Learning the Native Language
@Candid_Ishida (659)
United States
September 2, 2007 8:29pm CST
When an individual moves to another country, do you think he/she should be expected to learn that country's native language?
For example, when those from Spanish speaking countries move to the US, I think they should do their best to learn English and American store owners, manufacturers etc. should not be expected to have all signs and warnings in both Spanish and English.
Likewise, if an American person moves to Mexico, he should learn Spanish and should not expect the citizens there to know English.
I know a lot of people in other countries are learning English these days, but I still think that anyone moving to a different country should do everything he can to learn that country's language.
Also, if you are from a non-English speaking country, do you find it respectful when foreigners learn your native language (even if you do know English)?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@DJ9020 (1596)
• United States
3 Sep 07
Yes. If I was going to move to another country for any length of time, even just a few months, I would try very hard to learn as much of the language as I could. That way I would not be so isolated. Also, if you needed help, you might not be able to find someone who spoke your language quickly. For safety's sake, I think you should learn the language.
@Nardz13 (5055)
• New Zealand
3 Sep 07
Hi there. Personally, I dont think anyones expected to learn the language of the country they choose to move into... But in learning the language of that country is so beneficial to theirselve and so many others, like store owners etc...
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
3 Sep 07
Absolutely! When you move to a new country its only sensible for you to take some time to learn the language. You will become a citizen in time and you need to speak the language. Its much easier to do business when you speak the language of the country.
