residency, no matter who is travelling where.

Answer 2

I've been to Rome a few times, and the first time spoke bad Italian from a phrase book - however, the point is that I didn't expect THEM to speak my language. I had a hard time the next two trips speaking Italian to anyone except at stall markets because as soon as they could tell I was American they spoke English. I WANTED to try to speak Italian. That is part of traveling.

I also tried Italian foods and shows and tried to adapt to the different pace of life.

However, I don't expect tourists to be fluent in English - although it might be a good idea if they have a few necessary phrases or a phrase book. When you intend to live somewhere, you should learn its language, however.

Answer 3

Dear Pamela: I'm an older guy and I realize your consternation, because my VERY intelligent [a FORMALLY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WOMAN] ex-wife is Chinese. She is still learning while waiting tables. POINT: this is REAL LIFE

Seems, life goes better when I just accept the fact that I live in an IMPERFECT
WORLD. Now I stop to figure, well, if in the UNITED STATES, everyone spoke
their native tongues--we'd be in a "heap o' trouble". It would be like the Tower of "Babble" in action! We just have SO MANY nationalities as to make it
IMPRACTICAL, thus, WE "Get By" with ENGLISH as a primary common language. Hope this helps, honey, I sure didn't mean it to be offensive.

Answer 4

You've missed the point entirely. . .

I don't care what language people speak, but I too believe I shouldn't have to speak a different language in my own country. I don't want my national anthem or any other tradition changed to fit another language. I think when you move to another country you should keep your language and traditions but not tell your new country they must change their language to yours. Years ago everyone spoke the language of their ancestors and the language of this country - English. I think people here are finally starting to think of themselves as Americans rather than identify with the country of their parent's origin and I think this is great. But it does mean that many are forgetting their roots and assimilating into one culture. When I was young, people would ask me where I was from and I would say Germany. My great great great grandparents came over, I was born in Ohio. Everyone in my family spoke German. My sister and I were the first not to learn German-we are American. I feel a great loss because I have lost my roots so I encourage everyone hang on to theirs because there is room here for many new traditions. But if you live in the USA, you should also speak English. In most countries people speak several languages because it is to their advantage and that's a pretty good idea for everyone.

Answer 5

When in Rome... - Just means that you should adapt to your surroundings.


I don't think anyone should be forced to do anything but if I moved to another country and they spoke a different language then I would learn it in order to make my life easier.

Answer 6

Your so right so many people go and vacation however they don't learn to speak the language. However most people when vacationing they only go for x amount of time and don't plan to live there for years and years and years. Further more American's don't insist they speak English and change the native language to english to suit them.

Answer 7

1st ... it's not a term .. it's a PHRASE.

Secondly, if anyone wants to live and work in Italy they should learn Italian. But the vast majority of Americans go to Italy for vacation, to SPEND money there, NOT to work and take money out of the Italian economy.

Can you same the same thing about the vast majority of illegals crossing our southern border? No, I think not. They should learn English, plain and simple.

Answer 8

Are we talking about spanish speakers that live in the US/Canada or just any spanish speaker?

If they live in the US/Canada they should learn english.
I'm hispanic (living in the US) and know both english/spanish but there are many hispanics that live here and feel they don't need to learn english and that get's on my nerves.
If english is the official language, and you live here.... why not learn it?

Answer 9

its like get to ppl through their door to show them ur own way

Answer 10

Thumbs down.... you dont understand the literal and figurative meaning.