Should we be forced to be bilingual in our own country?
So many job descriptions of late require applicants to speak Spanish and English. The last time I checked this was America, and America is an English-speaking country. Why is it we have to know Spa...
So many job descriptions of late require applicants to speak Spanish and English. The last time I checked this was America, and America is an English-speaking country. Why is it we have to know Spanish to write for an English-speaking publication? To work at any local business that does not deal directly with Spanish-speaking countries? Even an office assistant in a doctor's office is required to speak both languages... They even tried to make Spanish the primary language in some South Florida schools. I am sure there are other similar circumstances in other parts of the country as well.
It is my opinion, if people come here they need to learn to speak English. We did not go to their country they came to ours. And if we had moved to their country, then we should learn their language. I don't think it is right to "require" people to know Spanish or any other language for a job in the US that does not directly deal with other countries. (more)
It is my opinion, if people come here they need to learn to speak English. We did not go to their country they came to ours. And if we had moved to their country, then we should learn their language. I don't think it is right to "require" people to know Spanish or any other language for a job in the US that does not directly deal with other countries. (more)
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No! We speak English in the States thanks.
While it is nice to know more than one language, making it a requirement for employment in the USA is unacceptable. If people want to retain their own language when they immigrate to the USA, that's fine but they must learn English if they plan on staying here.
My wife and her family immigrated to the USA many years ago and she is not only fluent in English, but also Italian and Spanish as well. When people come up to her speaking Spanish, she ignores them and finds that most of them CAN actually speak English when they have to. This just reinforces my theory that these people just want us to convert to their language instead of them learning ours.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you immigrate to another country, you are declaring your desire to become a citizen of that country. As such, it is YOUR responsibility to learn the language of that country and to assimilate to the culture. If you don't feel that you want to, for what ever reason, then you can move right back to wherever you came from and retain your own culture and language. If a person moves to Canada, they are required to learn both English AND French since those are the official languages of Canada. If you want to immigrate to Italy, you learn Italian, France-French, Germany-German, so why has it ... While it is nice to know more than one language, making it a requirement for employment in the USA is unacceptable. If people want to retain their own language when they immigrate to the USA, that's fine but they must learn English if they plan on staying here.
My wife and her family immigrated to the USA many years ago and she is not only fluent in English, but also Italian and Spanish as well. When people come up to her speaking Spanish, she ignores them and finds that most of them CAN actually speak English when they have to. This just reinforces my theory that these people just want us to convert to their language instead of them learning ours.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you immigrate to another country, you are declaring your desire to become a citizen of that country. As such, it is YOUR responsibility to learn the language of that country and to assimilate to the culture. If you don't feel that you want to, for what ever reason, then you can move right back to wherever you came from and retain your own culture and language. If a person moves to Canada, they are required to learn both English AND French since those are the official languages of Canada. If you want to immigrate to Italy, you learn Italian, France-French, Germany-German, so why has it become OPTIONAL to learn English when people immigrate, legally or illegally, to The United States of America? It's time we take our country back from the invaders that refuse to respect our culture, diversity and language. We didn't move to their country, they came to ours so, why then must we learn THEIR language to retain employment in OUR country? (more)
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
No way, this makes me sick. You wouldn't go to Mexico and expect them to learn english so they could communicate with you.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Its not only not fair!! it's racist that as an american i can't get a job because I cant speak spanish!!No! We speak English in the States thanks.
I do not think speaking anything but english is what should be spoken in America as the main language. No matter where you travel, other countries hold fast to their language, as should we do as Americans.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Yeah, it makes me furious when employers do the "bilingual in spanish prefered thing." Screw them. People, learn your Spanish enough to get the job because you won't use it in the job anyway. In my experience, I did this, studied for months and learned, and went out with bright eyes to find out that the Spanish- speakers will look down on you and ask how and why you know how to speak Spanish, where you're from, and will look for one of their own. Yes, they refused to speak to me in Spanish or in English b/c I am not of their nationality.It is discrimination, but not always on purpose by employers who want to reach as big a pool as they can. It's an exploitation on the part of all the barely educated Spanish speakers who come to milk the system in U.S.A. and refuse to learn English. How many times I've gone into some business and no one would speak English to me! So don't cry to me about the importance of reaching out to all people- that's crap that certain people say to get themselves in the door and feel entitled to way more than they actually deserve.
Citizens first. Not a one of us can go to any other country and get by without speaking their language. It is true that the unskilled native Spanish- speakers benefit the low wage/no benefit type of employer. But believe y... Yeah, it makes me furious when employers do the "bilingual in spanish prefered thing." Screw them. People, learn your Spanish enough to get the job because you won't use it in the job anyway. In my experience, I did this, studied for months and learned, and went out with bright eyes to find out that the Spanish- speakers will look down on you and ask how and why you know how to speak Spanish, where you're from, and will look for one of their own. Yes, they refused to speak to me in Spanish or in English b/c I am not of their nationality.
It is discrimination, but not always on purpose by employers who want to reach as big a pool as they can. It's an exploitation on the part of all the barely educated Spanish speakers who come to milk the system in U.S.A. and refuse to learn English. How many times I've gone into some business and no one would speak English to me! So don't cry to me about the importance of reaching out to all people- that's crap that certain people say to get themselves in the door and feel entitled to way more than they actually deserve.
Citizens first. Not a one of us can go to any other country and get by without speaking their language. It is true that the unskilled native Spanish- speakers benefit the low wage/no benefit type of employer. But believe you me, some get paid nicely (above and below the table in all companies and industries). Spanish speakers want so many benefits in U.S., why don't they put their lives on the line in their own country like Americans forefathers did, Black and white, to get their rights in their own country and speak Spanish there?
I'm a conversational in three languages L.A. girl. So I get to respond when some low-lives try to get away with insulting others assuming that they are not being understood. Bilingualism in Spanish (and as many languages as you'd like to learn) is a beautiful thing, but I believe is largely a scam nowadays in the U.S. (more)
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Wouldn't mind it too much, if the bilinguals would attempt to learn english then I would refresh my spanish skills if I go to their countries to get a job. BTW, I live in Utah, so these concerns look as it they are across the United States of America.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
No, but it is always better to speak at least another language, it is good to get a better job; for example here in Miami is really hard to find a good job for those that don't speak Spanish, but I still think that the ones who comes here to the United States should learn English.English is beautiful. Don't you think so?
Yes! We should cater to people speaking other languages, even if it means not getting a job.
I have no pity for those who aren't bilingual. I put in the years in high school and college to become bilingual because I had foresight. I knew that the native Spanish speaking population would only increase so I made myself marketable. If you really think that all the business in the USA, a country of immigrants, should be conducted in one language, then you deserve to be turned away and see your job given to someone else who has the skills you do not.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
This is something that I really feel passionate about. I think its horrible for people to go through several years of school including college to get a degree in hopes of being successful because they took that extra step only to be told that you don't meet the minimum requirements. Who would have have known that if you have a degree and want a job in the United States of America you would have to be bilingual? I have a degree in public health and almost every job that i see require you to be bilingual in both english and spanish. I feel like I should only need or want to learn another language because it's something that's of interest to me, not because I want a job so I need to know how to speak another language. The primary language spoken in the US is english, so if people want to come over here then they should be willing to adapt to what's going on. If I go to another country I don't think that country will make it mandatory for it's citizens to learn english to accomodate me. And then you have these jobs who are hiring people who speak spanish fluently, but speak broken english (and as an American who speaks english, I can't understand them). To me this is really not cool and somethings really need to change.Yes! We should cater to people speaking other languages, even if it means not getting a job.
Companies such as mine or other international companies that have communications outside of the US have every right to expect you to be able to not only speak English, but the language of the country you must call and communicate with.For instance our company has an office in the United States and one in Central America, it makes sense that you be able to speak in Spanish if you have to call Central America. It is a job requirement just like having a driver´s license. If you do not have a driver´s license you do not get the delivery job no matter how much you want it.
This topic is questioning whether we should cater to those people who come to the US and refuse to learn English or whether they should be forced to assimilate into society (at least that's how I take it).
My view, (I believe it has been said before) is if you go to Germany, Italy, France, Russia, or any other country will they expect you to learn their language in order to communicate with them? The answer is YES. YOU will have to adapt to THEIR language, not the other way around. If you want to be here and work here in America, learn English. We should not be forced to learn a language just because people are too lazy to learn ours.
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
I understand the need for cultural diversity and such, but when it comes down to it, not everyone has the capacity to learn another language. The only additional language that was offered to me in high school was Spanish and we were only required to take 1 semester of it. Our Spanish teacher taught "proper Spanish" which is of no use while trying to talk to someone who is from Mexico. Not all schools are equipped to teach this.Now, I am at a point where I am in desperate need of a job, and because I am not bilingual, it is getting harder and harder for me to find one. If you want to speak your native language, that is perfectly fine. I FIRMLY believe that if you want to live in the United States, you should HAVE to learn basic English before you are given citizenship. If you are here illegally, then we should not have to cater to your needs. The people of the United States should not be punished just because we cannot speak someone else's language and we DEFINITELY should not be denied a job because we are not bilingual, even if we are better qualified than someone who has no experience, and no education and they are still preferred for the job just because they can speak another language.
I am by no means racist, I love diversity. I just think this is unfair.
Undecided
I think if people are going to live here, where English is the primary language, they should learn English. On the other hand, it would not hurt for us to be sympathetic to their lack of the English language. It is only that a language barrier, people still reserve the right to be treated equally.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
moderated...No! We speak English in the States thanks.
In Illinois, I've been searching for an Office Coordinator, Office Manager, Customer Service, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Personal Assistant, Executive Personal Assistant, Executive Administrative Assistant and/or a Secretarial position for the past 18 months, to no avail. I have over 20+ years experience, and all I ever hear is that I'm over qualified or that they are looking for bilingual. Enough is enough! I have need of employment to save my house. So, don't tell me that bilingual should be a job requirement in the United States of America, WE SPEAK ENGLISH HERE.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
But in Miami, Florida Spanish has taken over thanks to the government giving them everything they need. I was born her and don't have it that easy.Yes! We should cater to people speaking other languages, even if it means not getting a job.
I think this is a great opportunity for Americans to learn a language other than English. If they go to a European country they'd find Americans are not often known to be bilingual, it's quite sad since most countries have people who speak at least two. There is always a bright side to things.No! We speak English in the States thanks.
I agree. I think that it is rediculous that in a once primarily English speaking country, English speakers who do not speak spanish, are being forced out of the job market. It's like an American going to Japan and demanding that everyone begin speaking English because Japanese is "too hard". If you want to live in a country where the primary language is Spanish, then go to a Spanish speaking country. Do not come here and take away the jobs of the average American. The American who was born here or became a citizen and took the time out to learn the language there. If I were to decide one day that I wanted to move to france, I'd take the time to become a speaker of the french language and not try to change the country.Basically what I'm saying is this: If you're going to live here, learn English. If not, then go back and speak the language you'd like to speak.
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
American education cannot be all things for all people. I do not think it is right that we should cater to other languages, just to be able to get a job. Of course it is nice to know another language, but I feel that should be optional, not mandatory. If we continue being so obsessed with learning other cultures and catering to other cultures language, etc, what will it mean to be American anymore?Yes! We should cater to people speaking other languages, even if it means not getting a job.
It's not impossible to learn a second language. And it comes in handy. My first language is English, but I've learnt French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and a bit of Japanese. Especially in a world as small as ours today, knowing more than one language is key. But what do I know, I'm just some dumb Canadian chick who's been forced to learn a second language.Undecided
Just a thought, but do any of you speak Navajo?No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Our country was founded on the principles important to all Americans and no American should be forced or required to speak spanish in the United States because as far as many of us see it, English has always been the official language of the United States and Mr. Obama threatens to force Americans to speak spanish?What other ridiculous changes, is this Kenyan promising? That many of us disagree with because if this is an indication of the changes Obama threatens to bring, then people, voters, and all minorities, need to take a second look at what a foreign candidate who refused to use his middle name because its Muslim, or Hussein, can cause our country and or the national security of the country.
Because after all, Americans are well aware Mr. Obama has no experience and has dealt the race card and is trotting around the world as if he was president, thinking and taking our votes for granted, and trying to fly the plane in which he traveled, with an Obama flag, because I understand that Obama had to be reminded the plane had to fly the American flag, and this is very very very scary to me as an American, who will not vote for Obama under no circumstances.
Why should Americans be faced with the threat of forcing them to speak spanish because a Kenyan raised in Indonesia a... Our country was founded on the principles important to all Americans and no American should be forced or required to speak spanish in the United States because as far as many of us see it, English has always been the official language of the United States and Mr. Obama threatens to force Americans to speak spanish?
What other ridiculous changes, is this Kenyan promising? That many of us disagree with because if this is an indication of the changes Obama threatens to bring, then people, voters, and all minorities, need to take a second look at what a foreign candidate who refused to use his middle name because its Muslim, or Hussein, can cause our country and or the national security of the country.
Because after all, Americans are well aware Mr. Obama has no experience and has dealt the race card and is trotting around the world as if he was president, thinking and taking our votes for granted, and trying to fly the plane in which he traveled, with an Obama flag, because I understand that Obama had to be reminded the plane had to fly the American flag, and this is very very very scary to me as an American, who will not vote for Obama under no circumstances.
Why should Americans be faced with the threat of forcing them to speak spanish because a Kenyan raised in Indonesia and born in Hawaii, wants to run our country upside down? Obama should know that its going to take a lot more to get the Mexican vote besides making the ludicrous suggestion that Americans have to learn Spanish which goes to show to what extreme and lengths, this Kenyan is willing to go where I can tell Mr. Obama, this latina, here in Texas, is not fooled by the Obama camp and tactics and manipulations to brainwash the country, got that Obama? YOU MAY FOOL THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, BUT YOU DIDN';T FOOL TEXAS.
God help this country, should this Kenyan anti white racist bigot, rapes his way into the white house with the dirty race card, Obama has dealt but latinos want to play it safe and most latinos know the meaning of experience determines the outcome of the future of our country and latinos need to take a step back and take a second look at the Kenyan, who in comparison to the experience of John McCain, has nothing, and zero experience to run the American presidency to the point of trying to make us think, that a trip to Europe gives ANYBODY! the experience necessary to be an American President, and I am sorry fools, but Obama is not that president. (more)
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Hell No!!You want to speak your own language , stay in your country!!!Undecided
forced..no but it is never a bad idea to learn something newUndecided
when our ancestors came here, they did not bother to learn the language of the people they encountered. they made them learn the language of the people who raped their land and destroyed the old societal structures. when we visit other nations, out of courtesy to the people there, we need to make the attempt to learn, yes, but we cannot do this without people there who also can understand us and help us to muddle through. when people come here, they need that same help. english is a very difficult language to learn because it is a germanic language with a forced latin grammatik and cognates from so many world languages. if we want people to learn, we have to do the same thing we do in any learning situation- we have to be willing to lend a hand and help them.speaking multiple languages with any company makes you a valuable employee, able to work with a larger clientele and you have greater earning power for the company. if you want a job, you fulfil their requirements. if that job wants two languages and you really want that job, then do what they ask. it is the same in any field- if you want the part, you rehearse and you do what you have to in order to get it.
the world won't adapt to you, you have to adapt to it.
This is a complex issue we could argue for hours. My views are here because of my experiences, yours from yours. I would not be so arrogant to assume that I am going to change your mind, nor you mine, in a SodaHead discussion ;) .
No! We speak English in the States thanks.
Why does there need to be a legally recognized language in this country for people to understand that we speak -ENGLISH- in the USA? If you're coming here to stay, learn English or do us all a favor and don't!No! We speak English in the States thanks.
we are expected to no the language of other countries if we live there or even visit so it should be the same hereYes! We should cater to people speaking other languages, even if it means not getting a job.
Why not? You will definitely get far in life. Instead of being stubborn why not take a chance? Thats whats wrong with America now...if other countries can speak two languages why can't we?