Thread: went to store and no one spoke English

I went to the store today. A dollar store in Ft.Worth Texas. I wanted only one thing. I was looking for a ice chest. When I asked the first worker, she said to look by the flowers. I knew she didnt' understand me. I tried to walk around to look but I was in a hurry. I saw a young man stocking. Surely, he would know where things are located. I asked him where could I find a ice chest in the store? He mumbled some words and said he didnt' speak English. I went to the next person and they couldn't help either because they couldn't understand me. No one could speak English. I mean no one. So how does an American citizen get help in the store. I would expect to have this problem if I went to France because they all speak French. Not my own country. I don't even own a passport and I have never left the country. Yet, my country has become a foreign land. So I guess it's high time I learn a new language since no one can communicate with me in my native land. Where are our rights to communicate. How can those who can't communicate be in public service?

Culture Shock!!!!!!

You must have been on the Northside. It's pretty bad over there. Do me a favor and call ICE and tell them the name of the store!

Dixie

Que dice? No comprende!
What gets to me is that years ago I was talking to a man in Mexico and when I was at a loss for words he switched to English and explained what I was trying to say in spanish and help me learn, I always took it as a sign of respect to try and speak spanish when in Mexico and I expect the same respect here in my own country! I really don't think that is too much to ask.

I think that applies to everyone but the French. I've heard they feel insulted if you don't try to speak to them in English. They prefer good English, over bad French!!!!!!!

Dixie

So I guess it's high time I learn a new language since no one can communicate with me in my native land.

No, please don't do that. That's exactly what they want! We need to make things as difficult as we can for them. I would have complained to the manager. If no manager could have been found, I would have called the home office and complained and informed them that they were being reported. I guess it's safe to assume someone in that store was illegal, especially since none of them claimed to speak English.

Originally Posted by Dixie

I think that applies to everyone but the French. I've heard they feel insulted if you don't try to speak to them in English. They prefer good English, over bad French!!!!!!!

Dixie

Funny... I prefer bad English over good French any day. Then again, maybe it's just the guys at our Paris office that arouse that feeling in me.

CG,

I don't like being spit on either Not to mention all the expressive body language. English is music to my ears!

No, please don't do that. That's exactly what they want!

So true!!.

Dixie

Originally Posted by americansunite

I went to the store today. A dollar store in Ft.Worth Texas. I wanted only one thing. I was looking for a ice chest. When I asked the first worker, she said to look by the flowers. I knew she didnt' understand me. I tried to walk around to look but I was in a hurry. I saw a young man stocking. Surely, he would know where things are located. I asked him where could I find a ice chest in the store? He mumbled some words and said he didnt' speak English. I went to the next person and they couldn't help either because they couldn't understand me. No one could speak English. I mean no one. So how does an American citizen get help in the store. I would expect to have this problem if I went to France because they all speak French. Not my own country. I don't even own a passport and I have never left the country. Yet, my country has become a foreign land. So I guess it's high time I learn a new language since no one can communicate with me in my native land. Where are our rights to communicate. How can those who can't communicate be in public service?

I wonder if you told them you were there to drop off their welfare checks if they would have learned english instantly.

I've started looking them in the eye and ask you don't speak English and walk out. Nice non verbal message. Don't speak English you don't get my money.

Yep, try Miami in some areas.

From my story for the newbies out there.

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-25749-.html

I'm so fed up because the 'last straw' happened to me, while Christmas
shopping. I went into a Cuban owned business. I knew it, didn't even
think about that. (2 of my very best friends are Cuban born, came here
legally as children.) The owner was by himself, and folded his arms, and
said, in Spanish, that he didn't speak English. I said, no problema, yo
habla pocito espanol. He literally stuck his nose in the air and said, in
Spanish, that he didn't like my Spanish. I guess he didn't know how much
Spanish I understand. At this point, a young man, early 30's, very well
dressed and with flawless English, came into the shop, and had heard the
exchange. He said (and this is the last straw) that "your kind doesn't
belong here, we're going to drive your kind out of So. Fl. This is Cuba."
I am not exaggerating, nor kidding. I was floored. Actually struck
speechless, which I thought was impossible. Such hatred. When I had gone
in to buy something! When I told my 2 Cuban (now proud American)
friends...they just looked sick. Of course, the news media would NEVER
check on this, because, oh my goodness, it might make the Cubans angry.
SO WHAT! IF this wasn't just an isolated jerk, if there is such a
movement, shouldn't it be exposed?