...to putting in their application?
has it got to the stage where we only want to be encouaging incomers who share our values and want to be no different to us, after a generation or two?
do you think this language clause should be required from all applicants, or only from those who come from communities that have already demonstrated problems in their level of commitment to integrate..ie muslims......on the grounds that we know all the others...whoever they are---african chinese inuit polish brazillian etc etc etc will be no different to us and speaking perfect english after a generation of uk schooling, but that muslims will still want to continue keeping themselves separate, not speaking english unless it suits them and wanting to bring in more of their own "segregation minded" people from poor backward areas of the world.
2007-08-07 23:46:21 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I think that is quite a fair thing to say, many other countries expect immigrants to speak the language, and pass a test before getting resident status.
I think that there should be 2 stages, the entrance exam which requires basic English, and then say a year later a more advanced exam which requires a greater understanding in order to get resident status. I think asylum seekers should be exempt from taking the entrance exam however (as they may have been forced here under very short notice) but should nonetheless pass the advanced exam in due time (longer than a year, as they're at a disadvantage to normal immigrants)
This should apply to EVERYONE (of course people who already speak English well could just demonstrate so rather than having to take an exam). Making exceptions based on race or religion is wrong. Muslims are not the only people who keep themselves seperate - and they also integrate as well too. Just look at the British abroad (Spain for instance). They live in British communities, speak no Spanish, use no Spanish business people where expats are available - Muslims are no exception for non-integration.
2007-08-07 23:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mordent 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
probably would be a good idea but bear in mind a lot of people coming here are coming from poor or war torn countries and maybe cant afford the education to learn our language. I would say that the majority coming here for work would know at least a little. However, how many brits go abroad to live without learning any language at all then moan because no one speaks English lol
2007-08-08 00:06:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignoring the answer from Ashley something, I agree with you.
People should be able to speak properly English when getting a job but also when asking for benefits...
Are many people who can't say 20 words in English on benefits.... while people like me and maybe you have rubbish jobs and pay tax for the government to keep the leeks of this society at home.
I love to bits some British people but others are just.......no comment.
But.. are many immigrants from Europe who can't speak English so they should be put in the same pot.
I'm Romanian and I only speak Romanian on the phone with my mum....
In this country nothing is right...
I came here in 2005...this year I was about 3 months without work(never claimed benefits) and when I went in a recruiting agency a polish girl was there....doing office work.
Guess what...my English was about 15 times better than hers( my English spoken and written is excellent)....
We can't do anything about it because everything in this country is decided by the government...I can't see where is the democracy gone...
2007-08-08 00:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by AlinutaUK 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think that if you are planning to live in a country, you should learn about it's history and you should learn about the language prior to applying for citizenship. if it were just on a holiday, then there's really no need to learn english other than wanting to communicate and get to know other people. at the same time, it's all about acculteration and enculteration. you can learn a great deal just by observing others, however being enculteration gives you a sense of belonging
2007-08-07 23:53:04 · answer #4 · answered by kristyb872001 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It helps to learn English, and shows commitment if your living here, but if your fleeing through persecution you don't have time then the first safe country should do, but then when some people seem to pass though about 6 or 7 other countries to get here does make you wonder.
2007-08-08 02:17:16 · answer #5 · answered by dorelejeurne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just received our local residents newsletter (UK) and nearly half of it (double sided A4 sheet) consists of translations into Polish Czech, Slovenian, Spanish and a couple of others. Some locals are learning a couple of Polish sentences and they are both far from polite.
2007-08-07 23:58:59 · answer #6 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to live in the UK you should at least be able to speak basic English
2007-08-07 23:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by DickyNowItAll 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. Although one guy I know appropriately took a night shift in a noisy factory but in everyday situations they should at least know a couple of thousand words, you know the very basics.
2007-08-07 23:51:00 · answer #8 · answered by Raccoon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think anyone who wants to emigrate to any country should be required to have a working knowledge of that countries language, and customs.
2007-08-07 23:49:31 · answer #9 · answered by bgee2001ca 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sure, especially some of the homies out of Chicago.
2007-08-07 23:49:10 · answer #10 · answered by Bruce Aurora 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋