Thread: Press 1 to continue in English

I have had enough! Terrorist threats, millions of illegal aliens entering our country, countries that want to destroy us, an inept Congress…. Where does it all end and what can I do about it?

And then I call my best vendor to order something. An automated phone system answers in English and forces me to “Press 1 to continue in English”. Why in America should I have to choose between English and a foreign language?

So I wrote them a nice letter. They thought about the issue then changed their system to default to English without the additional key press. I was amazed and very pleased because they responded as any American company should. A very patriotic move in my opinion.

I think I am on to something. You write a company about a simple change to their phone system and in the process you make them aware of a much larger issue. If they take action, the whole company becomes aware of the issue and how it impacts their life all the way down to a simple key press on an automated phone system.

You try it. If you get the “Press 1 to continue in English” or similar prompt on an automated phone system, send them a letter or e-mail like the one below.


To Whom It May Concern:

Your automated phone systems answers in English so why force your largest customer base to press a key to continue in English? With all the foreign threats against our country why would any American company force us to choose between English and a foreign language?

An automated phone system should be setup by default to use the native language of the country it serves. It should provide foreign language prompts and key selections for those that don’t speak the native language. This simple approach is logical, fair and shows that a company understands and respects the country’s culture and its citizens.

The only foreign language choice offered on your system is Spanish. With over 10 million illegal aliens here from Mexico, I guess you have a lot of customers that can’t speak English. Let them press a key to change the language.

I have the greatest admiration for the effort your company takes to provide the best customer support possible. I only request that you follow the lead of other American companies and change your phone systems to default to English without a key press. Don’t force us to shop somewhere else.

Best Regards,

Wait it out, fuss at the Spanish phone bank and make then transfer you to the English system. Make them press one to send you to English. I have started saying, every time I get one of those systems, "I don't appreciate pressing one for English, this is America" and if it applies "I'm taking my business elsewhere".

Dixie