Do you think it's fair that I can't get a good job because I don't speak any spanish?

Question

I live in the South of Texas and a lot of people only speak Spanish. Am I wrong to think that if you live in the US you should know or at least try to speak English? I don't go to Mexico expecting people to speak English.

To those who are calling me ignorant because I don't speak spanish. I have a bachelor's degree and I speak 3 languages and know sign language. Spanish is just one more language I will learn but I don't feel it's right to exempt someone from a job opening because they don't speak a certain language.

As far as moving goes, this is where my husband's family is from and it's a better environment to raise children in. (Just because there are a lot of good role models)

To the girl who is angry because I referred to Mexico and not any other country; Mexico is the closest country and that is why I chose it, so drink some milk and calm down.

Answer 1

That’s true. Why cant you get a good job though, are they only looking for bilingual people?
That is unfair, but since you can’t get them all to move maybe you should relocate. Maybe try and work on other skills that will outshine someone that is bilingual. Or learn a few words to get by and once you get the job they cant fire you for not speaking a second language. In Miami, you really won’t fit in unless you speak Spanish, so a lot of people relocate. I did, even though my first language is Spanish. I agree that people should at least try to learn English if they choose to live in the USA, I did, but it is not easy. Either way, learning a new language can be very fulfilling, for you as well. You have to take action and do something about it because complaining won’t solve anything. I know it’s hard, but something good will come of it. Good luck and I hope you find a good job.

Answer 2

You don't need it; BUT...

The fact is that no matter laws or way of thinking, the entire world is changing, everything is changing. Even if there are many people in USA sayin "hey!, those must learn english, we speak english, bla, bla,bla..." it WON'T change the reality: all around over the world MUST speak at least two languages, obviusly one is english, the other would be that you need to improve your incomes, you culture and your life.

I think you don't "need" to speak spanish to get a good job, but no matter what they say, if it will help you, then why not to learn it? Forget prejudices about what is correct or not, reality is reality.

And guess what? I'm mexican living in México, I have never lived at any english speaking country, BUT speaking another language DOES open opportunities to me, even here in México. I've been in USA, as visitor, and if I couldn't speak english I would be half leaf.

About you don't expect us to speak english, well, maybe not yourself, but many people that has came here doesn't speak spanish, they do expect we speak english. Come on! we are in the same land, we will be neighbords FOREVER.

Answer 3

No. You shouldn't have to be a second class citizen in your own country just because you don't speak Spanish. All business in the United States really should be conducted in English.

This is not a putdown of the Spanish language per se. It is still one of the world's great languages and a beautiful language. However, for all practical purposes, it is not a historical language of the United States any more than French is and can make no special claims on the American citizenry.

Spanish, like any other foreign language, should be taught in our schools as a means of enabling students to be able to read academic writings in that language when they get to college. However, it should not be used as a means of turning them into bilingual citizens in their day to day lives.

Call me parochial or old-fashioned if you will but that is my opinion. Also, I doubt if speaking Spanish would be popular even in France, or Portugal or among Catalonian nationalists who love their Catalán language.

Answer 4

In México and in the hispanic countries in the Americas it's almost for sure that they will ask you for a second language in order to get a good job, and the one they commonly ask for is english. In other words: It's necessary.
The case of Texas is a bit special cause Texas is in the border, and the number of hispanics living there is really big. So the companies look for people who can have communication with the entire market and not to be limited to sell or to offer a service to american origin citizens; hispanics also buy also, ask for services, that's how it works. In this way there's a worry to offer the best to all people.

Answer 5

I agree with you when you say that people who live in the US should try to learn English, but I find quite normal that a company that works in the South of Texas would look for bilingual staff. When I was living in Trento (a city in the North of Italy) to get a job it was necessary to speak both Italian and German and nobody complaint about that. It's just business.

Answer 6

You know what they call someone who speaks 2 languages?

Bilingual.

You know what they call someone who speaks one language?

American.

The parochialism in our country is amazing, and not particularly admirable.

By the way, when you go to Mexico, as a non Spanish speaking person who does not expect Mexicans to speal English, how do you communicate?

Answer 7

It is perfectly fair because English has no official status in the U.S. A company must cater to the language needs of the people it sells to. Period. You're just whining because you didn't take the time to learn Spanish in school when you had the chance to learn it at public expense. If you only know English and want a job, then move somewhere that doesn't have a majority of its population speaking Spanish. Duh.

Answer 8

Say, bubbles, who told you that life is fair ?

Well, back to your question. What you expect or what you think is not very important to those potential employers.

I have the feeling that you live in an irreal world, like when we are children of 5 y/o. But we are supposed to grow out of that and face the real world. If you haven't, then you need help ASAP

Answer 9

Not fair.

What if a U.S. company refused to hire an immigrant (even a LEGAL one) because they didn't speak english ? Lawsuits from here to Sunday over "discrimination".

But, it seems to be a one-way street.

Answer 10

Then learn spanish!