Why do Americans demand that people in the US speak English...?

Question

and then they go to other countries and demand that people there speak English as well? American tourists make very little attempt to learn other languages, they just assume that someone or another will speak English. Most international business around the world is conducted in English, the UN works in English, English is spoken at almost every international airport in the world, etc. So if Americans feel entitled to being spoken to in English wherever they go, why do they get upset when they hear other languages spoken in their home country?

Answer 1

Because english is the predominant language in the U.S.!! No habla espanol.

Answer 2

Why ask? When you go to another country like France, do they speak English? No they speak the language of the people - French. So why in America where English is the spoken language wouldn't one learn English? You know the old saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". I understand while traveling there would be different languages but here in the US you should speak the language of the people, ENGLISH!!! How can you live and work in a country that you cannot even speak their language. You do just as I did in Korea and Germany - you learn to speak their language. Sorry!!!

Answer 3

Because we are just wanting to get to know you. I prefer you keep your heritage intact, but add me in! Oye Yi Yi, we have folks from so many countries. All of the Americans I know speak a combination of languages. I have bits and pieces, including Baby gibberish and Grandmas slippery "plates". I know the difference between a scarf and a Grandma in Russian and Gosh knows what else. Mostly a smile and a lot of waving of hands . Babies are always a Nina Bueno or a Nino el Loco (giggle). My daughter taught me Das Tut mir Lit, which if I remember correctly means "i'm sorry". in German. Half of Cananda or more speaks English and French, as do a good portion of our Southern Neighbors all the way to the tip of South America. If you ever notice. It's a great mixture of all the languages. But here in our Country, we have had a melting pot, my whole 50+ years with many different languages melting into the mix. So I say, when in Rome....Give it a try, ya might learn we don't much even talk like each other. So Do Svidania, Cheerio, Bye, Adios, Adieu and all the others I haven't run into yet or REALLY couldn't spell.

Answer 4

No, never. even if it isn't the valid language of our national, English is for all useful applications the national language. If a school chooses to instruct and require English responses in the faculty room placing, then they might desire to be allowed to do it. whilst we are a rustic of immigrants, there's no longer something in the form that demands everyone to handle the language of each and every individual who might communicate yet another language. As for allowing them to communicate among themselves in yet another language, that could be slightly trickier. yet nevertheless, the faculty has a top to make certain that they might understand and administration activities on the faculty. If toddlers might desire to circulate around conversing the different language, how can directors and instructors verify they are actually not cussing out different young ones, or something of the form? The plaintiffs for that reason are making in an anti-immigration concern. I hate while human beings report healthful to deliver a controversy up for debate while in certainty the info of the case are pathetic and the actual concern is definitely unrelated to that which they're attempting to alter.

Answer 5

No one cares if tourists speak their own languages in the US, but no one likes it when immigrants refuse to learn English. If I traveled to a different country on vacation or business I wouldn't be able to learn the language in such a short time, but if I moved abroad I would certainly make every effort to learn whatever language I need to.

Answer 6

For anyone that has seen my answers to this type of question, I rest my case. . .

Isn't it much easier if everyone in the same country speaks the same language? Isn't there a better chance of getting things done if you can communicate with the other person?

I don't care what anyone speaks in their home. I don't think that is the true issue. My problem is working in the public and having people want something from you, but don't know how to communicate with you. Or better yet - they pretend they can't speak your language and play innocent to try and rip you off. I've been there. If you want to live in this nation, then you need to speak the language when dealing with the public. I mean, if I moved to France, I certainly would make every effort to learn French so I could speak to the people there when I go shopping or out to eat. . .

Answer 7

I don't mind people speaking other languages in the U.S. I like to learn other languages and cultures as well. But, English is the national language. How would mexico feel or Iran feel if Americans went to those countries and demanded they put English conversions into there everyday life.

Answer 8

So we can understand them? Seriously, our constitution is in English, our laws are written in English, we do business in English, and throughout our history immigrants who come here have learned English.
Speaking for myself, I did study Dutch for a year before I went to Nederland (The Netherlands) on vacation. While many people there do speak English, I found that I made friends easier and that my efforts to learn their language was appreciated. It was well worth it. I think it's just basic respect to learn the language of the country you're in. Even if you aren't that good at it you'll be glad you did.
Tot Ziens!

Answer 9

It's not so much the fact that another language is spoken here that upsets "many Americans". It's the fact that many people come here (some legally, some not) and say they want to live here and not make an effort to speak the language of the country. It's not so much love it or leave it as it is if you love it say it in English, please (you will be better understood by more of us!)

Answer 10

People speak English in America because Americans speak English.
People speak English is business because America is an Economic super-power and because of English colonization in the past.
People speak English to American tourists to attract them and get them to spend money.
It is an insult to go to any country and not speak the local language, unless they offer to speak your language instead.
Blah Blah Blah, stop hating Americans.

Answer 11

I don't get upset unless it is blatantly obvious that they are speaking in another language to conceal something. I recently went on a safety tour of a construction site with a Spanish speaking individual. I was by myself without him when I tried to point out a safety infraction. The answer was "no hable de English", but when the my Spanish speaking cohort showed up their total conversation was in English. English is our language of commerce and I can see no reason for changing it. If people want to be successful here they should speak English. Your subject of tourism is a smoke screen.