Why do people say you have to know English to live in the USA?

Question

You don't have to. people in America speak all kinds of languages and their culture stick together plus we got news in their language. America... well not America but American corporations are very good at making people from different languages understand what they're saying.

i WANNA KNOW YOUR OPINION

this is not germany this is a country of immigrants from Japan England Italy Ireland Mexico. This Groups keep their culture and language. I think they have this right.

Answer 1

I don't think anyone says you "have" to know English, but it would be better if they did. The idea of immigrating here is becoming part of one society.

We've seen how multilingual countries end up with lots of division and the US is all about unity.

Corporations will always go the extra mile to attract buyers, but don't forget the extra expense will come from the consumers in higher costs.

Also it costs the taxpayers billions in extra expense each year to print tax and all other government forms in multiple languages.

So economically and socially it is advantageous to learn English, the official language.

Answer 2

Most of my previous answers are are infused with humour, but on this topic I become very stoic and serious. Imagine, all you who hail from English speaking countries (as I do) that by whatever reason, you found yourself migrating to a non English speaking country, say the Netherlands or Japan, Be honest, how long would it take you to master the language. I'm sure many migrants put a lot more effort into learning the language of their adopted countries more than we give them credit for. I for take my hat off to those migrants who come from the Philippines, China, Eastern Europe and the middle east to Australia for at least making a concerted effort to learn the Queens lingo. Tolerance is a virtue, something you yanks and the frogs should become familiar with.

Answer 3

You do not need to know English to live in the USA. Many immigrants have their own communities within towns and cities. Everyone there speaks their language. Example: If you go to China Town district, they all speak Chinese. If you want to purchase something there, the person selling things to you will speak English. But the other people working there will not. If someone from China were to move close to that town, they would most likely shop and do business there. There is nothing wrong with that. People should be allowed to keep their culture and speak their languages. If they dont speak English and decide to go to an English only speaking store and they cant communicate with anyone, well, that is their problem. Most likely they bring a translator. And that is ok too. Personally, if I was going to move to Japan I would dread learning Japanese. But, if I knew of a community within their cities that spoke English only, you are damn right I would forget trying to learn Japanese and just move to that place. Try to see it from an immigrants perspective. Learning a new language is hard. If you have ONE family member that can speak English then you will be ok. They probably do not expect special treatment because they know they should learn English. But our society caters to them because, frankly, if you cant get business from them because you cant understand them, then you are losing money. So, businesses hire a bilinguist.

Answer 4

You dont want to be an American, you just want the bennies. It's our official language. Another little fact, this is AMERICA not the tower of" babble "( which is what would happen if noone wanted to assimilate into this country's language and customs)

There may be many languages here but the prevailing language and language of business is English. I have learned Spanish on my own because of my past job. I didnt have to but did. If you are going to live here and accept all the goodies, learn the language.

Answer 5

You don't have to speak English to live in the U.S. anymore than you have to speak English to breathe the air here or anywhere else for that matter.

Almost all immigrants wanting to come to the U.S. are so eager to learn English that they begin learning it before they get here and eagerly learn it more completely once they arrive here.

They realize that they are free to speak any language they like, but if they want to function more completely, they will use the OPERATIVE language of the U.S. economy, the U.S. culture, and the U.S. legal system.

Life in any country is so much richer and more rewarding when you can speak the language of that country.

Why is it so hard to figure this out?

Answer 6

It's all about respect. This nation was founded by immigrants who spoke english. Though it's not a law to speak it, it's the primary language of this country. If you plan on living here, respect the law of the land and the policies and culture of our nation. Otherwise, find another country to reside in (Canada).

Besides, if you plan on migrating to the USA, you should plan on learning and speaking fluent English because that's what the majority class speaks. This is not Mexico, China, Japan, Italy or any other country.. This is the USA - WE SPEAK ENGLISH HERE!

Answer 7

We all know America is a land of immigrants. I have no problem with people speaking other languages (I speak German with my Mom and Sister all the time)
The point is when immigrants came to the US they learned to speak English. They knew they had to communicate with other people, therefore they learned the language!!
That so hard to understand?????????????

Answer 8

Well the people who built this country spoke English. The Constitution was written in English, The president speaks English, All our laws are written in English, All our presidents spoke in English, and guess what??? you speak and type in ENGLISH!! So Obviously if you cant learn the language your going to have a very hard time living in this country no doubt.

Answer 9

In 1789 the Congress of the United States made English the official language of the United States.
The Democrats have made some ******** statements about not voting to make English the official language to cast hatred against the Conservatives and say they are bigoted against Hispanic people but Democrats lie anyway.

Answer 10

You are right they should speak their language we have no right to force them not to speak their own language when they live America. However, because America is an English speaking language they need to learn it if they want to live in America. If I want to live in Germany I have to learn how to speak German just like all the other Countries, but they cant force me not to speak English in their country. Just because people speak their own language doesn't mean they don't know how to speak English. It is called respect.