Should Immigrants Learn English?

Question

So I'm just wondering what others think. If someone immigrates to America, do you think that it is only right that they should learn and speak English?

Of course, do not lose your cultural background, but I think that they should.

Don't call me a racist.
Don't call a bigot.
Don't call me prejudice.
It's just an asking for opinions, so calm down.

Thanks for reading! :))))

To explain myself a bit more: I think that it is only right.. Because well.. It IS America.

But everyday, there are kids in my grade who slow the class down because they can only speak Arabic or Spanish and need a simpler explaintion. Then they wonder why they aren't treated as 'Americans.' I think that is absolutely ridiculous.

I know from experience in going to other countires, you are treated with FAR more respect when you know the native lingo.

But then.. Maybe we should be speaking Cherokee??

I don't know what to think anymore..

Answer 1

Of course. Generations of immigrants to the US have learned English. Many without the help of the resources that we have today for these people.
One cannot expect to migrate to any country and not speak the native language.

Answer 2

How come you wrote this in English? I am trying to work on my Spanish; I can get a higher paying job being Bilingual. There is not a law saying that you have to learn English but why not try. By the way it is a free country, for now at least. Good luck with not learning English!

Answer 3

It's easy to say yes, but the reality is that it takes a LONG time to become fluent in another language, especially as an adult. (How many of us took a foreign language in high school for 3+ years? How much of us became fluent in that language? :)

Within two generations, immigrant families are native English speakers. It's the first generation that has a hard time. So if you meet an immigrant who can't speak English, don't jump to the conclusion that they are stubborn or lazy. Chances are they want to speak English as much as you want them to. If you're that concerned about it, try teaching an ESL class.

Answer 4

Yes. I believe they should learn english.

No, I'm not a racist.
No, I'm not a bigot.
I am not prejudiced.
Its just my opinion.

Honestly, I don't see Mexico bending over backwards to make Gov't forms in english.. .just for me.
I don't expect the Russians to educate my children in english, and open classrooms to teach their kids english so they can play.
I would hardly think Italians would put up billboards in my neighborhood in english so I can buy the products they advertise.
Ohh....lets go on and on....
Come to my city... I can't even read a lot of the signs!

Answer 5

I don't think they have to necessarily know it before they immigrate to the U.S., but they should make an effort to learn the language as soon and as quickly as they can. most americans are descendents of immigrants who learned English. However, I don't think foreign immigrants need to completely assimilate and lose their cultural identity. I think a mosaic society makes more sense than a melting pot.

Answer 6

Yes, they should learn English. If I moved to Germany or Norway, for example, I'd try my damndest to learn German or Norwegian.

Answer 7

yes, they need to learn the native tongue as quickly as possible in order to become better enabled to get along in their new country.

am trying to learn LAKOTA rather than Cherokee in order to try to become better acquainted with the Culture, Society and THE PEOPLE.

Answer 8

I think all immigrants to the UK should have to learn English - seems reasonable to me.

Answer 9

Yes they should learn. It's just plain rude and selfish if they don't.

Answer 10

yes