Should foreigners be made to learn English and speak it when in a job setting.
No offense, but I just find it rude when sitting down and next thing you know you hear either Spanish, french, Japanese or some other language. And you don't have a clue what they are talking about. They could be talking about you and you wouldn't have a clue or when they are talking in English first then you walk in and then its their language.
Should there be a law stating English shall be spoken in all public places.
2007-12-01 11:53:44 · 47 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Foreigners living in America should ABSOLUTELY, NO QUESTION ABOUT IT SPEAK ENGLISH!!!!
2007-12-01 11:56:20 · answer #1 · answered by j b 5 · 11⤊ 13⤋
The United States does not have an official language. The need to speak and understand English is an important incentive for immigrants to learn the language that most people talk. However expecting immigrants to learn English just because some don't have a clue what they are talking about is racism. If you want to know what other people are talking about, you have to start multi-language lessons right away, and don't expect other people solve your "I don't understand" problem.
Don't forget to take Sign Language lessons as well.
2007-12-01 12:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by Moiris 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We are an English speaking country, but I do not believe there should be a law about speaking English in public places - people can converse with each other as they wish. In the American workplace however I feel it should be required, except where the business relationship is international (you an American worker calling a Foreign co-worker in their country). It is to the benefit of a foreigner to know English when in America, they need to be able to read the fine print (and Americans love fine print). But I am not offended if I cannot understand what language someone next to me is speaking - especially if they are not speaking to me. I am free to learn and understand any language I choose as an American, I can understand them if I really want to. And of course it is also quite appropriate for Americans to learn the languages of the places they visit if we expect the same.
2007-12-01 12:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by M 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There should never be a law stating english must always be spoken in public places- that goes against what America means to so many people. While things may be ugly for us with the war, Bush etc, at the same time America should be accepting of people from other countries. If we are to accept we are also respecting his/her culture and not forcing our views upon them. In a work setting, I would expect a certain amount of english to be known so the worker can communicate with others who only speak english. If the job has many people speaking different languages, don't be so uptight and think they are always talking about you. Ignore it and be happy you are surrounded by people from all over the world- you'll learn something. Plus one doesn't need to know everything about their co-workers or what they are constantly talking about- gossip is created that way.
2007-12-01 12:02:33 · answer #4 · answered by RJ 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
No. If you want to understand what other people are talking about, you have to learn their language. Or you can stay in your home country all your life. Languages are the most useful things you can learn. Most young people can speak at least two languages. Most high school have foreign language requirement. I do not you can survive this modern world with just one language. I heard that French people would ignore you, if you ask them question in English in Paris.
2007-12-01 12:09:08 · answer #5 · answered by OKIM IM 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you're in an English country, then you should be speaking English. Its rude to do otherwise. But its the same thing as being in a Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, etc, country. If you're in the country, you should be speaking the language.
However, English is the most prevalent language in the world so it would be a good idea to know English no matter where you go.
2007-12-01 12:09:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
What you are asking and what you are talking about are two different things. Speaking English in the business environment for work makes sense. Requiring people to only speak English in the workplace is problematic. (Btw, was spelling French with a small "f" a Freudian slip?)
Objectively, what's wrong with people speaking in another language? If you are worried about people discussing negative things about you, would you feel better if they were whispering? It would be oppressive in my humble opinion to pass a law requiring English in the public arena.
2007-12-01 12:02:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, everyone who lives here should know and be able to speak English. It should be mandatory at work and where ever communication is critical. It should be recognized as our National Language. On the other hand if they are with friends or at home on their own time then all have the freedom to speak the language of their choice.
2007-12-01 12:07:13 · answer #8 · answered by norcal_explorer 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Ummm im not so sure about laws, but as far as us learning languages for them, thats just satupid. If we went to any other country ( besides english speaking ones) we would be forced to learn their language or not understand a word they said. Here in America, we are welcoming illegal immagrents and saying " well you dont have to learn our language, we will just make stores everywhere have to have signs." which is complete bull. So maybe a law isnt needed, but more of a guidance to learn our language. This is our country, we have the right to keep our customs.
2007-12-01 11:59:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
When we go to other countries, many of us still speak English!
Maybe they find it rude when you're visiting their country to be addressed in a foreign language.
Have you ever been to another country?
2007-12-03 09:56:26 · answer #10 · answered by Emma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What's up,Doc?
I felt the same way you do, until one day I heard two young-ish Buddhist nuns talking. One was Chinese I think and the other one I'm sure was Tibetan --so their only common language was Mandarin.
Which I speak and read poorly.
They were saying that I looked "cute/lovable" in my short pants!
I have never minded people speaking another language in my presence since then.
Besides, what about tourists? "Don't visit until you're fluent"?
Uh... why is this question in religion and spirituality?
2007-12-01 12:13:47 · answer #11 · answered by fr.peter 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋