[Split] Language in the US

[Marie 73]

Oh cupkate...you are so clearly not from the West. The fact that Spanish is so prevalent is exactly why we voted to make English official.

 

The bilingual programs in Arizona have failed. People are not learning English, and truthfully, have little need to. All government forms are in Spanish and in schools with a bilingual program the kids are taught in Spanish. I was in the classes with Spanish speaking kids in seventh grade and it was horrid. To this day I refuse to learn Spanish because if I moved to Mexico, could I get away with speaking English? No. It's a waste of taxpayer money to print things in Spanish and English. This measure that passed now puts the job of translating on those who don't speak English.

 

I find that fair. If someone moved here from Japan or France they would have to learn the langauge and wouldn't expect things to be printed in their mother tongue. I don't think Spanish speakers should be singled out as special. Wow I sound like a Bush.

[Olivia 26]

I agree with you. It's fine to speak your mother tongue with your family or friends, or even in some parts fo your job, but you need to learn English to get by in this country and it's legal systems and other formal institutions (such as education). Also like Marie mentioned, other immigrants have to learn English too. Even ones that have been in this country for a few generations still had to learn English along with their native language.

[Kaitlin 22]

I disagree, and it is because in many countries people are able to learn more than one language. They do it because in order to communicate with others, it is needed. I wish I was clever at languages. In the area I live in there are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, Mexican, and Egyption people that I am pretty friendly with, and it is very difficult to remember what phrase is said to whom, and how to say things correctly. Most of my friends from other countries can speak English very well, but there are times that there is a confusion, and it would help if we both knew some of each other's language.

 

I've actually had to modify the way I speak... and it's reflected in the weird way I write! I try not to, but it's hard to break the habit. Our country needs to learn that in order to communicate we must try to meet others half way. What's the difference that things are written in Spanish? In many countries things are translated in English for us! It is a double standard.

[Olivia 26]

Marie also mentioned a waste of tax money, which I agree with. And also, the solution to the mutli-culturalism is for every to learn the same language. There are dozens of languages that are spoken in the U.S. but it would be impossible for every single region to double print things in two languages. America has always been multicultural since the first immigratns came, but sometimes the only link the different cultures here have is the English language and the same desires for freedom etc. and all that romanticized crap.

 

In many countries things are translated in English for us! It is a double standard.

 

Those countries probably only have two major language groups then: Native and English-speaking immigrants. Here we have far more than just 2 languages that are spoken, as I've already stated.

 

Besides, America is a world power, our businesses and our military constantly affect the entire world, where you cannot say the same for a country like Mexico or Egypt; so if a country has much dealings with the U.S. whether in economy or other reasons, it helps to be able to speak our language.

[Marie 73]

In many countries things are translated in English for us! It is a double standard.

 

What is translated? If it's tourist crap that doesn't count, because that's not what we voted on in Arizona. We're talking government produced material. If we say that in order to be a citizan of the US you need to learn English, then translate everything into Spanish, why do they need to learn English? Why should my education suffer (which it did) because we need to teach kids to speak English? They need to learn it, yes, but you shouldn't force native speakers to sit with them and relearn seven years of schooling.

 

English is the language of business and money. Simple as that. America is the world power right now, and our defacto language is English. Before us, it was Great Britian and their defacto language was/is English. Also, the English went all over the world forcing their language on the natives, so in those places you'll see English still being used. French is spoken in parts in Africa for this same reason.

 

I plan on having my children learn at least two foreign languages because it's a good thing, and it widens their minds. But learning a foreign language just so you can get a job at McDonald's in your home country, is stupid.

 

Maybe this is a West Coast hot topic, but it is damn right crazy how every year it seems like we're being absorbed back into Mexico. It's also about respect for America. Why is it ok to point out all our faults and forgive other countries? If I moved to France my ass better learn French. If I move to Japan I ain't eating unless I can speak Japanese. But if people want to keep speaking their native tongues in the United States of America it's a-okay?

 

Don't mean to sound heated (I'm not), but the world you painted, Kate, isn't very feasible. There are some people who know 5-7 languages, but that isn't an easy (or cheap) thing to give every child of the USA.

[Vertex 23]

But if people want to keep speaking their native tongues in the United States of America it's a-okay?

 

Actually, me thinks it is like that everywhere... when people move into a country where they speak greek, and everything is new, you'll be happy if some things are in your language. Like bus timetables, they are always in greek for some odd reason.

 

Anyways, it seems like first generation immigrants will always have some troubles mastering a new language while their kiddies will be clever at it... so, me thinks they just need a little time to make babies.

[Marie 73]

I don't think it's wrong to want to speak it, but it seems like it's wrong for Americans to want people to learn English in America.

[Vertex 23]

We got those issues in Sweden too,... it seems we want people to pick up our traditions and language and really become Swedish in all ways as quick as possible. I just think it isn't easy for people to adjust very quickly. Especially if you move into an area where alot of people already speak your native tongue, which alot of people do because they don't feel welcomed in "White areas".

 

And as to goverment forms being printed in their home languages,.. I fear that is needed eventhough that may make people feel less inclined into learning english. Because, otherwise they might just be like "What on earth is this? Might it be one of those orderforms for cheep american homeshopping?" And check everything and then mail one extra time just to ask where the clever steel knives that doesn't stain have gone.

[Ekho 52]

I honestly think its a matter of common courtesy for immigrants to learn the language of the country they are in.

[Tosh 8]

Its common sense to learn the language of the country you live in. How the hell are you supposed to live a good life and get a job etc. etc. If you can't bloody communicate with anybody? Its very short sighted and just plain stupid. I think prejudice plays a big role here. When you just expect and think people are some way and you act accordingly they will probably be transformed into being just what you think they are because theres just no reason to give a fuck anymore.

[Vertex 23]

I honestly think its a matter of common courtesy for immigrants to learn the language of the country they are in.

 

I'm not saying they shouldn't! Just that it is hard for adult people, to learn new languages... especially since it is not only the language that's new. But morals and culture and everything. I can understand if proud people feel all "This is just too much to learn at once! I'm just gonna stick to my old language and pick up the new one as I go."

 

I don't think it is easy to just start a new life in a country you've got nothing in... And learning a new language ontop of that will not be a simple task that you do in a year or two. Maybe some bright people could manage it, if they didn't have to be busy looking for work or working or just making sure your fmaily is settled in and got a place to live.

 

It is just going to take time... and moreover, if you do manage the new language, you are probably still going to have an accent. Which alot of people are gonna look down on anyways, almost as much as if you didn't speak the language at all. So it isn't a very greatfull task, even if you do manage it.

 

I think for people to become completely intergrated in society, it is gonna take a generation... and why argue about that? It is very short in the long term... I mean, there are what? four or five generations every 100 years? And that's like the life span of a parrot *glances at Marie*

 

And besides, it won't hurt people living safely and happily in a country to be a bit friendly to newcomers and go all, "Don't worry, you speak my language much better than I speak yours. Maybe you can teach me how to make that yummy traditonal food from your country?"

 

But people are all like "Stay away from my culture! You'll soil it and make it dirty... and even if you were good to it, it'll still smell because you grewup far far away where people don't believe in god! And why should you believe in god? You can't even speak properly, much less pray! Eww stupid immigrants!"

 

Its common sense to learn the language of the country you live in. How the hell are you supposed to live a good life and get a job etc. etc. If you can't bloody communicate with anybody? Its very short sighted and just plain stupid. I think prejudice plays a big role here. When you just expect and think people are some way and you act accordingly they will probably be transformed into being just what you think they are because theres just no reason to give a fuck anymore.

 

Gosh, such language you use! You can always communicate will fellow humans if you try. I mean, it isn't likely you'll be talking about the finer points of Shakespear anyways. Probably just "Yes, I'd like fries with that" or something because nomatter how well educated immigrants are, they can't get good jobs.

 

I think that eventually everyone will learn the new language good enough to comunicate... but I don't think it is fair of demanding that people learn it at once... or even spend all their time trying to learn it. There are more important things than language *nodnod* Like Santa! You should start by learning about him... and then maybe how to read bus timetables or upload copyrighted material on YouTube.

[Tosh 8]

I'm not expecting them to learn it I'm just saying its stupid not to learn the language of the country you live in. If you don't nobody will understand you when you say "Yes, I'd like fries with that" yes vertex? You won't be able to read the bus timetables either. So if you don't learn the language you are going to have a fuckload of trouble fitting into society.

 

And about immigrants not being able to get jobs, yes that is a problem and I talked a little about it in my post. But it still doesn't get better if you don't know the language.

[Tosh 8]

And why would I like to talk about the finer points of shakespears works when I can just sit back and talk about how very fucked up the world and society is with other people like me? Too bad it is so hard to find people like me in the real world. Or maybe its good. I don't know, I'll let you be the judge of that

 

I wonder what you call people like me anyway.

[Tosh 8]

Oh and as for Santa.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7410917875860931969&amp.%20

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3250058353113102779&.

[Kaitlin 22]

There are more important things than language *nodnod* Like Santa! You should start by learning about him... and then maybe how to read bus timetables or upload copyrighted material on YouTube.

 

I think I may love you.

 

I agree with what you have said, especially about it being hard when looking for work and settling in. Yes, that is a good way to put things.