If English is my main and only language why must I be bi-lingual in order to get a job.?

Question

I live on Long Island, and if you look at all the help wanted ads in the newspaper it states on so many ads bi-lingual a plus and or it says bi-lingual a must. Hello, this is America! You people who have these jobs available really won't give me (an American citizen) a job?? Now what??

Answer 1

I don't know how it is there but in the places I live that has been the proper code word for "must speak Spanish". I have never applied for a job where the other 2 languages I speak were what was needed and I've not seen an add "Arabic a plus" 0r "must speak Polish"......it's always ment Spanish.

I suppose then, since we're in a "global world", then whoever is elected in public office should be fluent in the languages of every foreign nation they have any dealings with. I mean they are making trade agreements, starting wars and stopping wars and cutting deals......it's alot more serious than being a darn sales clerk. Alot more is at stake than directing someone to the proper section of a store or making an appointment. Now if they can travel abroad, get paid big bucks, they should be required to speak all languages of those they are dealing with and their many foreign constituants who do not want to learn English.....especially when, as a citizen, we are now limited in our own country to have the right to do a job because we aren't fluid in 100's of different languages. Why should they be able to work and have a translator and I can't?

Or how about 1 global language so we don't have to worry anymore? I'm not going to learn 2 languages, then be expected to learn Spanish and then have another group that wants to "keep their culture" and have to learn yet another and another for a basic job! They moved here....I'm not the global traveler....it's their job to learn English. I am not a foreigner in my own country and shouldn't be expected to learn every language on the face of the earth just to appease every person that wants to live here. If they are living here, learn the language....period. I can understand if your traveling overseas ....... but this needs to be nipped in the bud and now. Or somebody better tell me where the English only section of the country is going to be, and I'll move there. If this isn't a melting pot anymore and we're going to sectioned plates....just tell me where and you stay in your section and stay out of mine. Seperation you want? Seperation you will get. And I don't want to hear word one about "understanding" or reaching out to all our brothers and sisters in humanity when it is them who come here and refuse to be a part of this country and speak the language.

Answer 2

I totally agree. And the requirement to be bilingual seems to go up as the wages offered go down. You'd think it'd be the other way around. Especially based on some of the other answers you've received. How and why would someone need to become more educated, as they put it, for a minimum wage (or thereabouts) job? Are people suggesting your further education going to pay for it? Or are they just going to insult those of us who can't for whatever reason get a higher education? Don't they realize how few people actually get to go to college. And besides, that's not the question, is it? Why should you HAVE TO?
It's pretty much their way of saying they want to hire immigrants not Americans.

Answer 3

It's not that they want someone who isn't an American citizen, it's that they want someone who can speak other certain languages because they have international clients. This is sometimes common with large, international companies or companies that deal in a certain area that focuses on a different culture or international product. It's a better business tactic to have employees that speak the client's language if it's that big a part of your business.

Answer 4

as i was growing up in NYC all my friends were Spanish, people always said this is America speak English, i learned that being able to speak more than one language is a plus, if you do not believe me ask any soldier in Iraq who has terps (interpreters) in their units. plus if they say bi-lingual a plus and you know both and are a good worker and placed in a supervisory position you will always have an advantage. last but not least sadly the united states does not have an official language.

Answer 5

To be bilingual or tri lingual is good and have nothing of being American or not. The better educated you are or the more you know it is better for you, for your community and Nation. So don't mix or get confuse about illegals and language because they are two different things. I'm a proud American and I speak two languages, English and Spanish and very anti illegal...Good luck..

Answer 6

That is the result of globalization. In Colombia you have to pass the TOEFL to get your degree! If you want to be successful, you just have to learn to do more things, and one of those is learning how to speak another language. Later, the requirement will be Chinese a must.

Answer 7

You can try learning another language to make yourself more marketable, however in relation to this subject I would like to see a declaration of English set as the official language of this country.

Answer 8

Yeah, it stinks, but if you want to work in a job that deals with customers or clients who speak different languages, so much the better. But, not all jobs require it. Mine doesn't.

Answer 9

They may not give you the job because a lot of foreign people are migrating here and if they come into the place you work you might have to assist in helping them. I think it is a very good thing.Actually I am learning Spanish now

Answer 10

Because our soft country has let itself become overrun with foreign vermin who are too lazy to learn English.