I do not get it - I am an immigrant from Russia. I came to Alaska 7 years ago with no knowlegle of English whatsoever. But even though speaking English is harder than brushing teeth through the nose I did my damnest to learn and use it.
Why lots of people from all over the world come to the USA and try to make changes towards their languages?
2007-03-15 12:04:37 · 16 answers · asked by Zomba_RS 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
We have the same problem in Australia. People are not encouraged to learn English because everyone is afraid of being labelled "racist". People can do their drivers test in whatever language they want and are still allowed an interpreter. This is despite the fact that all signs are in English.
If I moved to another country I would expect to have to learn their language and customs.
RjM raised a good point about newer generations speaking English but the problem is when you have large scale immigration from non-English speaking countries it can become a problem because good communication = better understanding = better harmony. If people can't communicate then they tend to stay in their own groups, where they don't need to learn English and therefore don't bother, which can cause angst amongst the general population.
I believe with countries like the US and Australia we should celebrate the diverse mix of backgrounds and cultures we all come from but not at the cost of our national identities.
2007-03-15 12:32:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way! People who live here should learn english. I would never expect nor want to live in a country and not speak their language. That is rude and arrogant!
The children will learn english and communicate with each other without the parents having a clue. That should make for very interesting teen years! It's a complete mess and enabling people to live here without learning english is a disservice to the immigrants and our country. I DON'T WANT TO PUSH 1 FOR ENGLISH OR BUY TIDE IS THREE LANGUAGES!
2007-03-15 12:15:15 · answer #2 · answered by Cindy W 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if they want to be poor and treated like second class citizens then fine; if not learn. But I don't worry about it as an American, their kids will speak it and the grand kids will most likely won't even be able to speak a lick of the their grandparents language. It happened in my family. Back in the 1800's my ancestors were writing land deeds in German for property in Virginia. Its the way America works.
2007-03-15 12:12:34 · answer #3 · answered by RjM 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I do belive that all should learn all that they can. However with coming to a new country, to stay and live I feel that people should learn english.
I feel that the U.S is too acceptable. With not wanting to offend anyone. I dont think that they should give up thier language or cultures, but to learn english and what is acceptable and what is not. And apply it in their open life but what they do in their home should never come into anyother issues.
Thank you for you time and effort in learning english. One of the hardest to learn.
Welcome home!!!
good luck
2007-03-15 12:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by ohdarnitsmeagain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All immigrants that come to the USA learn English. That is a fact. The media would like you to think otherwise. (Also, fare means money, and fair means equal and correct which is what you meant in your question.)
2007-03-15 15:30:12 · answer #5 · answered by Rae 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Immigrants should learn, because it is the language of America. I don't go to Spain and demand them to know English there.
2007-03-15 12:09:41 · answer #6 · answered by bigsey93bruschi54 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dunno. I remember sitting with my first wife and her friends, in 1993, having the same discussion. Out of twelve people, I was the only natural born US citizen, and they, with exception of two, believed one should learn the language. They said that their native countries: Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and the Ukraine wouldn't change for an American, so why should America change for an immigrant? I agree. It's insane to think otherwise.
2007-03-15 12:11:57 · answer #7 · answered by sjsosullivan 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they want to live here they need to learn the language. My great grandparents all did when they came here 100 years ago.
2007-03-15 12:41:38 · answer #8 · answered by bugs280 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should learn it. Good for you that you did.
My grandparents and greatgrandparents came from different parts of Europe. They all learned English upon coming to America.
2007-03-15 12:08:53 · answer #9 · answered by MoltarRocks 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not fair at all that immigrants refuse to learn english. If they don't want to learn, then they should go back to their own country.
But that's awesome that you at least learned how to speak english :)
2007-03-15 12:13:52 · answer #10 · answered by insideout72 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋