Press One For English (Miami: living in, store, rich)

[Nosferatu]

Burgler

People speak the language they need, as easy as that.

[Marlin331]

Originally Posted by burgler09

if you're in miami and you dont speak spanish.. you aren't very competitive for the job market.. you can keep searching or leave.. but stop whining.

This isn't entirely true. Most professional jobs (in accounting, law, education, business, healthcare, etc.) do not require Spanish. I know quite a few people doing just fine in Miami without Spanish.

[cjs08]

It really depends on who you're working for. Speaking more languages does open more doors, such as the ability to work for companies that have heavy ties to Latin America, and Spanish-language media, etc., or the ability to interface with a Spanish-speaking population, in Outside sales or Nursing, for example.

However, not speaking English will close a LOT more doors than not speaking Spanish, in terms of higher-level positions such as those Crisp mentioned. Many Gringos, Asians and Blacks do fine without speaking fluent Spanish. To work most blue-collar jobs, English isn't as necessary.

[ProjectMngr]

Originally Posted by crisp444

This isn't entirely true. Most professional jobs (in accounting, law, education, business, healthcare, etc.) do not require Spanish. I know quite a few people doing just fine in Miami without Spanish.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry, I just find that sentence completely BIZARRE!!! We're in America, and just hearing that sentence in America is just BIZARRE to me, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ProjectMngr]

Originally Posted by cjs08

It really depends on who you're working for. Speaking more languages does open more doors, such as the ability to work for companies that have heavy ties to Latin America, and Spanish-language media, etc., or the ability to interface with a Spanish-speaking population, in Outside sales or Nursing, for example.

However, not speaking English will close a LOT more doors than not speaking Spanish, in terms of higher-level positions such as those Crisp mentioned. Many Gringos, Asians and Blacks do fine without speaking fluent Spanish. To work most blue-collar jobs, English isn't as necessary.

How long have you been in Miami now?

[cjs08]

24 years...moved here from Atlanta when I was 2

It was a lot more of a change for my parents, I was too young to experience Atlanta much

The only Southern culture I had was what my parents instilled me with :0)

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by cjs08

However, not speaking English will close a LOT more doors than not speaking Spanish, in terms of higher-level positions such as those Crisp mentioned. Many Gringos, Asians and Blacks do fine without speaking fluent Spanish. To work most blue-collar jobs, English isn't as necessary.

Excellent point. Of course, Miami, because of its geography, has tremendous opportunities for bilingual individuals in terms of international commerce, trade, politics, etc.

I daresay, however, that across the USA - including South Florida - the inability to speak English will handicap one's assimilation and evolution both professionally and culturally as an American. Miami is not the only city where one finds many individuals - especially older, less educated immigrants - speaking another language and very limited English. While those people are able to function and enjoy American life, they do so within limited parameters. They might listen to radio or TV stations or read newspapers in a language other than English, they may speak to relatives and friends, shopkeepers, tailors, waiters, the mailman, delivery persons, etc., solely in that other tongue.

Their children, however, recognize very quickly, that to enjoy the full range of benefits as Amereicans and to fully participate in the awesome potential that America offers, English is the way to go.

Speaking Spanish, Creole, French, any other foreigh language, should be an asset. Failure to speak English is clearly an impediment in an English-speaking country.

To respond to the topic introduced by the OP, perhaps automated recordings should default to English and not require one to press any other digit..but those who seek another language should opt by pressing for that?

[cuba libre]

Originally Posted by Moderate Guy

To respond to the OP, perhaps automated recordings should default to English and not require one to press any other digit..but those who seek another language should opt by pressing for that?

At least for now, most businesses are "Press one for English". If current demographic trends continue, you will probably have to press "2" for English in the future.

At many department stores, and chain stores, like K-Mart, Wal Mart, Home Depot, etc. it can be a real task to find an English speaking employee to assist you. Interestingly enough, at Best Buys everyone speaks English because the workforce is so young. You can even see the dismay in these kids' faces when people of their parents' age Moderator cut: Flaming come into the store and ask for help in Spanish because of their inability to speak English.

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by ProjectMngr

S FL would look the same if not for the ocean and the Everglades.

Moot point, because it doesn't.

[proud cuban]

Originally Posted by cuba libre

You can even see the dismay in these kids' faces when people of their parents' age Moderator cut: Flaming come into the store and ask for help in Spanish because of their inability to speak English.

every body treats me nice and speaks spanist to me. you are wrong, Moderator cut: comment not allowed, spanish people are not delinquents and are PROUD with their culture and education and treat kids with love and respect not like retirement investing