Okay I put this in politics only because it is another uproar that is being passed around in emails. There is a film clip with it and I am including it. I want to be fair here... why are people getting all fired up over this? Personally I would love to learn Spanish myself, but only have learned a few phrases. Here is the link. http://www.exposeobama.com/obamasaysspeakspanishnm.html I'm not an Obama fan, but a lot of things he says are starting to sound logical... why is everyone getting their panties in a wad here? If Spanish wasn't so confusing to me I could probably learn it easier... but if I could have taken it in school I would have no problem understanding Spanish now. So are you going to be upset if your kids are going to be required to learn Spanish? My brother took Spanish and French in high school.. but I wasn't allowed because I didn't have good scores in English at the time. So who is upset about this. I'm not. Please tell me why people are getting upset over this? I don't believe that Spanish speaking people are stealing jobs from Americans... because many of these people are working in fields doing hard labor... and you won't find many Americans doing that anyway. Oh and let a physician be also a Mexican ... there is always something said about that down here where I live... like they don't have a right to hold a job as prestigious as a physician?! Granted a doc probably won't be an illegal... but even illegals pay taxes here.. they support the economy by paying sales taxes just like we do. Back to the question... do you have a problem with your child being required to take Spanish? If you are why are you against it?
[question posted by OreoCookie3]responses and comments:
I support learning Foreign Languages at an early age, it at a minimum gives you appreciation of another culture, but really has value in helping you shape your mind to learn future languages! Whether its Spanish or French or Russian or Turkish, etc, I could care less. It's an opportunity I wish I had! Learning foreign languages in high school is less effective than starting in preschool, kindergarten or even grammar school. So, sorry, I can't shed any light on why people are upset (though I'm sure I could stab at a couple guesses), hope you don't mind!! [soooobored]
I'm from upstate New York. Never in my life have I met anyone that didn't speak English. I really don't think I would ever use Spanish, even if I knew it. People from all over the world know English. Anywhere I go I'll be able to find someone who can understand me. I think it'd be a waste of time to teach Spanish in schools when as it is kids don't get enough Music and the arts. I'm a Obama supporter, but he's wrong on this one. [money20bags]
No se porque la gente consigue enojada. Cada uno debe ser feliz de aprender otra lengua. !Lo amaria si mis niños futuros hablaron español! I don't know why people get mad. Everyone should be happy to learn another language. I would love it if my future children spoke Spanish! hehe there's my Spanish for you! [sugarplum9084]
I have no idea what you said, but I assume you said what you said in English. I love the sound of Spanish, and I think the words look pretty.. I just can't understand them. [OreoCookie3]
I don't necessarily feel that Spanish should be required, but when I lived in California back in 1980, I was in the top three job candidates and I did not know Spanish, so I could not have the job. I live on the midwestern edge of Indiana now and Spanish is not such a big deal around here. MK took Spanish from a Columbian woman through our homeschool group last year. She was learning it very quickly. It isn't as easy for me. She will likely take it as long as the woman is willing to teach it. I thought it was especially good to have her teach it rather than some midwestern person because she was able to hear the correct accents, etc. I do not think children should be forced to take Spanish. Many children butcher their own English language. [Annie2]
OH, also, if you are looking toward college, taking a Foreign Language (any) is usually a requirement. I took 3 years of french but since I never had a reason to use it, I don't remember very much. If I were to have a requirement, I would much rather take ASL than another foreign language. [mommyboo]
¡Hola! Como esta usted? Hehe. I actually did learn Spanish beginning in junior high school and had it in high school as well..do I remember it? Nope, not much and I'm part Spanish (among many other ethnic groups). While it may be a good idea in the long run, since the Hispanic community is the fastest growing ethnic group in America, I somehow think it's unfair. It's almost like discriminating against other immigrants who speak a variety of languages....another fast growing ethnic group is Chinese...does that mean we need to learn Chinese as well? I live in a very heavily populated area where there are a lot of Chinese...most store sign are in Chinese. Maybe I'm thinking this way since so many people come from so many backgrounds and they did learn English....like my distant ancestors that were German...they learned English. I also can't help thinking that by in a sense forcing children to learn Spanish, then that will give Spanish speaking people even less incentive to learn English. I have one neighbor who has lived here in my building for over ten years...she's Spanish speaking...still doesn't speak a word of English [pyewacket]
LOL--most languages do have that feminine and masculine tenses...uh, try learning German where you also have neutral tense forms...what fun..and yes did learn a smattering of German. Wie geht es Ihnen? [pyewacket]
My children are grown but when they were in school they had the choice of a foreign language. I don't agree with forcing a language other than our own on a child or on anyone, let them pick the one they want to learn. Where I live it don't do any good to learn spanish because they just speak TexMex. I say let's leave it so our children to choose the language of their choice. We first need to teach the Spanish people who live here to speak English. [tyc415]
At our local college we have a free ESL class for the Spanish speaking people. They learn to read and write in our language so they can then go to college here. Some of the folks have gone through the GED after taking ESL to have a better understanding of the language through reading comprehension... and then go on to college here. I think it is a good plan because it is free to them.. but if I want to learn Spanish I have to pay for it. I wish it was free for us. [OreoCookie3]
do you have a problem with your child being required to take Spanish? Oui, je fais parce que je préfère parler français. When I was in high school I was required to learn a foreign language only because I was headed for college and I chose to learn French instead of Spanish because I thought French was a more beautiful language. The key word in that sentence was "chose"...I had a choice. Why should an American child be required to learn to speak Spanish in an American school? I agree with encouraging our children to learn another language but to force them...make it a requirement for graduation? That's not something I can support. I would also like to comment on the misconception that the increasingly large immigrant population are only working in the fields and doing jobs that Americans don't want to do. The Construction and Home Improvement industry has been very hard hit by these workers who hang out at Home Depot and Lowes parking lots where they are picked up by contractors & subcontractors as day laborers. These day laborers have replaced many hard working carpenters, dry wall mechanics, painters, roofers, etc. who have families to support and have found themselves out of work because the immigrants are willing to work for much less. The hotel industry has also seen an increase American workers being replaced by immigrant workers who are paid a much lower salary. Lawn service and landscaping companies are also using day laborers. These people may pay sales tax but many of them do not pay income tax and do not have health insurance so they go to the Emergency Room, instead of to a doctor, and never pay for the services they receive so many hospitals are having financial problems as a result. [spalladino]
I agree with you, it should still be a choice. While it is a requirement for college to learn a foreign language, it is not a requirement to learn a CERTAIN one, you have your choice from at least three, usually spanish, french, german, occasionally if you have a nice progressive high school also russian, chinese or japanese, and ASL. As far as the emergency room, I believe that hospitals should start turning away people when it is not a Medical emergency. I do not agree with anybody going to an ER for a cold, flu, general malaise, fussiness, etc. Urgent care centers should pick up the slack for things like this, and if you qualify for medicaid or are cash only pay, there should be a set amount you have to pay to be seen, like $5 or $10, something reasonable. ER costs are inflated, have you ever seen what they charge for a visit? Broken down there are huge amounts listed for something as simple as a gown, iv tubing, various medications you might be given during the course of a visit before they have finalized whether you need to be admitted or whether you can go home. [mommyboo]
Thank you, Cookie, for saying what I've been saying and thinking for a long time! When I was in high school here we had to have a foreign language to graduate. I don't know if they still do here or not but I always thought that was a good idea, probably because I accepted it and took it for granted as a kid. Everyone knows kids learn new things much easier and faster than older people do so to me nothing makes more sense than to start teaching them at a young age in the early grades. I posted a discussion about that ages ago, it may have even been before Obama was running for President but regardless I didn't start it as a political discussion in support of any candidate, I just thought of it after seeing a movie where it was brought up how some Europeans think we Americans are rather spoiled and a bit dumb because when Americans go to European countries they just expect that everyone there should speak English while most people over there know more than one language besides their native tongue. We all think people who immigrate here should learn English and I agree, they should within a reasonable time but what better way is there to give them the incentive to want to learn than for us to learn Spanish as well? I've always been of a mind that encouraging our young people to learn new things is never a bad thing. Opening the lines of communication between us and those who immigrate here can only help things, and it sure can't hurt. Annie [anniepa]
I don't really want to learn spanish - were I to intend to move to Mexico or somewhere where it really WAS the majority language, I would do it in order to make it easier for myself as well as be respectful to the people of that country. I have a problem with people not being respectful and learning english before they move to my country. I do not speak french very well any more, but I can still understand a bit, and if I ever go go back and visit Canada, I would try albeit badly to speak it if someone spoke to me. Of course many people in Canada speak english but I would not assume everybody does. [mommyboo]
I am against it. Why should it be required to learn a foreign language here in America? Why are they not learning English? No other country does this - you either learn their language or you deal with the consequences. Here, we have to learn multiple languages as English is the minority it seems. Not to mention that even spoken, ENglish is often not even pronounced or used correctly cause it isn't taught that well. I mean kids are graduating high school and can't read or write above 9th grade level, but they are fluent in another language? How stupid is that! They don't have to be fluent in English to graduate but they do have to be fluent in Spanish. When is America going to stop turning itself into every other country? Why can't we stay American? [coffeebreak]
And Thank you right back! And Amen Right back! Why can't we take care of our selves for a while! [coffeebreak]
I am not so sure why pther people would be against learning another language. Unless, of course, they are part of an ideologiocal group that sees this as a sign of cultural degradation and moving away from upholding the sovereignty of the country over its territories. angry Learning another language makes the individual learn another perspective. There are words in another language that has no direct translation to their own language. It beefs up the society's knowledge and know how on things that they do not know. An example would be the non-gender bias of other languages, non-discrimation, etc. I know there are a lot of things to learn outside our own boxes. happy The government who proposes this, on the other hand, should be able to package the offering of learning in such a way that the majority will agree. There are things that they do not see perhaps. Good day! [TheManager24]
No it isn't against another language, it is against it being mandatory. It shouldn't be. Is it mandatory that everyone be able to recite the COnstitution? Is it mandatory that every graduate know how to calculate interest rate or know how to balance a check book or know how to do any kind of financial budgeting, or how a credit card works (or doesn't work)? How about mandatory that they know some first aid or how to write a resume or how to apply for a job. But lets make sure they all know how to speak another language. That is very life altering important! [coffeebreak]
I think that kids should be exposed to foreign language at an early age, but the parents should choose the language. I did have some french and spanish training at an early age, but did not take a language again until High School (we had to get 2 years worth to graduate) and then in college (we needed 2 semesters to graduate). Even if kids arenot exposed at an early age,there is plenty of time to be exposed when they are teenagers and in college. [sedel1027]
I habe a biracial daughter that I talk english to her and my husvand speaks spanish to her.I want my daughter to learn both languages.However, making children learn spanish I do not agree with. Of course it could be beneficial for any bilingual speaking person, depending on their employment field,But to make it a requiremnent wouldnt be right.I do believe that immigrants from other countries should learn english.English is this countries primary language! If this was the case, then why arent we required to learn German, Italian,Portugese,Arabic,chinese,etc? [marlena18042]
Thank you. English at least WAS the primary language in America at one point. It would have been a good thing to have it listed as the official language and have people demonstrate proficiency in it before being granted citizenship. There are so many places where immigrants are able to learn some basic english free of charge. There is no reason that somebody should come here and not learn it. [mommyboo]
First off, I think learning a 2nd language other than English is a good skill (an advantageous one) to have. But I don't understand why Spanish in particular and in America, at that? I would rather that they kept the students' options open. I think it is unfair to go from this topic to say negative stuff about Mexicans or Hispanics. But I don't understand why a foreign language would be imposed on students when there are a number of foreigners (not only Hispanics) living and doing business here who cannot speak proper (understandable) English. If they choose to live here, shouldn't it be a priority for them to learn the common language of America first? I believe that since English is the predominant language spoken in America, everyone who comes here and students as well should be required to learn proper English first and foremost. I've heard of a story where a firetruck could not get to a store on time because the store name was in a foreign language and no one there could speak proper English. And this happened in America. I think that is sad. [snookumsnort]
Wow! That is sad that the place burned because of a language barrier. Some others on here mentioned about other nationalities being here too and if it was manditory for one language, why not all require all the representative language...like Chinese and so on. Personally I always wanted to learn Spanish, and I know a few phrases but could not understand anyone speaking in that language. I don't know about it being forced on kids though because if they failed they couldn't graduate. [OreoCookie3]
I do not think that my children should be forced to learn to speak Spanish. Yes, there are a lot of Spanish speaking people in this country. There are also a lot of Middle Eastern, Carribean, Polish, Russian, etc. individuals here. I took Spanish in High School and some in college. And, I am far from fluent. I might be able to eventually get my point across, but I cannot hold a sensible, lengthy conversation with a spanish speaking person. Through dealing with friends I have also picked up bits and pieces of other languages. But, these were all my choices. And, I would like to afford my kids the same "choices". We are American, and in America the dominant language is English. Go to another country and this is not the story. If I moved my family to Puerto Rico I could see the reason for the requirement. I think that people are getting angry about this because they don't approve of the government intervening in their cultural lives. How would non-English speaking adults feel if they were given a timeframe to learn English? If you have a child who comes from a French background, it would be more beneficial for them to learn French - not Spanish. Jobs are going to those who are bilingual (usually through heritage) because there are so many Spanish speaking people in this country who don't have good understanding of the English language. Are they all going to be required to learn the language of the land that they are in? I think that we have accomodated enough for those who speak Spanish. And, I think that what we want to do with ourselves, and our families, culturally should be up to us. On the other hand, I totally agree with you that immigrants - illegal or not- do contribute to this economy. [jalucia]
I wish I was bilingual. So many people have good jobs just because they can deal with people that don't speak our language. When I got hired as a nurse one of the questions on my application was if I spoke another language... and then I found out that nurses that do speak other languages got paid more than those who don't because they could be used as interpreters. Back before the age of Computers and translating websites we had a nurse that translated surgical papers ..reading them to non-English speaking people so they could sign their consent forms. [OreoCookie3]
One more thing ,just a bit of info on that clip.I checked into that and I found the original from cnn on youtube the one that played through and on there it didnt sound as bad for obama.Lots of things are always taken out of context when it comes to politics,good post though!check it out;look up...barack obama/children to speak spanish [marlena18042]
It wouldn't bother me if this happened. Heck when I went to high school another lanuage was a requirement. It will help the kids in the future also. [sunshinelady]
The ability to speak a second language fluently should be encouraged. However, it should be something of exposure to the children and an optional course in secondary grades. There are many places where knowing another laguage can mean advancement. I can, (because of the taxi driving) say hello and thank you in about 15 languages. Some of them Native Indian dialects. I know enough Cantonese (Chinese) to end a conversation between two Chinese who want a private discussion. I couldn't actually tell you what they were saying, but they don't know that... So Spanish would be an excellent language to know. It's most enjoyable to learn another language when the instructor makes it fun. [BCMike]
Forget the websites. If you are like me at all, you learn through interaction. Why don't you offer yourself as an ESL teacher in your own area? (ESL=english second language) I'm sure you could get lots of different cultures in to learn from you. And at the same time, you will 'honour' your students, by learning their language too. When in Rome, do as the Romans right? So make your way down to the ethnic area of your choice. Offer the class for free or something or maybe very low cost. You will get people coming. [BCMike]
I wouldn't have a problem with school children being required to take Spanish. But on the other hand, Spanish speaking persons should be required to learn the English language, (and I mean children and adults). It works both ways! [bmorehouse1]
happyHi Oreo I was just grinning reading yxour post as this. It reminds me of my hometown. I lived in the quarters which are hugely populated with Turkish and Arabic speaking people. Sometimes I thought it would be cool to know some Turkish and Arabic so I can understand what they say about these silly Germans living here too. [book1962]
lolYeah Book... it would be good to know if they are talking about us too... I've thought that but didn't say it until now...hehe. [OreoCookie3]
Seems the truth is our kid's are not leaning math,spelling and history so well,our school ratings come up in the nationals as very low. Some time ago schools has cut out art,music or even sports,so seems very foolish we are even having this conversation. Our teacher are disrespected in the class rooms,kid's are murdering each other,just days ago seen a women teacher hit in the face with brass knuckles took twenty stitches to sew her face up,kid's are beating the holy hell out of each other in the class Rooms all across American. We have teen pregnancy out the roof,kid's out of control,parental rights remove state by state so parents hands have been tied by big brother and parents are at a loss as to what they can do,which all to often in zip. Obama, is embarrassed because American's can not speak French as if this American's big problem. Seems Barack Obama is rather out of touch with American reality. Obama,has something tho that all American's can believe in,If you have not listen and watched Obama's Colorado Springs,July 2, 2008 speech it is on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw Obama may have it scrubbed but as of today it was still at youtube,also Rocky mountain News has Obama's speech in print online. Barack Obama says when he is president he will call for a "Civilian National Security Force"which will be larger in number then our present military. He went on to say as president he is calling up 250,000 youth for American core. Seems Obama has a plan that will make our kid's walk the line,wonder if our kid's will like it? Seems when Barack Obama becomes the president he has a plan for every American,Obama says in this speech no one is to old to serve in their commmunities their is something for every person to do. Obama, says the youth will build houses for the poor,high school and collage students will mentor and veterans will be called up on to help out their fellowman. Sounds like all American's will be getting a call to report for community services under the watchful eyes of the Barack Obama leadership. Obama,says in his speech he was taught at a very early age by his mother and grandparent's the true meaning of service and to serve. The muslin school's Obama was educated in during the years he lived in the middle east do not tolerate such as American school do. I suppose this has been a some insight as to what the meaning has been behind the signs that read believe in change,sounds to me our way of life is certainly about to change. [kennyrose]
I'm with you Mommy, we need to be teaching our children less math and Spanish and more compassion for others since parents seem to be failing at this. [WhatsHerName]
In school children must learn foreign languages. But not forced for it. If they learn other languages they can know easily what is going in the world. [vaishalik]
Mommyboo,your little one is so very adorable,kid's are simply the best. Your very right in your post,the problem is the government has taken over the role of the parent,I don't know what state you live in,but I live in Oregon, they have put in place a spanking law, parents can be arrested if the child reports to the school they got their butt spanked, if a parent slaps a child they can be hand cuffed an arrested. In the early 1990's child abuse was awful in Oregon,after 10-12 little one turned up dead most beat to death by mothers live in boyfriends,the public came down hard on children services,law was put in place that forbid hitting a child,the law went to much the other way. State by state laws have been set up where the government over step parental rights. Barack Obama's, plan is to call every American to service under his civilian national security force plan,people will have to comply,if they don't the powerful leaders in control when this force is set up can put hold people monies like S.S. and S.S.I.and other payments,fine people and also take court action against a people by mean of court. We most all know the government has taken parental rights away,so don't think they are not capable of gaining control of the people by means of force. Barack Obama was raised in the middle east and there kid's toe the line period. People that do not want this kind of dictatorship in their life's need to take a firm stand against any one with intend to place us in human bondage. In Obama July 2, 2008 he says he was taught at an early age by his mother and grandparents the meaning to serve and to be of service,we know most parents do not teach their little boy's at a very young age the meaning to serve,on record it is told at age five Barack told his teacher he wanted to grow up and be the president of the United States. His idea is all American's will be called to serve in their communities and none is to old to serve according to is own words in his speech called to serve. Last I checked,which was one hour ago Obama's "Call to service video" was still at you tube. tube,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw Some say Barack Obama has ordered the video scrubbed at you tube same as he has done on his political page. Rockey mountain news has Obama's call to service speech in print at their site,a must read for American's that do not want to see the American people force to serve in their communities no matter their age. We the people must never forget the people of Germany had a love affair with Hitler,they gave him the keys to power,history Bears out the horrific out come to a nation,it was to late when Hitler's face mask was removed behind it was Satan so to speak a must cold blooded,evil man. Barack Obama appears to me is walking a road others have taken in history,presently maybe a little subtle,American's embarrasses him because they don't speak French. Mrs Obama, is on record as saying American is a mean and hateful country until now she has never been proud of the United States in all her adult life. Just some little things but little things one by one do truly add up,and it is true word indeed do matter. [kennyrose]
This is America and we speak English. And NO illegals do NOT pay taxes. They get paid is cash and no Federal, state or local taxes are withheld. By taxes we are not just talking about sales tax. So if our childern learn Spanish what is next? Russian, German and Bosnian?? Send back the illegals build the wall and guard it. If they want to live here learn English and apply for citizenship. [muscles4me]
People don't seem to realize that not all these illegals are "hard working". Many, many of them are drug smugglers as well as criminals who committed crimes in Mexico and are here to hide. And if they are so "hard working" why don't they stay in their own country and make it work? [WhatsHerName]
Oreo, I really have no issue with our kids learning Spanish. It's the other side of the coin that makes my blood boil. We have a high percentage of Spanish-speaking CITIZENS of this country who can't be bothered to learn the ENGLISH language (the unofficial language of the United States) but do not hesitate to extend their arms, palms up, to accept welfare or medical benefits and a multitude of other freebies from the federal and local governments. We have hundreds of cultures here in the United States. How would you feel if Obama or anyone else advocated that WE, the English-speaking citizens were required to learn every one of those languages in order to "accommodate" those other cultures? Obama cited only Spanish! Obama is seeking the Latino vote, pure and simple. If that were not the reason, don't you think he would have said (paraphrasing): "It's not only important that our children learn to speak Spanish, but also that you and your children learn the language of this nation, English." But he didn't do that, did he? That, Oreo, is what pisses me off: Accommodate ONE group for one purpose, simply for the damned vote! [rjscott]
When I was in school I was required to learn a foreign language. I had a choice between German, Spanish, and French. When my brother came up behind me his choice was limited to Spanish or French they had dropped German due to funding. I have no issue with young people learning a foreign language, think that it is healthy. I have a distinct issue with that foreign language be selected for them based upon a standard of language being spoken within American communities. While we do not have a "official" language for the United States, we do have a unofficial language, that is English. Our government spends millions at the local, state and federal level on interpreters, and documents to accomodate those who refuse to learn the English language. So instead of demanding that those who come to this country with the intention of living and working here, taking advantage of the infrastructure, and support systems become literate in our language; i.e. English we will bow to political correctness and learn theirs. Do I have an issue? Yes I do. I have an issue whether a person is illegal or legal. I have an issue whenever a person arrives in this country and demands that we accomodate their deficiencies at my expense. I have an issue whenever a person demands that I pay more so that they may sustain their way of life in my country. I have an issue whenever persons march down my streets waving flags from their "homeland" and demand that I respect their historical "rights" in my homeland. Don't like it here? Go back to where you came from, very simple. [lvaldean]
No kidding. Until people come here LEGALLY and come here appreciative and grateful for an opportunity to live here and take advantage of the blessings afforded in America, I see NO reason to ever cater to them. I also believe people need to stand on their own two feet, there is no reason that the government should continue to take care of people who will not help themselves, and people who don't even come here under correct pretenses! Welfare and other aid should only be given if there is proof that a person had a tragedy happen - they became homeless through no fault of their own, lost a job through no real fault of their own, were abused, etc and also only to legal citizens. Just because someone decides to jump the border and has no support system and no job and cannot speak english and has no home does not mean they should qualify to receive aid. They shouldn't even really be allowed to live here in the first place. I do not think it is right to have Americans pay more to sustain somebody else's way of life. If their way of life and culture is so important, why did they come to America? In my opinion, when you decide to move to another country, you need to have some respect for its citizens. You learn the official or primary language of that country. You learn about that country's culture. You integrate YOURSELF into it. You do not go storming over there, crying that you're a tourist or immigrant and they need to cater to you, print things in YOUR language, allow you to start up your own cultural parades and wave your own flags. That is ridiculous. I cannot believe we even allow things to the level that we do because of somebody's silly idea about 'political correctness'. [mommyboo]
This is a hot button issue but not to me because I believe that everyone that comes here to live should learn to speak english just as if I decided to go to Italy I should learn to speak Italian. Next most schools require children to take a minimum of 2 years of some language besides English. Then if we are to require our kids to take Spanish because we have Spanish speaking Americans here then so should they take French for the many French speaking American (lots in my area so close to SE Canada) and Italian and Chinese, and.... I believe in all countries there are many layers of subcultures which is a good thing but we should be free to be a part of it or not oxxoxoxo [raydene]
Hell yeah, I wish we had been taught Spanish as early as elementary school. It'd be a lot easier than trying to stay polished up now in college. I'm sorry, I'll gladly be bilingual and useful before I'd be some asinine jingoist who won't speak anything but his native language. I've been trying to learn a number of languages on my own, and Spanish is the only one I feel is really that useful. [spongin]
If my child CHOOSES to learn another language I have no problem with it but to be FORCED to learn another language to accomadate foreigners is ridiculous. If they want to come here, learn the language or don't, I don't care but don't expect me or my child to learn their language. If they don't care enough about being part of the community, then why should I? If I want to live in a country that doesn't speak English, are they supposed to learn MY language so it's convenient for me? [thelastwolf113]
LOL! If you read through, I posted this same thing multiple times. I would never move to another country and expect them to cater to ME. I think this victim mentality with foreigners who move here to America has got to stop. They are the ones coming here, they are the ones who need to integrate, not us. [mommyboo]
It never hurts to learn how to speak another language! [fec139]
Learning another language is fine, great even, if it's by choice but I don't want my grandchildren to learn by force. [WhatsHerName]
Um, I do not want anything like this to be a requirement. I live in America, and the majority of Americans speak english. In fact, other countries have their own official languages and ours should be english. I would not move to MEXICO and demand that people speak english, therefore people who move to America should learn english and not demand that we begin speaking their language. Sorry, this is my two cents. I dislike having adults have their children speak for them, as the kids tend to learn english in school even if the parents refuse. By the way, if immigrants are going to refuse to learn english, I am definitely not going to learn THEIR language. This is not at all about people who speak other languages 'stealing jobs'. Until other countries are ALL requiring that people learn to speak english, I will not be okay with anybody here being 'required' to learn anything other than english. I think that other languages should be easily accessible to learn, ie always having foreign languages available as electives in junior high, high school, and of course college, or available as programs to install and download on a computer to learn on your own at home, but I do not think telling people they have to is appropriate, realistic, or respectful AT ALL. I am not really for very many things that have become mandatory because I want choices, not have-tos. As an aside, I have some problems with language barriers, people who hold jobs where they are in face to face customer service or phone customer service should speak clear english - at least in America. This does include doctors. As long as they can be easily understood, it is not a problem. [mommyboo]
useless, asenine jingoist here.....and PROUD of it!! this is the best country in the world and if everybody is coming here to make a better life for themselves, let them do it. but they have to do it like everyone before them did. follow the process. they can't just show up and expect this country to give them a better life. i damn sure had to work for the life i've got. nothing given to me by my government.with the rate of unemployment in this country, i find it hard to believe that vacant jobs wouldn't be taken, no matter what it was. so to have illegals in any job is taking away employment from a legal american. i've heard enough of the BS about this, frankly. they are here ILLEGALLY. enforce the law and get them out. if you aren't going to enforce that law, leave me and my pot smoking buddies alone. just my opinions. thanks for the topic. lou dobbs, where are you? [canjo13317]
LOL! I agree, everybody is responsible for themselves. Nobody is OWED anything, no matter where they started life. If you want to make yourself a better life, then it's on you to do it, not the government, not another country, not your mom and dad, not your teachers, know what I mean? I am so very tired of lazy uninspired people with no sense of personal responsibility. I worked hard for what I have gotten in life, I hear kids complaining about this and that, well I got part time jobs and I was grateful for any of them. I purchased my own car, my parents didn't buy it for me. I saved up my own money and moved out on my own, I didn't have a trust fund or a rich relative. LOL! I also agree that before America goes about helping all these other countries and poor people from other places, take a look at the unemployment in America. Employ the American citizens. Help them get housing and jobs, help them get an education. Help them become literate and help them become self sufficient. Help them get health care. Stop ignoring Americans in favor of other people from other places for political gain or to try and look like we are such a rich nation. If we are ignoring our internal crumbling system and the situations of our own citizens, we are not taking care of our country at all. [mommyboo]
I have heard it said that in the next 20 years or so Spanish will be the language spoken by the majority of Americans, so why not teach your children to speak it? However, this will depend upon the suvival of third world fertility paterns (will Hispanic Americans continue to have 10 to 15 children per family?) I think not. However, if we do not learn Urdu, Spanish or indeed Manderin Chinese, we run the risk of isolating our children in the English speaking enclaves of the world blessed be [ESKARENA1]
I don't understand why there is such a fuss about this either. Of course I'm in the UK but when I was at school we had to learn French. No choice involved - we HAD to do it! I think French is still part of the standard curriculum even now, I know my daughter had to learn it anyway. I've never understood the logic of having to learn French though - I mean why not pick a language that more people speak? Chinese would be a good one actually! I also studied Spanish at school as we had an option for a second language. Spanish is a beautiful language and much easier to learn than French I might add! So is it the case that American children don't have to study another language at the moment? I guess that would explain all the fuss about this proposal. All I would say is if they don't then they should! It doesn't have to be Spanish (although there are a lot of Spanish speaking countries in the world so it's a good one to learn) but they should be learning another language. It's good mental exercise plus it's easier to learn things like that when you're younger. [Stiletto]
All of my kids took or are taking spanish in high school now, it is a requirement that they have to have in order to graduate, what is the deal, they learn more, omg lets not have the kids actually expand any horizons at school. ok, that is my sarcastic nature, sorry. but no I see no problem in it, it has been that way in my small town for years already. They take it in 5th and 6th grade, and again in HS, they have a choice of spanish, french or greman i believe. the sad thing is my brother in law is cuban and the spanish they teach is not really spanish, sad sad sad. it would be nice if when they taught it they taught it properly. peace and smiles oreo :) [goodhappens]
Yes I have a big problem with my grandchildren being forced to learn Spanish. Everywhere you look there are signs in English and Spanish. When you buy something new the instructions are in Spanish and English. Who do you think pays for that? We do, the cost of the purchase covers it. Just another way the illegal immigrants are costing us money. This is America, we speak English here. If anyone who wants to live here doesn't want to learn to speak English they should stay ignorant or get out. I would never go to Mexico or any other country and expect them to change their language to accommodate me so why should we do it for people who are here against the law? [WhatsHerName]
hi oreocookie I am a widow and my child is now fifty but no I would not mind children having to take spanish at all,but as for illegals no they are here illegally which is a crime so they should be sent back to Mexico. let them come here legally and get citizenship like other immigrants to this country then I would welcome them. here in southern Ca the illegals have brought their gangs with them and drive by shooting happen every day and innocent people are killed, whats so great about that, tell me? mexicans who come here leagally make wonderful citizens so why cannot all follow their examplte. and if our kids must learn spanish, we should insist all mexicans here must also learn 'english, only fair. [Hatley]
By they way, the reason you won't find Americans in fields doing hard labor is because we can't do it for $3.00 an hour. How much would we have left after taxes are taken out? Would you want to work anywhere for $3.00 before taxes? What about prisoners, why can't they do field labor and help earn their keep? So you think just paying sales tax is enough? How can you type the word "illegal" and make excuses for them. Do you realize how many of those so called hard working people are criminals running from their own country? What about the people who came and come here legally and wait their turn and file all the proper paperwork? Is it fair to them when others can just walk across the border? [WhatsHerName]
amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [Tallymommy]
Spanish is my mother tonge, so living where I live, my children will have their lessons in Catalan and will take as well Spanish and English, plus Russian at home as we are a bilingual family. I think it should be compulsory learning a second language at school, and in the US Spanish is the real choice. [overwings]
It is good when a child/adult can be able to speak another language. In today working world there are some business that requires that you speak another language. If I have a child I would encourage that child to learn the most active ones that are here in my country such as: Chinese, Spanish, and French. We need to realized that world is changing especially with this technology that is called Computer. Even in the chatroom there are times when person tends to go to their maiden language because they are unable to put the English version in what they are saying. I don't see why person are getting upset they need to have a open mind and teach their kids that there more empower they are it will be the best for them in the future. Kerry [kerriannc]
No one is saying we don't want to learn another language. What we don't want is to be told we have to learn by our government, to accommodate the people who are here illegally or refuse to learn English. [WhatsHerName]
I dont feel that it should be REQUIRED English is the native language in America I have a child that receives special help in school because he is is on a slower learning curve than other kids his age FORCING him to try to learn a foreign language on top of the other studies would be a bad idea We have kids in this country that wont (or cant) speak proper English and yet they are going to require these kids learn Spanish? That makes no sense, why not spend more time teaching proper English And on a more personal note why the hell should we learn freaking Spanish Why the hell cant the hispanics learn OUR language if they are going to live here minus me please, thanks [zukepr]
Not at all would I have a problem. The problem that I have is that in the US in most of the public school systems it is not required until the high school level. I think it would be much easier for the kids to learn a 2nd language in the elementary level. If you think about it the majority of Americans speak only one language fluently which is English (me being one of those American's). As a result we again are the wealthiest country as far as resources yet we fall behind when compared to our counter countries. As American's we complain that alot of jobs are being outsourced to other countries, but they can be outsourced since not only is the labor cheaper but they are also able to fluently speak English. I personally think that it gives my child one more advantage over the rest if he is bi-lingual. I often check the classifieds just for knowlegde of the jobs that are being offered and a large number of them now require that you speak more than one language. You are a bigger asset to the company if you do, so they are looking for those people. I think its a sign of the times, but in order to compete we have to jump on the band wagon or get left out. [relundad]
I have no problem with mexican people. My daughters boyfriend is Mexican. I do have a problem with people having yo learn to speak Spanish. Hell no. This is an English speaking country and if you want to live here learn to speak English. I f you want to learn Spanish great, A second language if an asset to have, but it should be your choice. Live here Speak English. [paisleylass]
The problem was not that he is encouraging us to speak another language, that's fine. The uproar has to do with the fact that he does not feel others should learn our language while here, I heard him say this in a speech, and it disgusted me. That is the problem, we are pandering more and more to those that are too lazy to learn the language of the country they are in...we would be expected to do so going to another country.... [Tallymommy]
I do not live in a Country where Spanish is the first language, I live in the U.S.A. we speak English and i do not think that my children should be required to learn Spanish. I do not agree with not being able to get a job because you cant speak Spanish. When mt family moves to a spanish speaking country i am sure they are not going to require the entire nation to learn english so that i can converse with them and hold a public job. When you move to a foreign country you should learn their language. And as for illegal paying their fair share of taxes please show me a copy of their federal income tax return, because i think NOT! If you are talking about sales taxes that does not make their fair share. Oh and by the way my sons pediatrician was from a spanish speaking country and for many years so was my primary care physician--they both spoke ENGLISH because they were practicing in The UNITED STATES which is an ENGLISH speaking country! If anyone wants to learn spanish then they should feel free to do so, but if they don't they should not be punished. [cjgrooms]
I should learn Spanish to work at a McDonald's in Texas or CA or AZ? I don't think so. I think the inference that Americans should be forced to learn Spanish to function in what is an English speaking country is insulting. This is America. We speak English here whether anyone likes it or not. The French don't HAVE to learn English in order to function in their country. French is their national language. They learn other languages so when they GO TO OTHER COUNTRIES they can communicate. If I moved to France I would learn to speak French. I wouldn't demand everyone around me speak English. I would defer to my host as is the polite thing to do. I have no problem with bi lingual children; that's not even the point. [sndcain36]
Some people who have learning disabilites like dyslexia have trouble enough with the English language let alone learning a new one. However I think or have heard it said that English is one of the hardest languages to learn and other nations have learned to speak it. Being bi or tri or more lingual would be beneficial. I think some people don't want to be forced to do something unless they want to. As to illegals paying taxes. My son in law was a victim to illegals two of them using his social security number and he s disabled and nearly lost his social security benefits because of them. It does not matter if they pay taxes they are here illegally and doing illegal things to stay here like stealing other peoples idenity. As to Spanish being required I don't think that should be something the government has a right to enforce. It should be a choice not mandated. We already have too much govenment control. [Celanith]
I want to add this. if there is going to be a law passed that everyone learns Spanish there should be an equal law passed that all immigrants learn and speak English in Public places. This is American and they came here. I know it is expected for Americans to know some of other nations languages when we go there why should we expect any less here. English won over German by one vote way way back. Or we would be speaking German today. [Celanith]
I think that it is great to offer language courses in school, but I truly don't agree with making them required in order to graduate. If we are going to make them learn to speak one language represented by nationalities that have come to make America home, then we should make them learn them all. Yes, illegals do pay sales taxes...so where do I sign up to be an illegal so I only have to pay sales taxes. I think that if you are going to live in any country, whether it this country or any other country that exist, you should be willing and able to learn that countries customs and language and abide by them. I think that language in schools should be choice and not required. [jer31558]
"I can't understand a word you just said, try speaking American, it's the only language that I understand." -Bandit Keith, Yu-gi-oh Abridged parody Seriously since when has it been anti-American to speak a language other then that of the country that opposed us during the Revolutionary War? And though out of context it is easy to twist and say, "We'll force your kid to learn Spanish to appease the immigrants." It seems to me advise. In a free society you choose what you do and don't learn, and you suffer the consequences. How are Spanish immigrants going to learn Spanish if there are no English speakers who know Spanish? The best teachers of a language are people who grew up knowing the one you want to learn, but appreciate yours enough to have learned yours themselves. [TantrooM]
I myself would also love to learn to speak it and if I could get a free course of it I would. It is like a second language of America anyhow since so maybe people so speak it who came from Mexico and people in Arizona and New Mexico speak it as well as those in California now. I think it is great that our kids would learn it. I think it should be started in grade shcool though little at a time. I am not against it in any way. [mtdewgurl74]
my 4 yrs old speak english and deutsch and some day she needs to learn chinise coz china is the future! but all in all if our kid speak english thsts the most and the best for them.coz if you speak english you have no problems where ever you go on this planet. [bombshell]
I don't believe that Spanish speaking people are stealing jobs from Americans... because many of these people are working in fields doing hard labor... and you won't find many Americans doing that anyway. LOL thats just it...Americans will p!ss and moan, complain and natter that the Mexicans are "stealing" the jobs up here BUT in the same breath they'll tell you theyd never work "a job like that".blink Whatever..quit your damn whining..thats my attitude... As for my kids having to take Spanish..I LOVE it..just like in Canada you MUST take French...Spanish is pretty much the second language here and its beneficial for the kids to be fairly fluent in it for later on when they are going out into the work world..Just like these days having computer skills is necessary and highly beneficial....I know in Canada you are MORE LIKELY to get a job if you speak French fluently AND depending on the area, the more languages you are able to speak the better..... Besides my kids love it..My son also wants to learn German and French...My daughter wants to learn French..i would love to learn Spanish, Italian and relearn French...and all three of us were learning ASL when I was homeschooling them.... [Ravenladyj]
In that instance I don't really blame the illegals because if you're hungry and someone offers you a job then you'd be a moron to turn it down. However business owners who do crap like that need their nuts cut off. [sndcain36]
here in quebec, your children have to learn french no if and or buts, and you have to prove that you went to school in english and if you can't your kids can't go to english school, I am english speaking born and raised in canada and had to prove that I went to an english school or my son would not have been allowed to. [winterose]
my generation is not good at it, lol, but the young kids coming up are totally bilingual, at least the english ones are. [winterose]
thank you for best response hon, I appreciate it. [winterose]