2007-09-27 04:15:02 · 15 answers · asked by Lovin Me 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Certainly. MOST of the immigrants to this country arrived without being able to speak English. And--its statistacally all but certain that includes some of YOUR ancestors.
When immigrants come here, they normally start by residingin what sociologists call "ethnic enclaves" where those who have been here longer help them start acclimating to American society. After a few years, they've learned English--some better than others, since individual aptitude varies. And their kids speak English as well as everyone else.
That's the historical pattern--and the best thing to do is leave it alone (it ain't broke--so don't fix it!). What we are seeing today is mild. In the late 19th-early 20th century, there were4-5 times as many non-English speaking immigrants in the US. They all eventually learned the language and became good citizens. And--again--the odds are very high that includes some of your forebearers--and certainly the ancestors of most of your friends and neighbors.
2007-09-27 04:40:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Doesn't it all depend on attitude a bit too?
Like, I went to live in a foreign country and I didn't speak the language, and I really tried to learn but I was just really rubbish at it!!! But I gave it my best shot! For some people it's a lot more challenging, I hope that I wasn't a real thickie but I found it tremendously difficult!!
So, I guess it's more that people are willing to learn and put in the effort? (even if they aren't 100% fluent straight away)?
It would be nice too if English (or British) people could learn more languages, I feel embarrassed when I meet people that speak so many.....
2007-09-27 11:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by HC123 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You forgot to mention the country, but I think people should be allowed to go anywhere they like to go. Or may be you think you should be allowed to go only in the countries which language you can speak??? That would be quite limiting and you wouldn't be able to see a lot of beautiful places.
2007-09-27 11:28:31 · answer #3 · answered by musicanswer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you mean to stay of course not.
That should be part of the process for obtaining citizenship.
But then again there are a lot of people that have never been out of this country that cant speak English.
Maybe we should hold people to a higher standard in schools.
2007-09-27 11:27:56 · answer #4 · answered by Jon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay but if you ever go to Turkey, or to Germany you better learn Turkish or German because with the same reasoning they can not allow you into their countries either.
2007-09-27 12:32:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There was a time when the vast majority of new immigrants could not speak English. Why should it be different now?
2007-09-27 11:30:57 · answer #6 · answered by Brian A 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They should be allowed in but must have learned English before the can become a citizen.
2007-09-27 11:34:05 · answer #7 · answered by jrldsmith 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Holy crap can you imagine that? The whole south would have to leave.
That's right freedom only for English speakers! That would be a way to ban rap and hip hop. Ebonics is not English.
2007-09-27 11:18:19 · answer #8 · answered by Jose R 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes.most of the people that came to this country did not so if it is that much of a problem they should teach them. If the native Americans would have said that you would not be here.
2007-09-27 11:44:45 · answer #9 · answered by Step 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While I would prefer that they speak English, I must say as long as they are LEGAL I wouldnt make a huge fuss over it!
2007-09-27 11:27:13 · answer #10 · answered by tll 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋