Thread: Immigrants flocking to learn English

Whenever I experience something like that I say: qué usted dijo? (what did you say?) Usually that works.

If it doesn't then I say: usted piensa que no entendemos (you think we don't understand) Then that gets me several apologies in English.

Not me-- I just listen and don't give them any indication that I have the slightest clue what they are saying-- in spanish or in arabic. But that doesn't mean I don't remember who said what.

It is rude to speak another language in the presence of others who do not. We all know they do this because they know we do not understand it, as most americans do not speak another language. Many times they are insulting and laughing at us, I know as my son does speak spanish and tells me what they say. Goof on us all you want, however we will have to last say which is to deport all of you

I agree that this is a "feel good" story. If all immigrants both legal and illegal were really clamoring to learn English we would not be having all the bi-lingual problems we have today. Even in my little neck of the woods, SW VA, which is generally speaking rural we have these problems.

Consider too the marches of a few months back. One of the reasons they were able to amass such numbers and at the same time catch many people off guard was promotion and advertising through Spanish media outlets. If English is being learned in such mass numbers why all the Spanish media outlets?

Originally Posted by SpinZone

I agree. Hispanics, particulary the ones from Mexico refuse to assimilate and demand that we change everything in this country to accomodate them. Where do they get off? I am so sick of listening to Spanish being spoken.

Many do want to assimilate. Besides......it's good for a person to learn 2 or more languages. When a person knows many different languages......there is more opportunity with having that knowledge.

Besides......it's good for a person to learn 2 or more languages.

This has nothing to do with being fluent in multiple languages. This is about commonality and what unites us as a country. English is the common language here and the language of our government, schools and business.

Many Latinos are not assimilating as you suggest. That is why this is an issue in the first place. That is not to say that "some" are not.[/quote]

Originally Posted by AlturaCt

Besides......it's good for a person to learn 2 or more languages.

This has nothing to do with being fluent in multiple languages. This is about commonality and what unites us as a country. English is the common language here and the language of our government, schools and business.

Many Latinos are not assimilating as you suggest. That is why this is an issue in the first place. That is not to say that "some" are not.

[/quote]

English should be a language everyone knows......same with Spanish and the same goes with Arabic.

I believe this, we can agree to disagree.

P.S. The Asian language is another really important language we should know as well.

P.S. The Asian language is another really important language we should know as well.

BYW, there are many Asian languages so I'm not sure I understand this?

It is good to be able to speak various languages, I agree, but in the U. S. we speak primarily English (in most areas). We need more unification in this country which includes a common language.

Originally Posted by jean

P.S. The Asian language is another really important language we should know as well.

BYW, there are many Asian languages so I'm not sure I understand this?

It is good to be able to speak various languages, I agree, but in the U. S. we speak primarily English (in most areas). We need more unification in this country which includes a common language.

I agree that when people have "one" language.....it helps us all to overcome certain obstacles.

If perhaps the Creator didn't do what he did with the 'Tower of Babel'.........well.......things would be much easier.....so we should continue to work towards a common language. That being said......those of us who know multiple languages are better off when it comes to opportunity in other parts of the world.

English should be a language everyone knows......same with Spanish and the same goes with Arabic.

I believe this, we can agree to disagree.

P.S. The Asian language is another really important language we should know as well.

I'll agree that there are good reasons for learning other languages. However, I don't believe it's anyone's right to force a language upon me in my country where English is my native tongue (for lack of a better term). If/When I learn another language, I do so by my own personal choice, not because somebody else says so.