English Only
By DJ9020
@DJ9020 (1596)
United States
June 19, 2007 9:44pm CST
This is a big controversy in my area, as one of the smaller towns around here just passed a law that all business must be conducted in English only. (in Texas) What do you think? Should be make allowances for other languages or require people in America to speak English (or American - but that's a different question!). If we allow other languages, how many should we be required to accomidate? For traffic signs, official business, etc.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@MelodyRhapsodical (1248)
• United States
20 Jun 07
That law would never fly down here in Miami, everyone speaks Spanish first and foremost and English practically as a second hand language. Lol.
I don't think they have to necessarily pass a law about it, I know English perfectly fine but my parents don't - and they have tried. They are also American citizens, not illegal or anything like that. I think they should leave it as is, if there is an employee who knows another language then he should be able to use it to help a non-English speaker out if need be. I'm not saying to make a foreign language dominant here (this is America after all) but don't make laws prohibiting it. Not everyone can pick up a language as easily as someone else and if an employee is bilingual, what's so bad about using his talents to help someone that might need it?
2 people like this
@DJ9020 (1596)
• United States
20 Jun 07
I think that's what these people are upset about - that English is becoming the second language! I think it's great that bi-lingual people can help sometimes, but, for example, I work in emergency services, and we don't always have a bi-lingual emloyee on duty. What do we tell people who call for help who can't speak the language? In 9-1-1, we tell people that seconds save lives, yet for non-English speakers we have to connect them to a language line to get help. That takes time, and time could cost a life.
@MelodyRhapsodical (1248)
• United States
20 Jun 07
But is making it law going to help any? Is a law established going to all of a sudden teach someone a language? How does that law help the non-English speaker calling 911?
I do understand what you mean though, heck I learned my English at 4 years old just fine. And the United States is a dominantly English speaking nation. But this country also caters to everyone, the Hispanics, the Americans, the Asians, the African-Americans. Just because there's a predominant minority doesn't mean the entire nation will lose English. I don't think it's fair to make a law that might cripple anyone here.
A good idea might be to require English classes to all newcomers, similar to the way I was required ESOL for 2 years in school when I came here in 1990. But I don't agree with laws against speaking in a foreign language, English will always be here.
1 person likes this
@djbizmonkey34 (633)
• United States
20 Jun 07
Honestly, I feel if you come to this country, you should learn the national language. I shouldn't have to learn French or German or Spanish. English is the national language, am I right? I heard in some places they are making kids in elementry schools learn Spanish which is not right.
1 person likes this
@DJ9020 (1596)
• United States
20 Jun 07
I agree with learning the national language - if I lived in another country I would make the effort to learn that language - for emergency purposes if nothing else! I think learning another language is good for us, but don't see forcing children into it.
@02FreeSpirit22 (99)
• United States
20 Jun 07
I strongly agree. It's not like the law is to stop anyone from speaking a foreign language, just DEMANDING that they learn ours first and foremost. Which is what this country needs. I live way up in Northern IL, almost in Chicago, and the language barrier is so bad here, you can't order McDonalds unless you speak spanish! Ronald is pretty white in all the commercials though. Immagrants continue to argue that they deserve to stay here becouse we have better living standards here, SO LIVE BY THEM!
@castleghost (1304)
• United States
20 Jun 07
I don't believe that it is right for any country to have to cater to people who can't speak the native tongue. Meaning if I were to go to another country then it is my duty to make an effort to speak that countries language. Its not their responsibility to make allowances for my laziness in not taking the time to learn the language. I believe that people should know the language of the country that they decide to reside in. If a person lives in the United States then they should respect the country enough to learn English. I don't see why a business should have to have employees who speak bilingual because others don't want to take the time to learn the language.
1 person likes this
@DJ9020 (1596)
• United States
20 Jun 07
As I said above, I agree with that viewpoint. Whoever lives in a country should learn the basics of the language. There are too many programs out there available to help you learn a language. For some people it may be laziness, but for others I think it is sometimes stubborness.
