Do you think its sad that most english speaking countries believe you must speak english, but?

Question

they dont want to learn any other languages besides english?

Answer 1

I think it's mainly sad when we go to other countries and don't try to even learn how to say more than 10 words of the language and expect everyone to speak ours (then comment on how badly they speak). I'll all for having english training being mandatory for our immigrants, but I wouldn't think of going to another country without making an effort to at least be able to have a conversation with the people I'll be visiting (so I've studied dutch, french, portuguese, italian, spanish, arabic, swedish, japanese, hebrew....)

Answer 2

I agree that it's dumb when people are rude if you can't speak English, but they do have a point. If you live in a country where you don't know the dominant language, you should probably learn it to avoid trouble. I still think those guys are overreacting, and if you have a buisness in a neighborhood where most people speak another language, learn it! You could even just learn the things you need to know, or hire a translator. It's not that hard.

Answer 3

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you are not talking about immigrants. In a third world country as poor as Honduras you will find that most people with a degree on anything are bilingual (secretaries, doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers...). Same happens in most Latin American countries. If you are going to do business at high levels you have to speak English to communicate with the foreign representatives of the company you work for. As I see it, if a person in one of these countries wants to stand out, learning a second language opens a lot of doors to a whole new market. I have to work in Honduras for many reasons, and it is disappointing to see an American investor (owns the money and the knowledge) trying to explain what he wants in extremely poor Spanish, and then catching that look of relief on his face when he finds out the manager's assistant speaks fluent English with a perfect pronunciation.

Answer 4

I so agree. I live in Germany right now and have to ask the Germans, "do you speak English?" because I don't know how to speak Deutsch. If I were them, I would hate me. The reason I don't learn the language is because I'm only living here 3 years, but I should learn it, shouldn't I? Ya, I know, shame on me. That's why I don't gripe about those who come to America and don't know the language yet. It's tough to learn another language.

Answer 5

When youre in a country where English is the prevalent language, why should you have to learn another language? We shouldnt be catering to the immigrants who dont want to take the time to learn English. If I moved to another country, I wouldnt expect the people there to learn my language to accomodate me...It is just the opposite. When you move to another country, you should learn their language and customs or else you wont be a productive member of society whatsoever.

Answer 6

I hear this so much. Its like English is a universal language that everyone is required to know. In the business world it is useful to know English, but I believe this will change soon.

Other languages are subtle in their way of expessing something making it difficult to translate. Translation cant express precisely in English what someone in another language is saying. I feel you loose something in translation. I think the world looses some of its beauty if by some unfortunate decision we would all speak a one world language.

If those folks who dont want to know would learn another language they would see the fault of their ways. For me its like listening to the world in color.

Answer 7

Who is it that you don't think wants to learn the English? Is it the Mexicans?? I was born here, I have alot of Spanish friends, and my shrink is Spanish. To me that is a very hard language to speak and very complex. Most of the ones I know have learned English on their own and some of them can speak it better them alot of people that was born here. Like waz sup- what is that? I didn't learn that in English class.
My point maybe we need to learn our own before we tackle another country.

Answer 8

The shame is not the language divide. The shame is that you all who are criticizing immigrants do not realize how privileged you are to be an American. Many immigrants come here to escape political oppression, religious persecution, and devastating POVERTY. If you were living with those conditions, wouldn't you jump at the chance to come here and enjoy freedom and equal opportunity? Learning a language can take years, particularly if you don't have anyone to practice with. So forgive them if they don't stop to take a Berlitz course before arriving in "your" country.

And immigrants aside, learning another language and culture is enriching for its own sake. Not just for communication.

Answer 9

I think it's not only sad but selfish. Unfortunately, it seams to be quite common with English speaking people in general, not only the ones living in English speaking countries...maybe it's because English is one of the easiest languages to learn and having to learn something more difficult scares them.

Answer 10

I don't think it's always the case, but when the business world mainly speaks English, I can understand why people think it should be spoken above other languages.