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This country has had various ethnic and cultural groups since its very founding. I doubt most would have agreed to become "ONE" if they had to agree to give up their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Most people don't get that. Out of many-one, doesn't mean to adopt one culture, it means out of many cultures come one nation.
But what are the odds of someone being born in the USA and not speaking english?
As a teacher my wife has to deal with kids from families where English is not the language normally used in the home. The kids do not normally start out fluent in English.
I agree if they want to come here and enjoy the perks of our nation they should learn how to speak English. If I went to live in Italy, then I'd learn Italian. But, in the scheme of life and all the things happening in the world today this isn't going to keep me up at night.
Most people don't get that. Out of many-one, doesn't mean to adopt one culture, it means out of many cultures come one nation.
Yes, what it means that we all assimilate to American culture aka ONE. That doesn't mean that one can't practice their native culture and language at home.
This country has had various ethnic and cultural groups since its very founding. I doubt most would have agreed to become "ONE" if they had to agree to give up their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
But no one is expecting anyone to "give up" there native culture and language. Just assimilate to American culture out in mainstream. What you do at home is your own business.
Some don't have a knack for music or learning new language- no matter how much time they spend in a new nation...My mother learned three languages...were as my dad- after 30 years in Canada had a very thick accent and his English never really developed. He knew enough to earn a living.
Where as my son who is 22 is a great musician with a good ear- He just married a girl from Chile...and his Spanish is great...Part was a desire to please his new bride and part was the fact that he took an interest - and the main part was that it was EASY for him...
The cold fact is that ghettos form- In Toronto there are people from China who have been here for 50 years who can barely speak any English- because the way they live - it's just not a needed.....stop picking on an old woman....I am sure she appreciates where she is...and yes learning never ends...it's just that some learn different things..I learn what I am interested in...I don't learn about things that are of no consequence. I still can't play poker- or chess...and still tie my shoes improperly..
As noted in your post it does take time to learn. Something she should have done during her 18 years here.
Also noted in your post, they rather not be apart of the larger society and assimilate. Becoming a citizen is becoming American, and becoming American is speaking English, because we have one language and that is English, one Flag which is American anything else is un-American.
There is no requirement that the oath be taken in any particular language.
I didn't know this. I've been under the impression taking it in English was required. Thanks for the "I learned something today" moment.
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