My problem is that as we are an English speaking country and that, as this is the language we were taught in school, I find it disrepectful and at times frustrating that some, not all, but quite a majority of our new Australians as welcome as they are, do not find it necessary to learn basic English to assimilate into the Australian culture. I respect their religious and cultural beliefs but find it only fair that they learn the countries primary language to be able to live, work and operate a business here.
There are businesses being run where they can't understand you and you cannot understand them. Not to mention the fact that they offer continuous interpereter services for Welfare even after 12 months when newcomers should have learnt basic English by then. If I chose to live in a Foreign country, the first thing I would be expected to do, is learn the language why not here. My mothers parents were Dutch and learnt English. Please tell me what you think. Serious answers only.
2007-09-09 17:00:57 · 8 answers · asked by Walks 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Inreference to migrants catering to their own, when it is the majority of a particular suburb who cater to all then English should be learnt.
If I was living in a community where the majority of the language was an Aboriginal dialect I would respectfully learn that language. I do not disagree with you on that point but as I at one stage did live In the Northern Territory all my Aboriginal friends spoke fluent English. So it was not an issue.
2007-09-09 17:37:49 · update #1
Its great that you think that way. Most people have the tendenancy to stick to their own kind and push away at having to mix with other races.
Hopefully your mindframe will spread to others and people will stop hating each other.
2007-09-09 17:14:05 · answer #1 · answered by Chloe G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People are entitled to speak any language they like. When you visit another country do you learn the language or do you try to get by with English? Migrants to Australia do not have to be able to speak English when they arrive but they are expected to learn it if they want to become citizens. Some people come here on work visas with only a poor understanding of English but they improve.
Migrants are perfectly entitled to use their own languages when they are together. Most, the vast majority, do learn English. Older migrants have more difficulty than the younger ones. It is not "disrespectful". Respect is something you earn, it is not something you are entitled to. If we encouraged the new arrivals rather than criticise them for not speaking English, we might earn their respect and also find them learning English so thay can talk to us.
By the way, in northern Australia, people who have lived here a lot longer than Europeans speak their own languages first and learn English as a second, third or even fourth language. By your rules, you should be speaking Yolngu or Tiwi or Gidgingarli or Jarwoyn or any of many other languages when you visit the Top End. Do you take the trouble to learn the local languages? Even a word or two? I doubt it.
2007-09-09 17:22:06 · answer #2 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Most do learn English. By the way, it is not a requirement when setting up residence in another country to be fluent in their native tongue. How many Aboriginal dialects can you speak? Also, English is one of the hardest languages to learn and why would you need to shop anywhere that isn't an English-speaking business? I would assume such businesses tend to cater to their culture so as a white Aussie chic they would hardly be selling anything that you desire and if they were, then surely you could also enjoy the entire multi-cultural experience being offered in their store. Also, however hard you think that it is for you when you run across the odd non-English speaking immigrant, spare a thought for how hard their lives are!
2007-09-09 17:09:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes its right to love our multicultural country, I love the diversity of our country too.
>>>My problem is that as we are an English speaking country and that, as this is the language we were taught in school, I find it disrepectful and at times frustrating that some, not all, but quite a majority of our new Australians as welcome as they are, do not find it necessary to learn basic English to assimilate into the Australian culture.
I know what u mean but assimilation isn't fair, u can't have true multiculturalism if there is assimilation. The immigrants that come here should adapt, meaning they can keep their culture but they should adapt to ours and that includes speaking the pommy language called english.
I understand your frustration.
2007-09-09 17:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by mary r 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maximum persons adult males gave up on appropriate women in seventh grade. Going further, any lady drawing near considered one of these type won't doubt assume lots extra advantageous than kindness from any guy who approaches her. adult males look at women sexually, however the final public persons do no longer assume, nor are we finding for, any appropriate lady. She does not exist. So we already couple with actual women, no longer the faux, plastic surgical treatment, silicone better women a number of you females choose for to be. And conversing of goods, you females have your expectancies besides. we are all meant to be beneficiant, handsome, tall, geared up like Greek statue, wealthy, and uncompromisingly committed to you - considering the fact which you're lady. And for those persons who fall short, we are no longer sufficient for a lot of you females yet what's with the relationship you're making with the tip of multi-usa firms?
2016-12-16 16:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah, i agree with you. they should learn english. if they are going to interact outside of their homes then they should use the language that is the majority. now whatever they want to speak at home is their business....but outside especially if they have a business or something like that.....speak english. i feel like that here with all of the hispanics and asians that don't speak english but what can you do. that's life
2007-09-09 17:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by godsimage74 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I quite understand what you mean dear Aussie.we've got the same situation here in the States as well.people who moved here from other countries,not all of them, just don't make an effort to learn the local lingo or they just refuse to assimilate.
they went Down Under just for their own benefit,not because they actually love the Aussies' ways.
2007-09-09 17:17:39 · answer #7 · answered by JUAN G 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Can't argue withn your logic.
Great country.Great language.
If permanent visitors can't talk in our tongue, toss 'em out, or lock 'em up until they can get a few sentences out.
2007-09-09 17:24:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋