Wow. Memorial City Mall on a Saturday night is interesting. (Houston: sale, home)

[Mom2Feebs]

We were there for probably a few hours. There was VERY little English spoken around us. It was remarkable, actually. Usually I don't notice or pay attention, or really, even care, but it was more than noticeable last night. I felt like I was in a different country, though I couldn't say necessarily which one! It didn't seem like America though. Everyone was yelling, for one thing, talking on their cell phones in various languages, shouting at each other to get someone's attention, it was a little odd to hear it in so many different ways. I felt like I was on a different planet entirely.

I'm not trying to sound awful, even though I probably do. I just...was...surprised. My husband, more discouraged by it, thought it was a sign of things to come, and then he started talking about Rome and what happened to it when no one could understand each other anymore

Is that the norm for that mall? I usually go during the week, in the mornings, so I don't see nearly as many people.

[jfre81]

I think that today, in 2008, railing against non-English speakers in Houston is like railing against the humidity. It's not a sign of things to come. It's already come.

Now here are our options: We can either move further out and commute even longer (look out Sealy, Rosharon) or we can adapt.

Maybe we will just have kids take three or four languages in school. If Dutch people can do it, we can too.

I understand a fair bit of the Spanish I hear. Not a clue on the Vietnamese though.

[honeyinhouston]

Adapt to what? People who come to the U.S. should adapt to our norms....Learn english.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by honeyinhouston

Adapt to what? People who come to the U.S. should adapt to our norms....Learn english.

And what if they don't? Then what do we do? Leave?

Besides, if my recollection of history is correct, the Spanish language was here first...

[Topaz]

My kids are watching that new children's show, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, and trying to speak Chinese. They are doing fairly well.

I can keep up better when they watch Dora and Diego because I know some Spanish, but maybe they will teach me Chinese.

[Mr. Football]

Funny you say that. The last time I was in Memorial City Mall we were at an after Christmas sale at Macy's. While at the checkout counter I heard 6 different languages being spoken. Russian, German, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish...and English.

[EasilyAmused]

That area around the Beltway seems to be pretty international, probably because of the EC.
I don't use Memorial City for anything except the new theater. It seems to be one of the few safe ones left.

PS- Thought. Do you think because of Sharpstown being leveled their patrons moved over to Memorial City?

[texas7]

I am glad to see diversity but I am one of those who believes if you are going to make your home here and work here - you need to learn to speak English. When I travel to another country - I certainly don't expect those residents to speak English to accommodate me. And, I hate it when I go to a Subway and as I moved down the food line, I have to point at the items I would like on my sandwich. :-(

[Bily Lovec]

I usually carry my pistol if Im around there at night, seriously.

anyone who thinks spanish was the first language spoke in texas,
was prolly "educated" in mexico

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by Bily Lovec

anyone who thinks spanish was the first language spoke in texas,
was prolly "educated" in mexico

Between Spanish and English, Spanish was first.

But yeah....if we're going to have this strong local-global economy that's keeping us prosperous while much of the rest of the country is swirling in the fiscal toilet, we might put up with hearing a few words we don't understand. We could always go back to herding cattle.