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Learn Our Language
December 30, 2008
This is a headline story right here! It has to be one of the top issues in the country today. I am referring to the "Press two for Spanish" issue. Why is this even an option? If someone wants to become an American badly enough, they should take the initiative to learn the language that is spoken here: English. I mean, does the government not know that by allowing a language barrier to exist inside our country, they are potenially limiting the progression of the country. There should not be a need for any type of translator in our country. How can we be called the top country in the world if the citizens within it are not able to communicate freely? "Press two for Spanish" is also one of the most annoying statements that can be uttered over the phone. Spanish is not the only problem either. It is all the gibberish and nonsense that has to be endured before actually having the opportunity to speak to a customer service officer or telephone operator. I believe that Americans need to keep it simple. Diversity is grand, but when it pertains to the language, there is a problem. I have a simple solution that will unify our country and tear down the language barrier: Learn our language or go home!
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This article has 201 comments.
ohmakemeover BRONZE said...
on Aug. 12 2011 at 4:26 pm
I didn't understand a word you just said. And yes, we have to pay taxes, but that is also one of the biggest political debates in America of all time. It doesn't go smoothly. But other than that, I didn't get any of what you typed.
america has no language, there is no law make english the official language, we use english because most of us speak it, if that changed the new language would be the norm.
besides we should learn foreign languages, isolationism caused the depression and the holocaust
what about germans should german immigrants learn english or go home. no free assosiation, most countries have at least 4 official languages, england has 20, welsh (sorry don't know the actual name) irish gaelic, gualish, indian, pakistani, arabic, and every other one from what was once there empire (which was the most of the world, the sun never set on its greed, racism, and brutality.
OK this is completly stupid. You are saying that it is racist. Are you kidding me? English is the official language of the United States of America and the fact that you mentioned the Cherokee nation is absolutley illogical since even the Cherokee did not have a completely unified language and they were not the only people that were here before the English. Now if one of their languages was the official language I would understand but it is not the case english is. Now if you want to get into the debate of why English further lets just ask the question do you want the hundreds of languages represented in the US to be listed everytime you called support or went into a government building? I do not think so. Yes other peoples heritage is something to be proud of but just because America is a melting pot does not mean that those assimilated into the United States get to keep there culture and then impose it on everyone else. Those of European descent who came to America became Americans , but they did so while remembering where they came from. So in saying this. Do I think that it is right to make someone learn the language and not give exceptions? Yes to an extent if someone needs help then yes give it to them ,but give them a means to where they do not have to become "American" and communicate english with efficency I agree that we will be keeping America from progressing.
ShontelleSymone GOLD said...
on Aug. 5 2011 at 5:13 pm
Another question for you. Why is it that you don't have such a problem with whites coming to America and speaking their native language? It is so racist that people would just point the finger of Latinos who are trying to better themselves by coming to America. They have kids and families. You don't know their financial situation so "going home" is not an option for these poor people. I (as a part mexican girl) am offended by this article.
ShontelleSymone GOLD said...
on Aug. 3 2011 at 2:27 pm
Keep in mind that the latino population is quickily becoming the majority.
ShontelleSymone GOLD said...
on Aug. 3 2011 at 2:24 pm
With all this said, when are you going to learn Cherokee? You know, the first people here? What makes English so great? Actually, you don't even speak proper queen's english. So when you say learn our languange or go home,I and well within my rights as a cherokee girl to say learn OUR language or go home.
ohmakemeover BRONZE said...
on Jul. 24 2011 at 3:35 pm
The good thing about America is that we don't force anyone to do anything here. We don't force religion, or politics, and we don't force culture. Plenty of people in America only speak a foreign language and they get along fine because they have others to relate to. If they feel like they need to learn English to get by, then that is their prerogative. Also, shame on you for calling other languages gibberish. That is close-minded and immature and I suggest you check your words better next time.
anonymous said...
on Jun. 13 2011 at 4:12 pm
I completely agree with you! I don't get why we Americans have to learn Spanish (not to mention in school), and they don't have to learn English. Yes, I know they have 'English as a Second Language' classes, but it's not an elective class. This should be changed!
NarniaRiddle said...
on Apr. 29 2011 at 10:31 pm
"Now, I agree that immigrants should learn English. But...instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English — they’ll learn English — you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish...it’s embarrassing when Europeans come over here, they all speak English, they speak French, they speak German. And then we go over to Europe, and all we can say [is], 'Merci beaucoup.' " -Barack Obama
dDawgg77 said...
on Apr. 26 2011 at 4:44 pm
youre stupid and why would you even be ignorant like that??? like seriously.
AnnaBaldwin BRONZE said...
on Apr. 26 2011 at 3:17 pm
A human being, a child especially, has the capability to learn a dozens of languages, perhaps not fluently but that's besides the point. It takes time and focus, whether one is willing to take the time is the question. If someone wants to move to another country so bad, why not take the time to learn the language?
midnightsilence PLATINUM said...
on Apr. 16 2011 at 5:13 pm
I agree that it's ignorant to expect an individual to disown their culture just to be accepted as a US citizen. English is difficult to learn, and their is true beauty in diverse and foreign languages. The USA is said to be a cultural mixing pot, and to say "They" should learn our language is to isolate those with hispanic background who live in the US (and may even be fluent in English) which is to put up a barrier even more compelling than the language barrier. "They" are part of us, and if you can't accept diversity, then you, my friend, are the one who needs to learn a new language: the language of humanity and love .
wtt777 said...
on Apr. 7 2011 at 9:22 am
You have no clue what your talking about! If they move here and want to live here they need to adapt to the majority here we do not need to adapt to them.
wtt777 said...
on Apr. 7 2011 at 9:19 am
I love the article you wrote. You are absoulutly correct on what you siad. They should learn our language if they want to be citezens of this country. Even if I moved moved to another country my first priority would be to learn that language. You are not ignorent, dont listen to anyone who tells yopu that.
munizi said...
on Apr. 4 2011 at 11:36 pm
This is a very ignorant article. I wish I could send you to a foreign country and expect you to learn another language. Then maybe you would change your mind. Or maybe you would stay ignorant.
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Favorite Quote:
If you cannot convince a fascist aquaint his head with the pavement-trotsky<br /> The bourgeoisie might blast and ruin its own world before it leaves the stage of history. We carry a new world, here, in our hearts. That world is growing this minute.“ durry
taxes are stalnist, they assume the gov owns your wealth.
you have to obey laws
and follow agreements that you were not a part of if you did not take part in a desicion you are not bound by it. i did not agree to pay taxes so why do i have to.
and the draft turning kids into murders