Should the British abroad - i.e., Spain and Portugal - integrate and live as Spaniards and Portuguese?

Question

A good contrast with the furore surrounding the "integration" debate in Britain is to look at what happens when Anglophone Brits move overseas: rarely do they learn the local language, culture or "integrate" in the way they demand of immigrants to Britain. Therefore, should the British abroad - i.e., Spain and Portugal - be encouraged or forced to "integrate"?

Answer 1

I had this same conversation with someone not long ago. the brits move abroad and live amongst other brits, some not even bothering to learn the language of the host country. Yet, they are the first to moan about 'foreigners' not bothering to learn english. I agree any non national of a country should intergrate and learn the language.

Answer 2

I know 2 couples who have moved abroad, 1 to France and 1 to Spain. The ones in Spain have learnt the lingo and the French pair have not. But, the ones in France are both nearly 70 years of age, and at that age wouldn't be bothered or able to learn another language. The pair in Spain are only about 35 - 40 and have a longer life out there, so its been worth their while to learn and they have made good friends already, who are teaching them more. Even though its difficult for the older couple they do still dine and visit new French friends, so i think there is interaction when Brits go abroad. Mick

Answer 3

A good question, firstly examine the reasons why people move to spain or portugal, it is more likely because of a desire to reside and work in a social easy going environment and temperate climate, or retirement. On either count It's their choice whether to integrate or not, if they do that's good they would be accepted and respected, if they don't they will always remain outsiders and probably resented.

They would not however be allowed in unless they had funds available to establish themselves and certainly not allowed to vote in elections, sponge off the states social infrastructure, or make demands. Spain and Portugal both put their country and people first in politics, employment, healthcare and law enforcement.

We should do the same.

Answer 4

I´m sure lots of brits in Spain are integrated in this country costumes and way of life, however they keep the best of both worlds and don´t need to speak a pretty good spanish to b happy here.
I´m spanish and my two neighbours are from glasgow and midlands , they take their time into learn spanish and they´re able 2 understand and 2 b understood , i honestly think this is more than enough specially when we are talking about old people.
Cheers to Brits and god bless all of u!!

Answer 5

Good god yes. And these awful people that go to eastern europe and start buying houses - therefore bumping up the prices for the locals who then cant afford to live in the own towns. These are the brits that you then find complaining about immigration.

If you want to play on someone elses pitch - you play by their rules, that applies to other countries and THIS one!!

Answer 6

They should certainly speak the language at least passably well and respect the culture and traditions of the country they are living in. They also should (though you couldn't force them) mix with the natives and not live in 'Britishtown'. Though it would be possible for them to take a citizenship exam if they were to become permanent citizens which tests them on language and culture it would be difficult to implement any further integration - it's something people have to want to do.

Answer 7

Yes Brits living abroad should integrate into the cultures of the countries they choose to move to. Australia has the right idea and during their probationary period they are made to attend classes and learn the lingo and culture where they wish to reside. Mind you I personally believe that all nationalities should remain in the countries they were born in. If you wish to visit then have a holiday.

Answer 8

we run a bar in southern spain and the sheer amount of expats who have lived out here for 10 - 20 years and not lernt the language... we r al fluent but it is a problem that we always try to make a little britain wherever we move.

Answer 9

yes they should. when in rome, do as the romans do is a good motto for everyone on the planet. my only objection to immigrants in uk is their failure to integrate and learn english. any one that moves to another country and fails to make the effort to integrate are just ignorant gits

Answer 10

Yes they should at least learn the language. It is basic good manners, if you are going to live somewhere at least learn the local customs and learn the language.