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Its embarrassing our lack of basic communication in Spanish.
Why must it be spanish. China is by far a bigger trading partner than Mexico, spain, or any other hispanic country.
I agree with you tho americans should be more openminded about learning a second language. But lets face a few facts.
1. Most Americans never travel outside of the borders.
2. English is by far the common language of our land.
3. No company in the country should require 100% bilingual employee's.
In short americans just don't have the need to be bilingual.
Immigrants should learn english because they have chosen to live in an english speaking country.
While I don't think people in the US should refuse to speak English (when in Rome...) I don't think it's great to only speak English either.
Bipartlingualism is bad for both parties involved. While I believe that the USA shouldn't require a person to speak Spanish, I think we should consider teaching foreign languages to our kids in elementary school. It creates understanding of other cultures and broadens your global perspective. As for those of you who want to cling to your monolingualism, don't look now your red neck is showing!!!
bipart-lingualism: if more than one language can be heard in a small area, but the large majority of speakers are monolinguals, who have little contact with speakers from neighbouring ethnic groups, an area is called 'bipart-lingual'.
Its embarrassing our lack of basic communication in Spanish.
Why is it embarrassing? Should we all be required to learn Spanish simply because those who inhabit the countries to our south do so? Why not French, so that we may converse with our French Canadian neighbors to the north?
You are aware of the fact that English is the defacto lingua franca of commerce throughout the world, right? I spent six weeks in Europe this summer and found maybe one or two people who did not speak English. Immigrants to the U.S. would be better served to learn English than U.S. citizens would be to learn Spanish.
While I don't think people in the US should refuse to speak English (when in Rome...) I don't think it's great to only speak English either.
Bipartlingualism is bad for both parties involved. While I believe that the USA shouldn't require a person to speak Spanish, I think we should consider teaching foreign languages to our kids in elementary school. It creates understanding of other cultures and broadens your global perspective. As for those of you who want to cling to your monolingualism, don't look now your red neck is showing!!!
bipart-lingualism: if more than one language can be heard in a small area, but the large majority of speakers are monolinguals, who have little contact with speakers from neighbouring ethnic groups, an area is called 'bipart-lingual'.
And your point being?
Spanish is not an important language outside of Spain or most of Latin America. English is.
Many bi-lingual people in the rest of the world speak English---------not Spanish.
Spanish is not an important language outside of Spain or most of Latin America. English is.
Many bi-lingual people in the rest of the world speak English---------not Spanish.
Very true.... When only 25% of americans have a passport it is obvious that they don't need to know another language. The operative word here is NEED. Many of these folks looking to impose a second language tend to over look the fact that americans as a whole stay in their own country. They look down on us because many only speak english. The irony is that these egg heads from the universities who look down on common americans couldn't survive outside of academia. Can they repair their home if it were damaged? Most blue collar english speaking folks can.
They are self sufficient and proudly independent. We should never under estimate the blue collar crowd. They are after all the back bone of this great nation. This blue collar guy can speak 2 languages and make his point clear in a few others. That was by choice. Not need.
Very true.... When only 25% of americans have a passport it is obvious that they don't need to know another language. The operative word here is NEED. Many of these folks looking to impose a second language tend to over look the fact that americans as a whole stay in their own country. They look down on us because many only speak english. The irony is that these egg heads from the universities who look down on common americans couldn't survive outside of academia. Can they repair their home if it were damaged? Most blue collar english speaking folks can.
They are self sufficient and proudly independent. We should never under estimate the blue collar crowd. They are after all the back bone of this great nation. This blue collar guy can speak 2 languages and make his point clear in a few others. That was by choice. Not need.
So you're saying that the working class doesn't travel? I don't know what assumptions you operating under, but you sound a bit hostile to people with a college education. Jealous much?
I have been out of the USA 6 times and; suffice to say: with the possible exception of Australia or New Zealand---------I have no desire to live anywhere else.
That stated: I would like to visit Berlin and Vancouver, BC one day
As for Mexico: till that nation is under US control; lock, stock and barrel--------I will never set foot there. The exploding drug violence there is reason alone to avoid that Third World place.
You may try Bagdad which is under U.S. control, LOL,
So you're saying that the working class doesn't travel? I don't know what assumptions you operating under, but you sound a bit hostile to people with a college education. Jealous much?
Of what?????LOL Of what?????? I travel more than most college grads. I also speak more languages than many college grads.
I stated a fact only about 25% of all Americans have a passport. Most blue collar types are content to stay inside our borders when they travel. Isolated America? | The World By Road
No I am not jealous. I just lack any fundamental respect for what our great universities have been turning out until they prove themselves. Working in a factory I get to break in a new college grad about every 6 months. It amazes me how little wisdom or common sense all that tuition money bought.
By the way I never said the blue collar class doesn't travel I said most do not travel outside of our borders. Big difference.
Another link although a bit outdated.. http://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/f-...8.183005.24769
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. Open mouth, insert foot, get back to me later.
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