Quote:
Originally posted by SATX*APhi
I don't "feel that way." I was just making a statement that if non-English speakers should be FORCED to learn English, then English speakers must be treated fairly and FORCED to learn any foreign language.
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Realistically, it is advantageous to the non-English speaker to learn English. But if they choose not to learn English, that is their choice. It should not be forced on them to learn the language that the majority of U.S. speaks.
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I agree with the first part of your statement, but not the second.
Non-English speakers who intend to stay in this country for more than a short amount of time, should be strongly encouraged to learn at least some basic English. It should be a requirement for citizens and resident aliens who are pursuing citizenship. They should understand instructions given them in an emergency. They should understand enough English to do some sort of job. If they're in any sort of job where they're dealing with customers, even a store clerk or gas station attendant, they have to be able to communicate with customers. They don't need to be able to pick up a Shakespeare play and understand it, but they need the basics.
But I also believe that English-speaking Americans should be required to learn a second language. I would like to see elementary schools offer Spanish and/or French (arguably the two most commonly spoken languages in the US other than English) and require all students to take one or the other - when they're young enough to absorb and internalize it. When they get to middle/high school, they can continue their Spanish or French studies and/or study a third language.
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