does anyone else find this rude?

Question

i have a real problem with people speaking different languages in the us. i think that if you come here you should speak the language. if you are in you own home then it is ok. but when you are in public and speaking a totaly differnt language i think it is rude. if i went to a new country i would try my best to fit in, and learn some of there culture. and i would try to speak there language as much as possible.

what do you think?

maybe i am wrong, but this is just the way i feel.

Answer 1

I appreciate you seeing it this way, pitch17. America is a melting pot, not a salad bowl. Part of becoming an American is assimilation. But beings the govt. decides to cater and make it easier for them to not conform to our culture and way of life, we end up with this multi-cultural mess that we are in today. Don't worry, you are not wrong, and don't let anyone convince you that you might be wrong. God Bless.

Answer 2

I agree wtih you somewhat. I think that you should be able to speak your own language in public but if you work somewhere or are planning to go anywhere where English is spoken that you should at least know english enough to hold a conversation or understand what is going on. I know for a fact that some people refuse to do this.

Especially if you are going to run a business! I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten into either arguments or had an order come out wrong, things missing etc. because the person running the establishment did not understand me and I didn't understand them, be it food establishment or dry cleaner or anything... I think if you are going to run a business it should be manditory because it is just not fair for the majority. You could say "go somewhere else" but sometimes in big cities for example, there are no English-speaking run dry cleaners or at least none in your area.

Answer 3

I understand your point, but I'd like to think that I don't fit into that group.

I use American Sign Language as I can't hear.

I use it in public with my family and friends.

It really aggravates me when paranoid hearing people say, "Wow, that's so unfair! I can't understand!"

And I'm like, WAIT you're in the dark for a whole what, 5 minutes?

Imagine all the people talking around me pretty much 90% of the time and I have no friggin' idea what's going on..

Totally not my problem, I live here in the U.S., was born and raised.

But hey, if I need to use English I write it down. It's still the language.

And heck yes, I get frustrated going to a restaurant where they can't frickin' read or write English.

But what about when you visit a country? I've visited several countries (not lived) and yea, looked through the translation phrase book, but it did crap once we got there.

Don't forget, some people JUST can't grasp a new language! It's not easy for everyone. Kids have a much better time at it than adults do.

You should see some people trying to learn sign language. Hilarious.

And then there are others who pick it up so quickly, you'd think they'd be signing forever..

Never know other's abilities.....

Answer 4

I agree with you on one point...people should learn the language of their new country well enough to be able to communicate. But just because they are here, they shouldn't have to give up their native language. When I studied in a foreign country, we used their language as much as possible, but the four of us from our college spoke English whenever we were together or when we were with people from the US or UK. It's just easier if both people speak the same native language to stick with that one when you can.

Side note: The US does not have an official language...

Answer 5

Try imagining what it would be like to go to a foreign country and not know their language but everyone is on you because you don't speak their language. Learning another language is rough. America is the land of the free. Freedom of speech is one of those things we have here. I understand how you might dislike it but put yourself in their shoes. I actually find it fun to hear foreigners. It is a very culture filled experience and you don't even have to leave the country. I am bilingual and constantly speak spanish because it is my culture and i'm proud of it. I do find it rude when people say rude things in other languages behind your back so i don't approve of that but there really are two sides to this issue. You just have to live with it and not let it bother you.

Answer 6

There's really two issues to this question. Number one, if you are dealing with the public, then you should be able to speak the language understood by those you are dealing with. The second issue is about your personal life. It is no one's business which language you are speaking, when that conversation is directed to someone conversing in the same language as you. Anyone moving into the US should be able to speak English, anyone moving to Canada should be able to speak English or French.

But think about this: if you could speak Mandarin, and were living in China, and ran into an American or Canadian, would you speak Mandarin, or your native tongue? I would speak the language we both mutually understood the best: English.

It irks me to no end to hear people talking like this. It's not my business what those two Chinese ladies are talking about two seats down from me on the bus.

Answer 7

It's a fine line. Personally, since we are an English speaking nation, anyone who becomes a citizen should speak English - at least enough to understand some basics. But then again, this is how it has been since the founding of America - we have had this arguement about the Italians, Chinese, and Japanese - and all of their children became English speakers - and that created a wonderful bi-lingual community.

It is sometimes hard to remember that America really is a melthing pot. Unless you are 100% Native American, someone in your family tree was an immigrant.

Answer 8

I as well fell that immigrants do need to learn to speak English.
It is rather unethical to move to a country and expect others to make special considerations for their language. They should take the time to learn the language.
I have been out before and several who did not speak English were talking about me right in front of me. I knew by the way they were looking at me. So I stared at them as though I knew exactly what they were saying and one of the women started acting all nice to me and the others did as well....
It is uncalled for when people go around doing these things... They do need to speak our lingo not theirs (especially when they can speak it)!

Answer 9

You can speak any language you want to your friends and family, be it Spanish, French or Bushman Tongue clicks, but if you are dealing with a business or with a private citizen then speak English. I would not move to another country without at least some rudimentary knowledge of the local language, and would not expect everyone to cater to me in my native language.

Answer 10

On one hand it is rude, on another, its not. Myself, for instance, find it very difficult to *learn* a new language. And I know when someone is concersing with another in a different language in front of you, our suspicious nature makes us automatically think that they are talking about us. (They usually arent, I wouldn't think). Then again, if youre trying to listen in on a private conversation, you dont need to know what they're talking about, anyway. If they have moved in, plan on a lengthy residency and are working here, then yes - they should learn this language. They should learn enough to at least communicate in a case of emergency. We're paying an awful lot of money for bi-lingual police, nurses doctors, ambulance drivers, teachers, etc. Money that could be better spent elsewhere. It takes time to learn a new language, so they should be given the time - most are trying, I'm sure.

Answer 11

I think its silly to assume that just because they are speaking a different language, u think its rude... It may be that they are new immigrants, and haven't had to chance to fully develop conversational skills yet. And with u being a closed minded person, automatically assumes they are being rude.

Even if they aren't immigrants, i think that it important that they keep their language; and use it daily. It would be a sad day when the only thing you hear in America is the English language.