Like should they be required to learn English, do you think it's fair for Americans to learn a foreign language simply because the immigrants to not understand English?
2007-06-15 23:00:18 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Yes I do, it's not a racism issue, it's a communication barrier. I don't see how an immigrant could even be comfortable living somewhere where they can't even comprehend what the language of the country speaks. I mean, come on, if I were to move to let's say Poland, I would learn basic Polish. It should be a requirement before immigrating.
Seriously, people don't stir the "that's so racist" pot. Just because an immigrant learns english, they aren't losing their heritage, they are broadening their horizons.
2007-06-15 23:14:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
In the USA, English should be learned first. Other languages should not have a higher position of importance over English. No matter where I go in the US, I will speak English, unless I need to translate for somebody into my language. Spanish shouldn't even be spoken here as a first language. Like someone said "speak Spanish in Miami". They should also change all the foreign names back into English or find another English name that fits for it. If I go to Miami, I will speak English. NOT Spanish!
Someone's missing the point here: I don't think it's because I don't understand a foreign language. It's because I believe it's important to use only English on official documents instead of English and Spanish! I speak a different language at home, but I don't want that to be a language on publications unless all other languages are also used, because using only one language plus English would be so unfair to others who don't know or don't speak that language, namely Spanish!
2007-06-16 05:30:04 · answer #2 · answered by bryan_q 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with DESIKAWA. I mean to assimilate to the "pluricentric" culture we have in this country we should learn english cause all the immigrants before use english to share their culture. I believe this country has a pluricentric culture it doesn't have to be JUST learning the "white" culture in order to assimilate. We americans should learn more languages so foreigners will think less of us americans as "ingorants." Anyways it's cool learning langugues and this country has so many of them and we show demonstrate to the world that we care at least and not be ignorant. it kind of went off topic and it might sound cheesy, but that's what i think.
2007-06-15 23:10:40 · answer #3 · answered by shinnosuke 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where there is a high percentile of foreigners, then perhaps Americans should learn the language eg. the strip in Miami with as many Spanish speakers. However, in minority areas, yes, immigrants should learn the language of the area.
2007-06-15 23:05:23 · answer #4 · answered by AJ 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I don't think there is a need for them to learn English coz every person has the right to travel to any country if he has got the acceptance to do so.
If foreigners need to learn English then we Americans should also learn foreign languages!But,we are not going to do so(at least I'm not!!).So,why we should expect them to learn our language??Foreigners should bring interpreters with him or the country or airline authorities should do so.
2007-06-15 23:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes I do, actually - being able to communicate with the locals is crucial for integration in the society.
That said, Americans should also be learning foreign languages either way, but for other reasons - I think monolingualism limits thought and makes it harder for you to identify with people struggling with speaking English - not to mention issues about foreign relations.
2007-06-15 23:06:47 · answer #6 · answered by Bub B 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the inability of an immigrant being unable to thoroughly speak english is more a problem for them and not so much for me...i live in canada and dont really find myself being required to learn any foreign language because of immigrants yet...but i hope it doesnt come to that point...
2007-06-15 23:08:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not necessary for them to learn. How nice would it be if we all showed an interest in learning other languages. A lot can be learned about cultures by studying languages. I know a lot of Americans living in Asian countries who can't speak a word of the local language. Nobody says they have to learn Korean, Japanese or whatever.
2007-06-15 23:04:35 · answer #8 · answered by hurricane197 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes they should! No it is not fair or right that Americans should have to accommodate them in this way! If their country is so bad that they come here then why do they want everyone here to change for them? Shouldn't they want to change for us? Aren't they the ones who chose to move here? We have interpreters so they can be understood and be told what they need to do, such as learn English, so everyone else doesn't need to learn a bunch of different languages. God Bless America!
2007-06-15 23:18:41 · answer #9 · answered by mothertrucker 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If someone is planning to stay here they better learn English, I don't think we should permit any other language other than that...but it seems some areas and due to the majority of minorities people are forced into learning other languages.
2007-06-15 23:14:09 · answer #10 · answered by Louy 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋