I recently heard Barack Obama issue the latest statement that has made me further question why anyone would want to vote for him. He said, that every child in America should be taught Spanish. Now I agree with this to a certain extent. It is beneficial to understand and speak another language. However, when a immigrant enters this country, (especially illegally), he or she should not expect the dwellers of that country, in this case, Americans, to learn every word available so they can communicate with them properly.
That would be like me, a born-and-raised-in-this-country 100% American, going to a foreign country, let's just say Spain or France, and demanding that they learn my language instead of me learning theirs. This would be crazy right? After all, I am in their country. The least I can do is learn their native language.
This is what I don't understand, we have thousands of immigrants, (most of them from Mexico, and most of them illegally), coming over to America, looking for work, which we happily and willingly give them, and yet they complain when we don't learn their language. Um hello? Who's country are you in again?
What I'm saying is this. If you come to America, learn English, and don't expect everyone you meet to know your native language. Because I can assure you, not everyone will.
Sadly, not everyone shares this opinion and if you are one of those people, feel free to express your own. This is a free country right? Just do me one favor, write it in English.
Comments
Misfit1119
I do agree that everyone should learn Spanish though. As a non-spanish speaking Hispanic I realize that is a grave loss for me. Seeing as how there are plenty of Cuban, South American and especially Puerto Ricans who live in the US it's just a smart thing to do. Also, since spanish is one of the most widely spoken tongues, knowing at least how to speak some of it guarantees you a much easier time getting a job.
Besides to use your own example learning to speak english in other countries is actually a very pushed thing. Most Europeans I know speak at least english and then their native tongue if not one or two more. It's just the US that seems to think we only need English. If anyone is going to learn a language living in the US they probably should learn either spanish or chinese to communicate with the large growing populations here.
Just my 2 cents.