We speak ENGLISH , not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language.
Therefore, if you wish to become part
of our society, learn the language!
This has got to be one of the most ignorant things I have ever heard in my life. Language for many people is at the very core of their culture, meaning that a language isn’t just words and sounds. Many cultures place heavy meaning in their language.
Many people come to this country because they have to, they have to find a way to support their family or they need to find more/better opportunities, not necessarily wanting to. Being able to speak their own language is a way for them to stay in tune with the world they left behind. Saying that they must learn our language is a very imperialistic viewpoint. Many refuse or do not attempt to learn English because they do not wish to be part of our society. Those that do embrace the ‘American way of life’ usually tend to learn the language and become successful.
Okay, this got to be one of the dumbest post ever written. I am an immigrant myself! I came to the US at the age of 2 so therefore the only culture I know is America. I love everything about America and its system, but I donot want to forget where I came from. I dont know what part of the 3rd world you are talking about, but not everyone wants to leave their country. My family didnt just pack up leave Cambodia to a better place, we were forced out of our own **** country to stay ALIVE!! How would you feel, a married couple who is just starting a family and is being hunt down by some ignorant ****ed people?! Why should we only adapt to the country’s culture, what is wrong with keeping our own identity? My great grandma doesnt know how to speak english nor does my grandparents but it doesnt mean that they dont respect the american’s culture. Dont come off and talk about who disrespect who when you are writing about something such as this!
If you must know, all this move was during the Khmer Rouge invasion!! Ever heard of them? If not, I highly recommend all of you to pick a history book. It will come in handy.
To those who this disagree with this topic, I thank you and glad to know there are kind people in this country. Take care.
You know the biggest reason that so many people in this country don’t speak english is that the US does not have a national language. If you go to any other country in the world and go to a government office, the documents will be in there native (national) language. In the US you can get documents in multiple languages. Hell the DMV here in Los Angeles you can take your driving test in over 50 different languages. America has always catered to the immigrant, by not having a national language we haven’t done much to force anyone to learn it. They can if they want to, but why should they if they can do everything in there native language.
In regards to all the posts that bring up the “must learn english” side of the debate. Go to a country that isn’t native english and see how well you do. Granted english is a fairly predominant language, but countries like Korea…which speak Korean…will not cater to your english ways. You will have to learn Korean if you wish to survive there. You know you can own/operate/run a business in the US and not speak a lick of english. How does that make any sense. Try that in Japan.
Nobody is saying to forget who you are or where you came from…but at least learn the language of the culture that your now a part of.
