Spanish or English (illegal aliens, Mexico, conservative, Americans)

[danbomo]

Where is our priorties? Do we speak English or do we speak
Spanish? I called Att&T today and they "Recording"'


"If you would like to continue in English please press one"'

I think I am from the USA and I speak English why do I have
to press one to continue in English, But if I am spanish I
Just start talking to them.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!1

We live in the USA I am not an illegal immegrant!

[tkdmom]

Yeah, I agree ! What other country do you know where they cater to "illegals" ? If we were to go to mexico would they change their advertising to please us, because we don't want to learn the language, or their automated services, I think not !

[foma]

Many countries speak English actually. In fact, I think the U.S. is one of the few countries that you only learn one language but I'm sure that's not your point.

On the other hand, I do think it's a little annoying that everything is bilingual these days. Here's why: I'm from an immigrant family but growing up, everything my parents didn't understand, you never saw us asking, "hey, can we get that in Portuguse or Chinese?" My brothers and I did everything that pertained to having to speak English from starting successful businesses to changing addresses at the post office to going to the bank etc.

I have to admit, it is kind of nice these days that a lot of things come in Chinese so I don't have to explain or do everything for my Mom but i do believe that there should only be one main language: English. If companies are nice enough to cater to other languages, that's fine by me but it better be all language then and not just spanish, IMO.

[Evlevo]

Note: AT&T has absolutely no political or legal mandate to provide both languages... the only motivation is to make money.

Yaay Capitalism!
Expect more as "privatization" continues!

PS... If you are going to be staunchly "Pro-English", please spell English words correctly!!!

Originally Posted by danbomo

Where is our priorties? Do we speak English or do we speak
Spanish?
We live in the USA I am not an illegal immegrant!

[chele123]

I'm from an immigrant family but growing up, everything my parents didn't understand, you never saw us asking, "hey, can we get that in Portuguse or Chinese?"

EXACTLY!
No other immigrants were catered to regarding their language, so why are we catering to illegal aliens?? It's an expense the taxpayer should not have to pay!

As to the press one for English. Yes, it's annoying, BUT - what good would it do to have "Press one for Spanish" said in english, if the caller speaks no english?

Why are we showing preferential treatment to Spanish, when we haven't for any other language? Isn't that a bit unfair to other immigrants?

[Torn2pieces]

AT&T also outsources to India.

The companies seem to be catering to Spanish speakers. It's unreal.

I remember about 2 months ago, getting a call from someone - They said can I speak to someone who speaks spanish. Well they asked in English. I said this is America, I speak ENGLISH.

Needless to say, they got nasty and I gently hung up.

[cassy1]

I was having a problem with my security center on my computer so I called the toll free number and was on the phone for a half hour with someone I could not understand. Half of the time was spent asking this help person to repeat themselves. I sent a letter complaining for all the good that did.

[Torn2pieces]

They don't care. I have canceled service because of the bad help. Usually it's from a non speaking person.

Lot's of companies outsource to India. They try to hid their accent, but it's pretty obvious.

[Stockholmaren]

Originally Posted by Sammie

AT&T also outsources to India.

The companies seem to be catering to Spanish speakers. It's unreal.

I remember about 2 months ago, getting a call from someone - They said can I speak to someone who speaks spanish. Well they asked in English. I said this is America, I speak ENGLISH.

Needless to say, they got nasty and I gently hung up.

With that attitude, I would have hung up on you...

[Stockholmaren]

Just like Evlevo said, there is no mandate to provide services in multiple languages, companies do so because there is a demand and they want to increase the bottom line.

Where I work, we keep a directory of all the different languages our employees speak, so any customer issue can be explained in their native language. So far I believe we have about 75 languages covered.

Also, in reference to the out-sourcing of call centers, that's just another step to increase profits. Of course companies will use labor that is much cheaper. I'm not saying that any of you are, but for the most part, conservatives are the ones who mainly want to make English and official language and the only one Americans have to deal with, but at the same time not recognizing that companies will do what they can to increase profits due to capitalism.

Also, it's very sad that the US is the only developed country where you can obtain a Bachelor's degree without having to learn a foreign language. It's time to stop being so ethnocentric.