Do you think that it should be necessary to learn a countries native language before immigrating there?

Question

Or should one who immigrates have to spend a certain amount of time in English language courses?
Do you think a lot of immigrants don't have a satisfactory grasp of the English language, or do you think it helps with our cultural diversity?

Answer 1

Should have to learn before emigrating (NOT Immigrating! emigrating means you leave your native country - immigrating means you enter a new country)

A lot of immigrants do not have a proper grasp of the new language and I do not want this country to be diverse - I want everyone to be AMERICAN - to share a set of common values - the way it was in the founding of our nation. Read what Theodore Roosevelt said on the subject of "hyphenated-Americans".

BTW all my ancestors who came hear either learned English or already knew it prior to coming over. My Swedish Grandpa stopped talking Swedish in school so as to fit in - but he already knew English. I personally speak Spanish and French, but is it about being EDUCATED, not an issue of "diversity" - it is the admiration of the historical pasts of the two countries, rather than the desire to elevate them above English or supplant it, that was the driving force in my thirst for knowledge. I will NEVER grant that French or Spanish is BETTER than English, nor more appropriate for communication here in the U.S., nor will I accept pluralities of language. That is not American (except in Canada LOL!)

Answer 2

Let me answer this in reverse. I live in Japan. When I came here ten years ago, I didn't know any of the language. Japanese people were very helpful in helping me learn their language. I think that people of the western cultures are not very helpful with people who have trouble with that language. This is a problem with culture.

So in answer to your question, I feel that it should NOT be necessary to learn the language of the country one is moving to, however, there should be more patience shown and help offered by the community and that country. I think cultural diversity is one of the most important things in this world now. The world is getting smaller and smaller as new technologies evolve. One hundred years ago, there was no international telephones, no international flights and the world was just bigger. Now one can fly half way around the world in less than half a day. We can talk with a messenger system in 'now time' by video messenger like a telephone call.

People have to open their minds to new cultures and ways. Help others understand the language of the land and try to understand the native language of other countries or at least try to be patient and helpful.

Answer 3

YES i was 9 when i came here and there are 7 sister and 4 brother we find it very hard because we did not know what every one was saying i got heaps heaps of trouble people made fun of us or they teach u the bad work first . Now i 53 and i love this country and i had special schooling so please before u go to any country learn the language first you enjoy the place much better

Answer 4

a person should learn the language before immigrating

Answer 5

Yes it is important,otherwise how do you put up in a country whose culture and language you do not understand.

Answer 6

I think if you are going to come to this country you at least need to learn the language. my mother was a immegrant and she got her bachellors in english before moving here. you think if we go to mexico they are going to speak english to us. i think immegrants think that the US are idiots because on every paper there is spanish on the back. im like ummm that aint right, and in texas there is a town where you have to speak english and guess what the mexicans did they went crazy at the lawmakers houses. and the mexicans who think they deserve rights we dont go to mexico thinking we are going to get everything for free. what is this country coming too.