Speak English

[showstopper_1908]

I am not sure how we got on grammar, but if some of these "no-English-speaking-people" had at least the English language down with bad grammar I would be more than happy. The fact that the only response I can get back is "NO ENGLISH" when I ask a worker an important question is very frustrating.

When I went to Puerto Rico, I met 1 man there who did not speak English. He was on vacation from South America. Amazing how all of the Spanish that you learn in the 3rd grade can come back to you after 1 or 2 drinks. All of the hotel workers, club staff, resort staff, airport workers and almost anyone that I needed to communicate with who was an employee at anyplace that I went to spoke ENGLISH! They all spoke perfect English! Who told you that you NEED to speak English to visit a Spanish speaking country? Maybe if you go to South America or Spain, but anyone who you will NEED to speak to in PR speaks English. Many of them told me that they grew up in NYC. Commonwealth status more than likely has something to do with that.

I know a bit of Spanish, but I am studying Japanese. I have never been that hard pressed to speak to anyone in Spanish besides a hotel or hospital worker so I have no desire to learn the language. I would rather speak to language of a country who we do serious business with and who at least has a chance to be the next superpower just as America is. Maybe it's a trend, the same way people studied French in the 60's, and now all they can use it for is to order wine. If you are going to learn a language do it either because 1. You plan to move to the land where it is spoken or 2. The culture and language fascinates you. I cannot learn Spanish because I do not want to. I have tried but I have a mental block when it comes to that language. My mother picked it up as a child growing up in Spanish Harlem, but here in Brooklyn all I hear is "mami/papi/goya."

[AKAtude]

Originally posted by sigmadiva
I've been told that in San Francisco's China town there are people who ONLY speak Chinese. Since foreigners come here and establish their own communities, the need to become totally part of the English speaking community is not necessary. Not to beat a 'dead horse', but if our African ancestors came here free on their own will, then I am sure we would have more African-language communities.

I wonder if we would be catered to the way Spanish speakers are treated. Every time I call an automated line, I always hear "press one for English, press two for Spanish". The only time I've actually had a third option is when I called someplace in Louisiana for a work-related project and was given French as an option as well. It just seems unfair to provide these services just to one segment of society and not the others. I keep hearing that Spanish speakers will soon become the largest minority group in the country, but what I want to know is are they all LEGAL?

[AKA2D '91]

Happy New Year, Soror!

[showstopper_1908]

Originally posted by AKAtude


I wonder if we would be catered to the way Spanish speakers are treated. Every time I call an automated line, I always hear "press one for English, press two for Spanish". The only time I've actually had a third option is when I called someplace in Louisiana for a work-related project and was given French as an option as well. It just seems unfair to provide these services just to one segment of society and not the others. I keep hearing that Spanish speakers will soon become the largest minority group in the country, but what I want to know is are they all LEGAL?

I guess in some small way it is due. Many Mexicans were living in Cali and other places in what is now the US (since before they were considered US territory). When the territory became considered USA all of a sudden, the people there were not allowed to call themselves Americans and were not given the same rights because they were not white. Kind of backwards but that's our nation for you.

[NOWorNEVER]

I have to agree with what most people have already commented on. I feel everyone living in the United States of America should be able to speak basic English. It's extremely frustrating when some Spanish speaking people do not know English in certain situations. A friend of mine got in a car accident with a Mexican man (yes...he really was Mexican. I'm not one of those people who classifies all Latino people as Mexican). He didn't know one lick of English and had the nerve to be on the road without a license or insurance! Another time, I was in Wal-Mart and I needed help. You know how those WalMart smocks say "How can I help you?" on the back? Well, I asked a guy with a smock on for help and he couldn't even speak English! Something has to be done.

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by AKAtude


I wonder if we would be catered to the way Spanish speakers are treated. Every time I call an automated line, I always hear "press one for English, press two for Spanish". The only time I've actually had a third option is when I called someplace in Louisiana for a work-related project and was given French as an option as well. It just seems unfair to provide these services just to one segment of society and not the others. I keep hearing that Spanish speakers will soon become the largest minority group in the country, but what I want to know is are they all LEGAL?

DISCLAIMER: This is strictly opinion.

Many are legal, many aren't. Undocumented aliens are always part of the fabric of border California life (my house in S.D. is 15 miles north of Mexico). No matter what the Border Patrol does, they will be here.

Just as an aside, they come here for a reason. The economic structure always has room for super low-cost labor that's perceived to have a strong work ethic and is somewhat easy to intimidate.

About a year or so ago, I was looking at a book from the Rand Institute about immigration in California and it flat out suggested that employers' preferences and prejudices played a role in the disappearance of AfAms in blue-collar jobs. I don't completely agree with that point -- skilled blue-collar jobs dying out affected more than us, IMO.

BTW, I agree w/Sigmadiva's thesis.

NOWORNEVER, I honestly doubt something will be done, because Wal-Mart doesn't want to pay the wages that many English-speakers command.

[ClassyLady]

I don't think that people coming to America should have to be able to speak English. Sure, speaking English would make life easier for English and non-English speakers alike, but I don't think that should be a requirement. If anything, in my opinion, Americans should be taught from an early age to speak more than just English. There are many foreign countries where the citizens speak at least two languages.

Sometimes Americans feel like the whole world should cater to them. Americans in foreign countries will still catch an attitude if someone does not speak English. Americans will go abroad and instead of trying to learn the country's native tongue, will only seek out those who speak English.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by ClassyLady
Sometimes Americans feel like the whole world should cater to them. Americans in foreign countries will still catch an attitude if someone does not speak English. Americans will go abroad and instead of trying to learn the country's native tongue, will only seek out those who speak English. [/B]

The whole world doesn't have to cater AmeriKKKans...that's not what we're talking about. But, if you want to gain some citizenship status in AmeriKKKa, you need to learn functional English. If you're just VISITING another country...that's one thing. If you're going to LIVE in another country...that's another.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by Steeltrap

About a year or so ago, I was looking at a book from the Rand Institute about immigration in California and it flat out suggested that employers' preferences and prejudices played a role in the disappearance of AfAms in blue-collar jobs. I don't completely agree with that point -- skilled blue-collar jobs dying out affected more than us, IMO.

Minimizing the number of blue collar jobs has had a significant impact on African Americans. If African Americans couldn't get any other job, they could always count on the blue collar ones. Now, we have foreigners, particularly illegal aliens, taking many of the jobs (that some say blacks refused to do, anyway...such as doing construction in 100 degree weather).

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by ChaosDST



Minimizing the number of blue collar jobs has had a significant impact on African Americans. If African Americans couldn't get any other job, they could always count on the blue collar ones. Now, we have foreigners, particularly illegal aliens, taking many of the jobs (that some say blacks refused to do, anyway...such as doing construction in 100 degree weather).

On your "refused to do point," you can also add fast food and domestic work, but I digress.

I do agree with your minimizing blue collar thesis. Skilled blue-collar jobs disappearing is one reason, IMO, that young black men have a hard time getting work.

And a man w/o a job just isn't an attractive candidate for marriage and family formation. Not saying that he has to be balling, but at least contribute to the household.

I'm speaking from a virtual invisible minority perspective here -- California's black population is only 7 percent.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by ClassyLady
I don't think that people coming to America should have to be able to speak English. Sure, speaking English would make life easier for English and non-English speakers alike, but I don't think that should be a requirement. If anything, in my opinion, Americans should be taught from an early age to speak more than just English. There are many foreign countries where the citizens speak at least two languages.

Sometimes Americans feel like the whole world should cater to them. Americans in foreign countries will still catch an attitude if someone does not speak English. Americans will go abroad and instead of trying to learn the country's native tongue, will only seek out those who speak English.

I agree with you ClassyLady.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by Steeltrap


On your "refused to do point," you can also add fast food and domestic work, but I digress.

I do agree with your minimizing blue collar thesis. Skilled blue-collar jobs disappearing is one reason, IMO, that young black men have a hard time getting work.

And a man w/o a job just isn't an attractive candidate for marriage and family formation. Not saying that he has to be balling, but at least contribute to the household.

I'm speaking from a virtual invisible minority perspective here -- California's black population is only 7 percent.

Very good points! I didn't know that CALI's black population was as low as 7%! I guess that makes sense, though...but still

[Mz. Sports Luva]

I too think that non-Americans need to learn basic, functional English. Like it was previously stated we (as Americans), if we were to relocate, would be expected to know the native tongue of that country.

I think the first English words that a LOT of these immigrants need to learn is (1) Soap & (2) Water!!! I'm not trying to be mean or funny.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by Mz. Sports Luva
I too think that non-Americans need to learn basic, functional English. Like it was previously stated we (as Americans), if we were to relocate, would be expected to know the native tongue of that country.

I think the first English words that a LOT of these immigrants need to learn is (1) Soap & (2) Water!!! I'm not trying to be mean or funny.

Mz. Sports Luva

Your last comment was mean since we are talking about speaking english, not hygiene. (because I know a lot of Americans that suffer from the same lack of cleanliness in "certain" areas of town . ),

For those of us that do relocate to other countries most of the time we pick up their language through immersion, unless we take the innitiative to enroll in some sort of class.

To all:

I agree that Americans should learn another language besides English for the simple fact that today's businesses extend beyond our borders. In my last postion, I dealt with Venezuelian companies each and everyday. Having previous knowledge of the spanish language helped GREATLY! (Which is why in an earlier post, I stated that being bilingual is an asset in business and oftentimes gives you an edge over other candidates).

As long as illegal immigrants are seen as cheap, but effective labor, there will never really be anything done in regards to educating these people about the programs that are availible that will help them to become American citizens. Why? Because these people will then have access to things will enable them to have a better life and all of the rights and priviledges thereof. (i.e. minimum wage, decent working conditions, benefits, etc.)

Many compaines (i.e. farmers, construction companies, etc.) DEPEND on these illegals every year for their livelihood. They don't care that these people can't speak a lick of English, or don't have access to decent housing, hygiene products or whatever. All these companies care about is that they are able to pay these people substandard wages "under the table" without the headaches of taxes, benefits, etc.

[Mz. Sports Luva]

Originally posted by Honeykiss1974
[B]

Mz. Sports Luva

Your last comment was mean since we are talking about speaking english, not hygiene. (because I know a lot of Americans that suffer from the same lack of cleanliness in "certain" areas . ),

Sorry it came across as being mean, that was not my intention. But that's how I feel.

You are correct about Americans having the same hygiene problems, but I come across more immigrants/foreigners with this problem than Americans. And it's because they just don't know, which is why they need to speak/learn English so they can learn proper hygiene.

This is just my opinion, please don't take this as being mean.