I 'm talking about those legally here. I don't know what 'problem' you're refering to. I don't see any problems caused by those who don't speak fluent english. The remark abotu them having more of a reight to be there was me insulting you, not part of my argument. Also, I think things should be provided in other languages as well, I just chose spanish because it is 2nd most common. And also the fact htat a bit over half of all foreigners movinghere are from latin america. The no speaking spanish rule is still bullshit regardless of any incident of some kid saying puta. Also, the no. 1 enforcer of this rule at the school was also the spanish teacher. So, she could fully understand them, and they knew this. Idk, they still could have had their languages and culture if they hadn't been forbidden from using them or wearing traditional clothes, other things. I just brought that up cuz it reflects the no spanish in school thing and is often a consequence of the 'SPEAK ENGLISH. DAMN IT ' mentality.

As it seems more of an inconvenience to those that do not know english not to learn it, I don't think it should be required. If they truly have a desire to succeedein a country in which English is spoken en masse, then learning the language is just something they need to do.

Should we expect everyone in America to speak English? No. Should non English speakers expect language adaptations by American citizens to suit their needs? No. The only adaptation that should be made in regard to language is official documentation and other such important documents.

This might seem like a silly question, but how do you know? Did you not learn English when you were younger?

Anyways, if we were to cater the spanish speakers, then we should cater to all the other people who speak different languages! Hell, let's stick Polish on every advertisement and hey, while we are at it, lets add greek!

Sure, spanish speakers are a larger minority, but the key word here is minority. Thing is, most immigrants speak another language, but they don't seem to have a problem learning English. I have no problem with people talking in broken english, since they are trying to fit in. Hell, I have no problem with people talking in spanish or any other language (I suck at learning languages, so I can somewhat feel for them), but don't expect to come over to a country where the main language is english and tack on your own language.

When my great grandmother came over, and she didn't learn english, so she had to rely on my family to help her out, and life was difficult (actually, she might have known how to read english or something, since she used to hang signs from her neck to communicate, but I can't recall if the signs were in English or Lithuanian...). My grandfather had immense pride in his country of origin, but he still spoke in english.

Plus, if that ever did happen, I'm sure people who spoke German or Hindi or whatever would also complain.

Wherever the money is, that's where the language is expected.

If I was moving to a foreign country, I'd attempt to learn the language. I wouldn't expect to be able to really do anything otherwise.

EDIT: Also, if someone came into either restraunt where I work and tried to order in another language, I'd tell them to speak english, point to what they want, or they're not getting any damn food.

Ugh.

So, to address the original question: Should people in America be expected to speak english?

Yes, to the degree that you can function on a day-to-day basis where you live. That is what other countries expect and so should the U.S., but how can we even enforce anything if only a couple states made english the official language?

I don't feel sorry for people that move to another country and then expect everyone else to change their ways so they can "preserve" their native language. Especially when they think they can get a job there dealing with customers that speak the country's native language.

I can't go to Quiznos without getting my order screwed up because the fucking worker doesn't know what CHEESE is. Is that my problem? FUCK NO.

Look people, the languages of the world are going to evolve whether you like it or not. The French tried to outlaw slang, but it just doesn't work like that. People travel and learn new words here and there. German adopted many french words because it "sounded cool". It just happens. Migration requires adaptation.

My relatives in Germany speak several languages. It is built into their school system and into the school systems of the countries surrounding them. It is important to know the languages of your neighboring countries, but that is a two way road. And it isn't fair to just let one country slide by while the other does all the work.

I live in California and I had to learn spanish in elementary school. So why is it so hard to expect mexicans to learn english? Oh, because their country is too poor? Their education system sucks? Why is that our problem?

Brilliant.

No. why?

Because America = North American + south america.

Your point is decent for the most part, but your "entitled American whiner" attitude is why debates like this get so vicious.

Oh, and you answered your own question in the last paragraph. You learned a second language in elementary school. Why can't Mexicans do that? Because their education system sucks? Stop, you're making sense without even meaning to.

edit: bonus points for responding with 'ugh' when you bump a month-old topic

Does anyone consider the fact that this "they can't speak our language" shit
isn't tolerated in other countries? Try moving to France without speaking French. Especially if you're poor. Good luck!


And fuck what you said about "entitled American whiner". In America, expecting service in English is a reasonable expectation.

hey jerk I agree with her point but the "I can't even get cheese on my sandwich! FUCK!" as her main debate point makes her look silly. of course carlos should be able to speak enough english to work at quiznos.

Then why doesn't he?

And of course I answered my own question. That was the point. Maybe you should read that sentence a few more times.

Is there some ban on topics over 2 weeks old or something? I believe there is this wonderful option called "forum pruning" and the admin could use it if it bothers you or anyone else that people actually post in threads. k?

Good. I thought you were going to side with Sandpaper.

I agree with your stance on it so I really don't want to rehash it. But your last paragraph was ridiculous. Why can't Mexicans learn English? Their education system sucks and their country is poor. Why is that our problem? Because they come to America to try to get a better education for their kids and make more money, but they can't speak English. Why can't they speak English? etc etc etc etc. Making some law (official language anybody?) that says everyone has to speak English isn't going to do shit because illegals won't be subject to such laws and they get employed in jobs like that. All I'm saying is when you take into account that the problem is more complicated than you not getting cheese on your sandwich, it looks pretty silly.

And post in whatever topic you like, but saying "ugh" before typing up a response to a topic that had been left alone for a month is dumb. Really.

First of all, I'm sorry for insulting your intelligence with "ugh". If I'd have known YOU were here, I would have begun my post with something like "Please don't read if you are menstrating" or something like that.

Second, I can use whatever example I want to show how relevant an issue this is. If you don't like it, then don't read anything I post.

She had a valid point, backed by a simple anecdote we can relate to, and she answered the topic post without really straying off. As much as I'd like to be a dick, I can't find anything wrong with what she said. :-/

First, let me say you continue to completely miss my point with talking about how you said "ugh." Also:

You spelled menstruating wrong. Additionally, your cunty jab at me was noticed and appreciated. And this whole "don't read it if you don't like it" shit is dumb. How can I know that your point is hilarious if I don't read it? Also yeah you can use whatever example you want and I can call it dumb. Don't feed the trolls?

I can see this debate has not advanced any further since my last post.

Simple mathematics people - we can't accomodate EVERY ethnicity, so THEY must accomodate US to live here. Think about it - what makes the Hispanics so special? Why can't government forms be in Czech, Afrikaan, Swahili, Chinese, etc?

It's simply too much. Either you learn English, or you can't stay here. Hell, you basically can't stay ANYWHERE without english, seeing as it has basically become the lingua franca of modern times.

Which isn't to say you can't speak whatever language you want in private as the thoughtpolice is a bad idea in ANY country.

STORMING THROUGH ID LIKE MY NAME WAS EL NINO
HANGIN' OUT PONTIFICATING IN THE BACK OF AN EL CAMINO

yeah you're obviously right and stuff though

Just to make you think, they're special, because they outnumber (BY FAR!) anyone speaking the languages you give examples of.