do you think you are being discriminated against

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

when a job lists one of the requirements as being bilingual?

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/52802378/ShowThread.aspx#52802378

I was reading the above post and I was surprised anyone thought we needed English to be an official language. After all, we took this land from the native americans so if we need an offical language, a native american dialect would be more accurate

nomadica · May 2011

No, I do not feel discriminated against for that. If you are going to serve certain areas or populations, another language may be vital. I do feel stupid for taking 6 years of Latin and not learning Spanish and I kick myself over it.

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

nomadica:
No, I do not feel discriminated against for that. If you are going to serve certain areas or populations, another language may be vital. I do feel stupid for taking 6 years of Latin and not learning Spanish and I kick myself over it.

My kids took latin in school. I'm still crossing my fingers for a come back.

StrawberryAlarmClock · May 2011

::replying as if I were monolingual::

No more than I'd feel discriminated against if a job asked that I have medical experience or could type 60 wpm. They need someone bilingual. Ya est?.

StrawberryAlarmClock · May 2011

yankeebaby2:

nomadica:
No, I do not feel discriminated against for that. If you are going to serve certain areas or populations, another language may be vital. I do feel stupid for taking 6 years of Latin and not learning Spanish and I kick myself over it.

My kids took latin in school. I'm still crossing my fingers for a come back.

They started updating Latin when I was in school. A committee came up with words like elevator and microwave. I think it?s on it?s way back.

RadicalDreamer143 · May 2011

No, but I do feel bad for a friend that sent in a resume for an admin. asst. job and was then asked for a professional headshot, lol. Considering it wasn't for a front desk position, she wondered if she was applying for a job for Hef.

RedWingsFan · May 2011

Nope, I don't.

I just assume it's a necessity for the position due to the client base or location, and that's that. Just like jobs that call for "x" years of experience or graduation from a top-tier school.

ashnoelle · May 2011

that post is redic.

I broadly agree that you should learn the language where you live, but then,as you said Yank, we wouldn't be speaking English...

ali_bl-nov05 · May 2011

Nope, not at all. Certain jobs requiere certain qualifications, that's all.

txbabs111 · May 2011

Um, no. I would consider bilingualism as being in the same category as having a certain degree or other skills needed for the job. That is not discrimination. You have a choice to be bilingual or not.

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

My job requires that I know calculus. What's the difference?

aocain02@yahoo.com · May 2011

Not at all. It would be helpful at times if I could speak Spanish a little better since most of what I remember is related to the hotel industry and dirty words. Thank you Marriott housekeeping staff!

gumiberg · May 2011

oh geez. what kind of work is the OP looking for?

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

To answer your question, no, I don't feel I'm being discriminated against because I assume there is a reason for it. Part of the qualifications of that job.

HOWEVER - and this may be an UO -- I do think we need to make English our official language. I say this as a mixed ethnic person with strong Native American heritage. I do not like the feeling of going into some neighborhoods and feeling like I'm a foreigner and I can't get along because I don't know the language. In NY, you find that alot. Mind you, I'm not saying just spanish, but all languages.

Nobody can argue that this country's primary language is English. I believe it should be our official language and the law indicates that all correspondance be offered in English -- but can also be offered in any other language you want.

In other words, if I go into a store, I can expect to communicate in English and read English signs. But the proprietor of the store can choose to also communicate in Spanish or Mandarin or whatever to another customer who preferes that language.

I don't think that's so horrible. I dont understand why it would be a big deal, honestly.

wordtoyourmother · May 2011

I speak both English and Spanish but would not get considered by several companies because German wasn't on the list.

On the flip side my mother's English is atrocious. She couldn't get a job anywhere because it was obvious Spanish was her native tongue.

So she changed her approach and started landing interviews for companies that did a lot of business with Latin and South America. Her line of work is in the Accounting field. Her limited English wasn't considered as something bad per se

Point is, if you're missing a skill like knowing a second language don't be upset to find many doors in the job field being closed on you.

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

RedWingsFan · May 2011

kscarlett5683:

To answer your question, no, I don't feel I'm being discriminated against because I assume there is a reason for it. Part of the qualifications of that job.

HOWEVER - and this may be an UO -- I do think we need to make English our official language. I say this as a mixed ethnic person with strong Native American heritage. I do not like the feeling of going into some neighborhoods and feeling like I'm a foreigner and I can't get along because I don't know the language. In NY, you find that alot. Mind you, I'm not saying just spanish, but all languages.

Nobody can argue that this country's primary language is English. I believe it should be our official language and the law indicates that all correspondance be offered in English -- but can also be offered in any other language you want.

In other words, if I go into a store, I can expect to communicate in English and read English signs. But the proprietor of the store can choose to also communicate in Spanish or Mandarin or whatever to another customer who preferes that language.

I don't think that's so horrible. I dont understand why it would be a big deal, honestly.

Really? That's too bad. We live in a predominately Polish area of Chicago, and I love it. I speak a little, but it is really interesting to me to see how these families have moved to America (and some were born here), but still honor their heritage and where they came from.

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:

To answer your question, no, I don't feel I'm being discriminated against because I assume there is a reason for it. Part of the qualifications of that job.

HOWEVER - and this may be an UO -- I do think we need to make English our official language. I say this as a mixed ethnic person with strong Native American heritage. I do not like the feeling of going into some neighborhoods and feeling like I'm a foreigner and I can't get along because I don't know the language. In NY, you find that alot. Mind you, I'm not saying just spanish, but all languages.

Nobody can argue that this country's primary language is English. I believe it should be our official language and the law indicates that all correspondance be offered in English -- but can also be offered in any other language you want.

In other words, if I go into a store, I can expect to communicate in English and read English signs. But the proprietor of the store can choose to also communicate in Spanish or Mandarin or whatever to another customer who preferes that language.

I don't think that's so horrible. I dont understand why it would be a big deal, honestly.

yeah, I'm from spanish harlem and can tell you that making english the official language will not make Tia Altagracia or Tio Humberto start all of sudden speaking english in the streets. And that's okay. They work here, pay their taxes so what do you care what they speak?

And seriously, you want to force the clerk at Pretty Girl in spanish harlem to speak english? What for? It's a private business

ali_bl-nov05 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:

To answer your question, no, I don't feel I'm being discriminated against because I assume there is a reason for it. Part of the qualifications of that job.

HOWEVER - and this may be an UO -- I do think we need to make English our official language. I say this as a mixed ethnic person with strong Native American heritage. I do not like the feeling of going into some neighborhoods and feeling like I'm a foreigner and I can't get along because I don't know the language. In NY, you find that alot. Mind you, I'm not saying just spanish, but all languages.

Nobody can argue that this country's primary language is English. I believe it should be our official language and the law indicates that all correspondance be offered in English -- but can also be offered in any other language you want.

In other words, if I go into a store, I can expect to communicate in English and read English signs. But the proprietor of the store can choose to also communicate in Spanish or Mandarin or whatever to another customer who preferes that language.

I don't think that's so horrible. I dont understand why it would be a big deal, honestly.

I just read xenophobia into this, and God knows I'm so not the kind to throw this kind of thing around.

Anyhoo, even if they did make english the official language, people would continue to speak with their peers chinese/spanish/elfish or whatever they please, so this is a very bad reason to desire it were so.

Last but no least, it is not about preference, lots of people travel to the states in vacation and don?t speak the language.

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

wordtoyourmother:

I speak both English and Spanish but would not get considered by several companies because German wasn't on the list.

On the flip side my mother's English is atrocious. She couldn't get a job anywhere because it was obvious Spanish was her native tongue.

So she changed her approach and started landing interviews for companies that did a lot of business with Latin and South America. Her line of work is in the Accounting field. Her limited English wasn't considered as something bad per se

Point is, if you're missing a skill like knowing a second language don't be upset to find many doors in the job field being closed on you.

My SIL speaks no english and makes 120k a year working for a dominican freight forwarding company in Miami. Oh and your mom can come work at my job. No one in our accounting department speaks english/

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

PiRSquared330:

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

In Montreal, I know for a fact they have such laws.

Yes, I believe a private business operating in a country whose primary language is English should be required to communicate in English where need be. Again, if a customer walks in and knows Mandarin or German, there is nothing stopping them from communicating in that language.

But I used to live in an area that changed over the years to a heavily spanish speaking population and neither my grandmother nor myself were able to get along in the pharmacy, grocery store, McDonalds, etc.

It's very frustrating to live in a place where you no longer can communicate in your OWN COUNTRY.

And yes, we had the choice to move. But, really? Is moving really the solution?

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

RedWingsFan · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

In Montreal, I know for a fact they have such laws.

Yes, I believe a private business operating in a country whose primary language is English should be required to communicate in English where need be. Again, if a customer walks in and knows Mandarin or German, there is nothing stopping them from communicating in that language.

But I used to live in an area that changed over the years to a heavily spanish speaking population and neither my grandmother nor myself were able to get along in the pharmacy, grocery store, McDonalds, etc.

It's very frustrating to live in a place where you no longer can communicate in your OWN COUNTRY.

And yes, we had the choice to move. But, really? Is moving really the solution?

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Really??? Um, okay...

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

In Montreal, I know for a fact they have such laws.

Yes, I believe a private business operating in a country whose primary language is English should be required to communicate in English where need be. Again, if a customer walks in and knows Mandarin or German, there is nothing stopping them from communicating in that language.

But I used to live in an area that changed over the years to a heavily spanish speaking population and neither my grandmother nor myself were able to get along in the pharmacy, grocery store, McDonalds, etc.

It's very frustrating to live in a place where you no longer can communicate in your OWN COUNTRY.

And yes, we had the choice to move. But, really? Is moving really the solution?

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Because it's racist and xenophobic to feel this way and because we stole this country from people who didn't speak english

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

In Montreal, I know for a fact they have such laws.

Yes, I believe a private business operating in a country whose primary language is English should be required to communicate in English where need be. Again, if a customer walks in and knows Mandarin or German, there is nothing stopping them from communicating in that language.

But I used to live in an area that changed over the years to a heavily spanish speaking population and neither my grandmother nor myself were able to get along in the pharmacy, grocery store, McDonalds, etc.

It's very frustrating to live in a place where you no longer can communicate in your OWN COUNTRY.

And yes, we had the choice to move. But, really? Is moving really the solution?

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

RedWingsFan:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Why do we have to force PRIVATE storese to speak english? Its their choice. If you don't like their practices, do not patronize them.

I do not like that Hobby Lobby blasts religious music at me when I walk in the door. So, I do not go.

Private business have the right to do what they want, with in reason obviously.

Plus, making English the official language does not mean stores are required to speak it. It simply would have to do with how our government communicates....which they basically already to.

In Montreal, I know for a fact they have such laws.

Yes, I believe a private business operating in a country whose primary language is English should be required to communicate in English where need be. Again, if a customer walks in and knows Mandarin or German, there is nothing stopping them from communicating in that language.

But I used to live in an area that changed over the years to a heavily spanish speaking population and neither my grandmother nor myself were able to get along in the pharmacy, grocery store, McDonalds, etc.

It's very frustrating to live in a place where you no longer can communicate in your OWN COUNTRY.

And yes, we had the choice to move. But, really? Is moving really the solution?

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Really??? Um, okay...

Yes, really.

I was born and raised here. I learned the language of my country. Is it really unreasonable to expect that where ever I go in the U.S.A I have the reasonable expectation to communicate?

If I moved somewhere else where the primary or official language was somewhere else, I'd learn the language.

In India, everyone learns Hindi, but they also learn a whole host of other languages, many regional but also English. If you want to communicate to an Indian in India, you start with Hindi becuase it's expected you would understand.

I dont' think this is discriminatory in any way, shape or form.

So yes, I am confused.

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

yankeebaby2:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Because it's racist and xenophobic to feel this way and because we stole this country from people who didn't speak english

No, I don't feel it's racist in ANY WAY shape or form. Yes, this country was stolen from MY ANCESTORS. You are absolutely correct. But so what? I was born here and learned English. I'm not saying do not accept others from other places with other languages, but why, why why is it so horrible to have the expectation that I can communicate in the primary language of this country, the country I was born in?

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

It isn't the language of your country though. Duh, thats the point of this debate.

But like I said, when the largest population are spanish speakers (which will be soon) will you learn spanish and think EVERYONE has to? Or is it just because you speak english?

You can take what you are saying and make it more micro. I think you should learn the language of where you live. So if you chose to live in spanish Harlem, you should learn spanish.

wordtoyourmother · May 2011

on the flip side of that one of the main reasons we left Miami was because DH could not land jobs any decent jobs. He could not speak Spanish *and the jobs he was seeking wanted him to. Even being his wife my first reaction was "you were born and raised in Miami and you don't know Spanish? what's wrong with you?"

This would be my same reaction when the clerk at the store or bank would by default speak to him in Spanish (happens a lot in S.FL), he'd clam up and say "sorry, I don't speak Spanish". It would ruin his day lol.

It was extremely unfair for me to think it was his fault for not knowing the language. So in turn, we had to pack up our bags and move north. I understand both sides. I still think he needs to learn a second language may it French, Italian, Spanish.

eta - grammar.

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.

All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.

I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.

Sorry, at a loss here.

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
yankeebaby2:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Because it's racist and xenophobic to feel this way and because we stole this country from people who didn't speak english

No, I don't feel it's racist in ANY WAY shape or form. Yes, this country was stolen from MY ANCESTORS. You are absolutely correct. But so what? I was born here and learned English. I'm not saying do not accept others from other places with other languages, but why, why why is it so horrible to have the expectation that I can communicate in the primary language of this country, the country I was born in?

Capitalizing MY ANCESTORS doesn't give you a pass on xenophobia. You can't force private places to speak your language of preference. This country does not have a national language and it wasn't oroginally populated by people who spoke english. If you think Juanita and Maria are trash talking you behind your back to the point that you want to force them to learn your language, I think you have lost perspective and need to move

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

wordtoyourmother:

on the flip side of that one of the main reasons we left Miami was because DH could not land jobs any decent jobs. He could not speak Spanish *and the jobs he was seeking wanted him to. Even being his wife my first reaction was "you were born and raised in Miami and you don't know Spanish? what's wrong with you?"

This would be my same reaction when the clerk at the store or bank would by default speak to him in Spanish (happens a lot in S.FL), he'd clam up and say "sorry, I don't speak Spanish". It would ruin his day lol.

It was extremely unfair for me to think it was his fault for not knowing the language. So in turn, we had to pack up our bags and move north. I understand both sides. I still think he needs to learn a second language may it French, Italian, Spanish.

eta - grammar.

Exactly, WTYM. All I am saying is that English speaking people shouldn't have to have a problem communicating in this country. HOWEVER, I'm not saying its not useful to learn a second language or accommodate others who speak another language. NOT AT ALL. I'm not saying ONLY ENGLISH but REQUIRE English Communication in commerce!

Again....really? don't understand why this is so bad.

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.

All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.

I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.

Sorry, at a loss here.

lol. You don't get how ironic that is? Those other people were taught in their language. You don't get why they want to be able to communicate in it?

And you didn't answer my question. Your original argument was that most speak English here so everyone else should. What do you think should happen when most here speak spanish? Should the rest of us switch?

kscarlett5683 · May 2011

PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.

All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.

I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.

Sorry, at a loss here.

lol. You don't get how ironic that is? Those other people were taught in their language. You don't get why they want to be able to communicate in it?

And you didn't answer my question. Your original argument was that most speak English here so everyone else should. What do you think should happen when most here speak spanish? Should the rest of us switch?

If they were born or educated in the U.S.A., then most of their classes were in English. So please let's not be ridiculous here.

If I moved to any other country, I'd learn that language. I'm not saying others shouldn't communciate in the language they are most comfortable in, I'm saying if you speak English in the U.S.A. you should never have a problem.

The fact that many of you think that's not ok baffles me, really it does!

To answer your question....I believe that this country's history is around English. When media, the government and schools start using spanish as their primary language, then maybe the rest of us should switch. But that's not going to happen. I believe we should have a national language.

emiliemadison · May 2011

Of course not. If there is a job that requires an applicant to be multi-lingual and you're not, then you're simply NOT QUALIFIED. It's the same for any other job that has requirements, like having X years experience, a specific degree/certification, etc. Either you have the job qualifications or you dont, and speaking a 2nd language is no different.

ali_bl-nov05 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
yankeebaby2:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

Come on, I realize this is controversial but I can't for the life of my understand WHY

Because it's racist and xenophobic to feel this way and because we stole this country from people who didn't speak english

No, I don't feel it's racist in ANY WAY shape or form. Yes, this country was stolen from MY ANCESTORS. You are absolutely correct. But so what? I was born here and learned English. I'm not saying do not accept others from other places with other languages, but why, why why is it so horrible to have the expectation that I can communicate in the primary language of this country, the country I was born in?

Because you just said you expec to go into inmmigrant neigborghood and have people speak english at each other because it makes you feel strange. That's why is xenophobic, plain and simple. And being descendent of native americans in no way excuses you.

PiRSquared330 · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.

All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.

I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.

Sorry, at a loss here.

lol. You don't get how ironic that is? Those other people were taught in their language. You don't get why they want to be able to communicate in it?

And you didn't answer my question. Your original argument was that most speak English here so everyone else should. What do you think should happen when most here speak spanish? Should the rest of us switch?

If they were born or educated in the U.S.A., then most of their classes were in English. So please let's not be ridiculous here.

If I moved to any other country, I'd learn that language. I'm not saying others shouldn't communciate in the language they are most comfortable in, I'm saying if you speak English in the U.S.A. you should never have a problem.

The fact that many of you think that's not ok baffles me, really it does!

To answer your question....I believe that this country's history is around English. When media, the government and schools start using spanish as their primary language, then maybe the rest of us should switch. But that's not going to happen. I believe we should have a national language.

lol ok. I'm done. I can't argue with someone who obviously only has their best interest at heart but can't realize/admit it.

And no, I wasn't being ridiculous. You didn't add "Thats how I was taught while living here." You just said you didn't think it was ridiculous to want to communicate in the language you were taught. End of sentence. Learn to make a complete argument.

Please consider looking into history books though. Countries change. Their languages change. The fact tat you want to stop this change by making it law just shows that its because it is a "me me me" thing.

emiliemadison · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.
Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.
I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.
All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.
I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.
Sorry, at a loss here.
lol. You don't get how ironic that is? Those other people were taught in their language. You don't get why they want to be able to communicate in it?
And you didn't answer my question. Your original argument was that most speak English here so everyone else should. What do you think should happen when most here speak spanish? Should the rest of us switch?
If they were born or educated in the U.S.A., then most of their classes were in English. So please let's not be ridiculous here.
If I moved to any other country, I'd learn that language. I'm not saying others shouldn't communciate in the language they are most comfortable in, I'm saying if you speak English in the U.S.A. you should never have a problem.
The fact that many of you think that's not ok baffles me, really it does!
To answer your question....I believe that this country's history is around English. When media, the government and schools start using spanish as their primary language, then maybe the rest of us should switch. But that's not going to happen. I believe we should have a national language.

Um...you do realize that at tens of thousands of people move to the US every year as ADULTS, right? They were not born nor educated in the US.

And, again, the US does not have an official language. And if it did, what would be the consequence of not speaking it?

And seriously? Our country's history is around English? Where did YOU go to school? And did your school teach you American History? LOL!

wordtoyourmother · May 2011

abi-bl

check your pm's my dear

yankeebaby2 · May 2011

emiliemadison:
Of course not. If there is a job that requires an applicant to be multi-lingual and you're not, then you're simply NOT QUALIFIED. It's the same for any other job that has requirements, like having X years experience, a specific degree/certification, etc. Either you have the job qualifications or you dont, and speaking a 2nd language is no different.

well we have a poster on the 9-12 board that doesn't want to let people in this country that don't speak english and we have a poster here who says English needs to be an official language because she is uncomfortable when she hears people speaking spanish on the streets but nither are racist

msmerymac · May 2011

kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:
kscarlett5683:
PiRSquared330:

This isn't Canada.....

I never said MOVE. I said don't go to those stores. Its really not that hard. I've lived in Spanish speaking areas and I speak no spanish, unfortunately. Get over it.

Why is controversial? Because its so "me me me." I get not wanting to be forced to speak spanish, but its ridiculous that you force others to speak English. Yes, the government should speak English. But private citizens? Do you not see how egocentric you sound?

This country is VERY close to having a spanish population that is bigger than the rest of the population. Do you think our language should change when that happens and all stores should be forced to speak spanish instead? I'm guessing not.

I don't believe it's "me me me" at all. I think if you live or work in this country you should speak English as well as any other language you so choose. I do not think this is egocentric. I think it's reasonable.

All of our major communication is in one language. Majority of the media, stores, etc because that is what the U.S.A. communicates in...English. That is the primary language taught in schools.

I don't see how it's egocentric to want to be able to communicate in the language you were taught.

Sorry, at a loss here.

LOL. Are you bilingual? Have you become bilingual as an adult? Have you taken classes in another language with the intention to become fluent all while working 2 low paying jobs and supporting your family? How's that working out for you?

emiliemadison · May 2011

yankeebaby2:
emiliemadison:
Of course not. If there is a job that requires an applicant to be multi-lingual and you're not, then you're simply NOT QUALIFIED. It's the same for any other job that has requirements, like having X years experience, a specific degree/certification, etc. Either you have the job qualifications or you dont, and speaking a 2nd language is no different.
well we have a poster on the 9-12 board that doesn't want to let people in this country that don't speak english and we have a poster here who says English needs to be an official language because she is uncomfortable when she hears people speaking spanish on the streets but nither are racist

I'm uncomfortable around Bible-thumpers. Can we outlaw Christianity? Ignorant people, too. They make me twitchy. Isn't there some way to ban them? Or at least make them live on their own little island or something? I dont want that in my neighborhood.

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