http://hotair.com/archives/2008/07/09/obama-your-kids-should-learn-spanish/
>It's embarrassing when Europeans come over here, they all speak English, they speak French, they speak German. And then we go over to Europe and all we can say is merci beaucoup,<
He wants All americans to learn a foreign language, because europeans know how to speak English, so we should speak Spanish, or French or something else,
I think this makes it paramount htat we choose English as the official language of the US, and I think by doing so we will solidify our ties with our English Ancenstors....
I have no problem with a child learning a foreign language I just don't want it to be forced on a child.....
Do you think its wise to have a president who is not proud of his country?
Mooch
[question posted by oneandonemakesix]responses and comments:
While I think it may be a good idea for Americans to learn a foreign language because they may need it later in life, I don't think it should be mandatory! That is just so silly. But, Obama is a politician, I don't expect him to actually make sense lol [fwidman]
I think Obama makes a lot of sense. In this global economy learning a second language is a clear advantage. Why do you think so many people from countries like India, China, Russia and many countries in South and Central America are so successful hear in America. It because they are fluent in English. How can anyone expect to expand their horizons if you expect everyone to only do business on your terms? Not that is just plain "silly". I've done business in Germany, Venezuala, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Just attempting to speak in the language of those countries put me at an advantage over those who believe that English is the only language they need to know. Right now if you can speak the Mandarin dialect, you can get immediate employment not only in China, but here in the United States. I don't believe learning a second language should be mandatory, but if you are complaining about being left behind, then your complaints should not be taken seriously. Many of you are looking for a reason to dislike Barack Obama, but this isn't a good one. As for Obama being just a politician, I think this is smart politics. Lloyd [lloydanthony111]
I think he has a very good point: If you want to be proud of something, it has to inspire pride. The English are just as bad for this; if you go to a foreign country, you talk to them in English. If they don't understand, you say it in English again, only more slowly and loudly. Whereas the average person in Germany or the Netherlands speaks three or four languages. If you ask someone Dutch if they can speak English, you'll get a puzzled look, as if you'd just asked them if they can count to three. Is being proud of being behind the rest of the western hemisphere in terms of education a good thing? [Wolfechu]
I had a very long and devastating final reponse to this all typed out, and for the second time today, MyLot seems to have swallowed it without trace. It was really good, though. Can't remember half of it, but I was completely convinced. ;) I'll leave it as it is, though. Oh, and rest easy: I'm not allowed to vote anyhow :) [Wolfechu]
I don't think it would be a good idea to have a leader that is ashamed of their country. Learning a foreign or second language is a good thing but I think it should be the child's or parents choice not a mandatory thing. However...younger children seem to pick up languages faster than adults. [saundyl]
I honestly can't understand why so many people still think he's the best thing for this country. I'm actually afraid of where we are headed if he gets into office. I'm all for teaching our children another language, and I'm sure most of us did take at least a year of it in school, but to say that he is embarrassed because we haven't made it mandatory is absolutely ludicrous. His choice of words really ticks me off. I'm about halfway through the book he wrote and my blood pressure goes up with each chapter. I've written an article on Associated Content about him, if anyone wants to look. Link on my profile. [Ldyjarhead]
Exactly! I don't think that it should be mandatory for us all to learn another language. Yes, there is a growing Spanish-speaking population, but for them coming here, they know it's an English-speaking country, we don't need to cater to them. It's not that I have anything against learning languages; I'm currently studying Korean and Hebrew at college because I want to. The way he said it was pretty demeaning. [tzuria]
Well, there is an old saying...If you speak three languages you are tri-lingual, if you speak 2 languages you are bilingual, if you speak one language - you are an American, The fact of the matter is Europe is a place where multiple languages are routinely spoken in the business world. The US is not. I took 2 years of French in high school and 2 semesters of Spanish in college. I have not really had reason to use either language since I got out of school. Use it or lose it, and I lost it. I think setting higher educational standards is a good thing. A foreign language should be taught at the elementary school level and then continue. I started a foreign language in high school, the longer this type of education is put off, the harder it is. And by the way..I can say 'merde!' too. OOH I did remember something ..oh there are a few other things I can remember..but that would get me kick off of here. [Debs_place]
It is a great idea but not be mandatory of course.. If a person will not use it everyday, it will be useless also! [checapricorn]
What a contradictory fool. First he says that immigrants in America shouldn't have to learn English, then he says that he's embarrassed because people in other countries speak English. So I guess, in Obamaworld, Americans need to learn other languages, but immigrants don't... but then again, people in other countries already speak English... And people say this guy should be president? ROFL! [ParaTed2k]
I first of all have to point out one thing. Most Americans have a lot of non-English speaking ancestors. So I don't really think we will be solidifying our ties with our ancestors by making English our official language. But as far as our children learning a second language I actually think this would be a very positive step. Most companies want their employees to be bilingual so I think we are holding our kids back a little by not making them learn a second language. There are a lot of countries out there that actually have two official languages so yes I actually do think America is behind on this. However I don't think we should be catering to immigrants by learning a second language. I think anyone who comes to our country to live and work should be required to learn English. [cynddvs]
I also don't see anything wrong about learning a foreign language, but I certainly don't think anyone should be forced to! The fact is, my family background is mainly that of English Descent, I think there are other things here and there, but mostly English speaking countries. I tried to learn German in college, but I just couldn't pick it up in the time I had to pick it up, so I had to drop the class. But anyway, that is so petty to worry about what other countries think about our language. There are much bigger problems out there than that. And even if other people learn English, that is because so many countries use that language, compared to the number of countries that speak other languages. I do think that English should be the U.S. official language, because most people in this country speak that language. I think it is much easier for a small percentage of people to learn English than a majority to learn one or more foreign languages! I mean, actually, where does it stop? If we learn one other language, next they will say that's not good enough. It's funny, in the US everything is written in English and Spanish, but when I visited Canada it was English and French. And in the case of Canada it actually makes sense, because it seems like there is a larger percentage of French speakers than there are Spanish speakers in the US. I certainly have nothing against people who speak different languages, but I don't think I should have to learn another language so other countries will respect American's more. I think we are just ourselves, and we should be proud, as should every other country. If I ever go to France or whatever I probably wouldn't get around too good, but I wouldn't blame anyone else for that, I wouldn't be like, oh you people should learn my language so I can understand you. I would either not go, or I would prepare in advance by knowing a few phrases to get around. I definitely think our President should be proud of the country, I mean, yes--there is much room for improvement, but I don't think making people learn other languages is at the top of that list! But anyway, this doesn't surprise me that he would say this, I mean, some things I read I don't put a whole lot of stock in, because nothing I have heard out of his mouth makes sense to me. But really, the more I read, the harder my decision becomes of who to vote for, as it is I don't like either, so I don't know what to think! Now, I usually consider myself somewhat "liberal", it's issues like this that make me wonder if I just wanted to believe I was. I think I may be more moderate these days. Because my beliefs tend to cancel each other out. LOL [greysfreak]
Sure, we should learn different languages so that when we go to Timbukto, we can communicate with the lions and the leopards! Thanks for pointing that out. That is really helpful. Maybe we can also use other languages to desribe the prices of gas at the gas pumps so that they wouldn't sound so scary too. [alindahaw]
When Mrs Obama miss spoke and told the world in all of her adult life she has never been proud of her country,in my eyes she said am mouthfull. I guess Mrs Obama miss spoke when she said the United States is a mean and hateful place. In my opinion it sounds like the Obama's don't care very much for the United States Of American in general. I suppose this is the very reason Mr and Mrs Obama take their two very adorable little daughter's soon after their birth to the Trinity church in Chicago. Because Mrs Obama belives in her heart of hearts that the United States Of American is a hateful and mean country she along with Barack Obama wants to be sure their children gets Jeremiah Wrights memo loud and clear. How the hell dose Barack Obama know the American people as a whole dose not know another language,My husband speaks Spanish very well. Barack Obama and his wife in my opinion has put American down far to much and they are not the two people I ever would want to see gain entrance to the white house and for damn good reasons. It has nothing what so ever to do with skin color but has every thing to do with the security of the United States Of American. It should be a very cold day in hell before the American people hands the keys over to a person that has proved over and over they actually hate the United States Of American,taking it to the limit paying handsomely their hateful and bitter pastor Jeremiah Wright to spread anti-American hate message far and wide. Barack Obama hides behind his so called faith but when the rubber meet the road he with out blinking tells the American people he was unawares his pastor,mentor uncle Jeremiah Wright bitterly hates the United States government and present day leadership with a passion. What the hell is Barack Obama wasting his time on such a thing as Americans speaking another language ,I realize he has only been a senator in actually day a mere 144 and he is a green horn. Dose the American people need to send him a memo reminding him with gasoline prices hitting five dollars a gas most Americans can not get out of town. Barack Obama is a very wealth person,his wife's personal income last year alone was $316,000,these wealthy folks do not think like the hard working tax payers that made under $50,000 a year. Americans are not concerned if their children can speak another language,but they are concerned about getting back and forth to work for them that commute many miles a day,they are concerned about the price of not only gasoline but putting food on the table. Hard working American's are not jetting all around the world twenty-four seven visiting other countries. Obama is filling time up with crap because he is not inexperience enough to lead American in the first place. If John McCain being a prisoner of war and a well respected senator for twenty-five years dose not qualify him to be president,Obama's 144 days as a seated senator certainly dose not qualify him to be the leader of the United States of American. Obama has being running on being a smoother talker,he dose good to as the brand new rock star the youth have bought the rock star persona hook line and sinker. Obama has run on believe and hope,will I hope people are watching because yesterday the democrat party passed a yes vote that will effect every American life,and yes Barack Obama was one of the yes votes,so much for believe and hope and you can flush lesser government in your face down the pot, the yes vote liberal hard left winger Barack Obama helped get passed yesterday open the door wider to the government watching every move of the American people our freedom we once so enjoyed is getting tighter as we speak. Our children if we still can call them that being big brother has stepped in because they say they know better then us parents,can learn any language they so wish to learn. Most parents concern them self with reading,writing and math which will indeed enable their children to become adults that can support them selfs one day. Obama left wing ideas would only serve to take the road they took in Europe,which proved to be a mess,and the Untied States would end up in the very same mess. I for one tax payer and voter has had a belly full of the Obama's,they both to me are very big disappointments,once I thought of voting for Barack Obama and I'm not a person of color. I understand American has to become non depended on foreign oil,but I'm not in favor of useng our national food change to provide fuel. The oil muggers have us at their mercy, using out food supply will have us on our knees begging for mercy,the middle east will never in any way show a pinch of mercy to the U.S.A. and you can take that to the bank. We do not need in this country socialized anything, this is the United States of American for then that want such a way of life cast your vote with Barack Obama. [kennyrose]
I do not like the idea that Obama is embarrassed by us. On the other hand, before my college days, you were not admitted to college unless you had taken at least two years of a foreign language. There are lots of reasons to learn foreign languages. Some of the best technology jobs in our town are with German based companies. The fastest growing second language in the US is Spanish. I agree, American Standard English should be our national language, but I see no harm in everyone learning a second language. It boosts and enhances learning. [GardenGerty]
I travel alot,and to be honest it is very arrogant of Americans to think everyone should be able to understand them. Sometimes other Americans do embarrass me. All it takes is a a little effort, learn a few words and try. Or carry a little translator or have one of those Berltz books. I feel it is disrespectful of other cultures. And do not get me started on those that dress improperly when they go to churches and museums. [Barbietre]
No I think Obama would be a HUGE mistake for America. This is nothing compared to what we are in for should he be elected. I really do not like McCain either. I would like to see a President that actually loves America the way our fore fathers intended. The way our Constitution states. [laglen]
Hi mooch! I really think that the first thing that a President should possess is his/her patriotism and that he is proud of his country. But we should also think that maybe, just maybe he just wants your countrymen to learn more of other people's languages so as they could learn to understand other people better. However, I do agree with you that it shouldn't be mandatory or be forced to the children to learn it but should rather be given to the youth as a choice and maybe to explain to them why and why not. Take care and God Bless! [faith210]
HEck NO! Most of us dont get to trqavel over seas. And we were required to take a langauge in schioll when I hit about 8th grade that was in the 50s. I took Spanish and I still know some words and trhe meanings but I cant follow what my daughter in law is s aying for she talks way to fast and sounds like chibberish to me never even catch one word I know! Now my grand daughter watches show that teach new word in a different language and she has picked up some like the other day she came and told me think it was good morning or something like that and said she was talking spanish then I checked what she was watching and I beleive it is a little JApanees girl that is talking [Lakota12]
Yeah I think that his wife made that clear herself a few months back... there are things about him that just... I dunno. I wish one person could change the world but it is just not going to happen and if he is so unhappy then well why is he doing what he is doing and why HAS he been so involved in public service his whole life? Zelo [zeloguy]
Why should we be embarrassed? If "they can all speak English," we'd be understood perfectly in Europe. [clrumfelt]
I don't think anyone need be embarrassed of they are out of country and cannot speak the language of the land. It's a good thing to know a second language, but certainly no cause for embarrassment if you don't. [clrumfelt]
I think learning a foreign language should be mandatory, but only because of the positive influence it has on a person's thought process as they reach adulthood. In the case of Americans travelling to other countries, no its not mandatory to learn the native language of the country you visit! That would be absurd, especially for people who travel abroad often. However, I think that Americans often forget that when they travel they are guests in a different country. There is definitely a level of respect you can show when you are in a foreign country. During the nine hour plane ride to get to Italy or France, there is no reason you can't pick up a "common phrases" book and look it over. The Americans that are an embarrassment are the ones who refuse to do even this, and then get angry/irritated/whatever when they can't communicate. But really, its just a matter of viewing foreign travel as you are a guest in the country (which you are) and if you approach it with an open mind like that, you can not only pick up a little bit of the language, but you are also more likely to benefit from the culture. [soooobored]
When I went to high school 2 yrs of another language to graduate. I took Spanish becuase I knew it would be useful. I would have taken 4 year but my teach sucked. I never learned more than I already knew. I learned more Spanish working at poppeys. I think there are more important things he should be worried about. Other than when I worked in fast food I have had no need of another language. If I should ever feel the need to travel to a different country I will learn the language until then I have more pressing matters to worry about like keeping food on the table with rising gas prices. [homegrowntexasgirl]
I find nothing in Obama's statement, oneandone, that would lead anyone to believe that he is not proud to be an American. While I don't agree with all of his opinions, I must say that this one is a great idea. It can come in awfully handy to have some knowledge of a foreign language. I don't agree that it should be mandatory, but the opportunity to learn a different language definitely should be there. I learned a "smattering" of French while attending college some years ago, and learned Spanish to a greater degree while in high school. They have added an extra dimension to my life in many cases. I often come across books or movies that contain some parts of one of these languages and I feel confident in the knowledge that I can understand what is happening without a translator. [worldwise1]
I can't understand why on earth people would not want their children to be bilingual? It seems silly to me. The more educated we are, and the better we communicate with people, the better. If kids are exposed to language early in life, it is learned naturally. People seem to feel threatened by the idea of learning another language. By all means, people who live here should do their best to learn English, and we should make it as easy on them as possible. By the same token, we would all benefit from the addition of a second language to our knowledge bank. I have seen very successful school programs where all students are exposed to a few hours of Spanish immersion classes, and then all of them are exposed to English immersion classes. These students do better in school over all. It is mind expanding. Also learning more than one language will give them job opportunities when they are older, that they would not otherwise qualify for. As for Obama, I think it is a bit exaggerated to say he is embarrassed by Americans. He may be embarrassed by this one thing, and maybe by a few others, but he is surely proud of the country he hopes to be the president of, for the most part. Are we seriously going to be up in arms because he wants us to become educated in foreign languages? [fiona08]
I agree. I think people get a kick out of deliberately taking offense, when a candidate they don't support says something they can fan the flames with. [fiona08]
What many people don't seem to understand is that we aren't in an environment that fosters learning these languages. I'm not talking about our schools either. I'm talking about the fact that the largest countries in Europe, besides Russia, are still smaller than Texas. Each country shares borders with countries that have at least 2 different languages than their own. The only non-English speaking nation that borders the US is Mexico, which is why Spanish is taught in almost every school although the teachers in my experience were not very good. If you live in a country like Spain you're surrounded by Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, and French, with the UK only a short flight away. Since these countries are on the same landmass and in close proximity people travel from one country to another the way we in the US go from one state to another. I actually like learning foreign languages. I've studied Russian, Ukraini, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. My skills in those languages has declined over the years since I never really have opportunities to practice them. My Spanish skills are the only ones I use and were never that good because the teachers I had when I was younger taught me to pass a test, not how to hold a conversation. Obama being embarrassed is pretty typical of people like that. Every liberal I've known who has spent time in a foreign country starts sharing the attitudes of looking down on Americans for not all being polyglots. They fail to realize how big a part geography plays in linguistics. [Taskr36]
Some may want more for Americans, but those are not the ones I'm referring to. I'm referring to the ones who mock Americans and are so proud to tell jokes like: What do you call someone who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call someone who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call someone who speaks one language? American. I really think American's should be taught foreign languages, I just don't like the attitude that it is "embarrassing" that most people only speak English fluently. [Taskr36]
mooch I have such mixed feelings about Obama and my son thinks hes a better choice than McCain, but Obama makes me nervous with all his odd feelings. I think English should be our countrys language and its okay for people to learn other languages if they want to. but not to be forced to do so. He should not be mebarrassed by his own fellow beings, shame on him, this for a president, I dont like McCain either. helplol lol. [Hatley]
Learning other languages are very important.some times or many times you do'nt need to learn other languages.English is best language of world.i think english people do'nt need to learn any other langauge.one thing if your business is global then its really works for you to learn other languages.if your language is english then you should proud of it but why you are going to be conservative?why not other languages ?it's just for improving your busineses globally.I live in south asia where some people feel down to speak in english.they are very much concerned about their languages like you.it's good but being conservatives in my point of view is not good specially when you need it for your bussinesses world wide.for example if you made your website in english then you can approach a very broad audience.At same time if you have a local language version of your website then i think you will approach many conservatives .so do'nt shy to learn any language.learning is always beneficial. [proff124]
I think we should stick with what we have because having one whole language makes it easier on everyone. people who have jobs are already complaining about people who can speak english but choose to speak spanish and ask for a spanish speaking service. Its stupid isn't it? Wouldn't it suck if in the event of an emergency where everyone has to evacuate an entire city that they would have to give out the evacuation warning in 20 different languages. America is what it is and no 1 man is gonna change how it preffers to communicate. grr. [eggytheused]
Well I will be the first to say I am NOT a supporter of Obama. I will never be. I will be first in line voting against him--- not voting for the other person but against him. I think all kids are already forced to take a foreign language- I know I was in school- and I know my daughter is too- it's either Spanish or French. I took 4 years of French in high school- You know what I can say merci, bonjour, and a few other words- I don't remember a ton of them- and I won't relearn it. English is the language spoken here in America- You can't speak it—and you are not willing to learn it—then I say be gone. [KrisNY]
Barack Obaam is a left wing nut liberal,that was raised in Hawaii with his wealth family,he is completly out of touch with the middle and poor class people in the United States. Parents could not care less if their children can speak English,parents have to hope and pray everyday that their kid's are not shot down as they hide under their desks or a teacher don't fondly or molest their kid's,that is what really concerns the America parent's. Mr & Mrs Obama seem to both have a respect problem towards the United States of American. The American people by these two most liberal people are to stupid to understand the meaning when a person says they have never been proud of their country. I for one American is sick and tired of these left wing nuts putting down my country and our people. American's may not be able to speak French like Obama's,but American is a country that is always on board to help other counties in need not holding back anything. American stands on her two feet under all circumstances and it is over due that Obama kisses the ground their feet stands on,the country that gave them the breaks in life they so enjoy. [kennyrose]
I don't know about everyone else but I had to take a foreign language in high school. I took Spanish, but it just really didn't take. I actually chose to take 3 years. Well I can tell you I can understand it but I'm not any good at speaking it. Sorry to be an embarrassment to America but I really did try. [missybal]