Please speak English!!!!!

[dreamcometrue]

I live in Southern California and we have a huge hispanic population here and I run into that problem all the time! I also work as a clerk in an elementary school and we have parents come in that speak NO English, only Spanish, and there is absolutely no way for us to communicate with them, because none of us office ladies speak spanish. We have had one or two get mad because we did not understand them and storm out!

What I think is incredibly rude is if a group of hispanic employees speak Spanish amongst each other. I worked in retail one Christmas season years and years ago, and there were about 5 girls that were hispanic and that's ALL they did. It was awful and very rude, I thought.

 

[gina2000]

Your ESL classes must run differently than ours, Anewman. We only allow English to be spoken unless a new student needs directions. Then another student is allowed to explain procedure in their native tongue. We have a huge crossroads of students ranging from Spanish speaking nations to Asian nations and everything in between. These students stay in one class for most of the day but transition out for science and social studies with a teacher's aide in the classroom. It's true that some kids don't transition out quickly because, quite frankly, they're lazy. Others work their butts off and are out within a year. If parents are contacted, most parents will put an English speaking member of their family on the phone to help translate. It's not a perfect system, by any stretch of the imagination but our schools continuously work at transitioning out students into regular classroom settings.

ESL does have its problems, though. During the beginning stages of the process, it's hard to distinguish whether there is a language barrier or a learning disability. This can greatly discourage a child. Also, the inherent togetherness puts the kids in a cocoon type atmosphere. They can appear as one subset among a larger set. The group operates as a family....and very often a dysfunctional one. Whenever you segregate a group (at any level), this does happen. It can be a positive or negative depending on the individuals who make up the subset.

 

[Dolce27]

Won't get flamed by me. I totally agree. I'm all for the USA being a giant melting pot...I'm all for everyone working for a better life. But I also believe you need to speak the language. I would never go to another country to get a job and not speak the language.

ITA I'm all for cultural diversity but learn the primary language of the country that you are moving to! It seems that more and more people are coming to America and not wanting to learn English but expect us to learn their language in consideration to them.

 

[Fitswimmer]

ITA I'm all for cultural diversity but learn the primary language of the country that you are moving to! It seems that more and more people are coming to America and not wanting to learn English but expect us to learn their language in consideration to them.

The day states and the federal government started printing official documents in Spanish, we gave Hispanic immigrants (legal and illegal) the precedent they needed to make demands for that "consideration".

It's going to be very difficult to close the door now that we've opened it. I still feel badly for people who come from non Spanish speaking countries because no such consideration has been given to them.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I found coupons this morning in both English and Spanish. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with them at first.

 

[Flyerfan]

I live about 15 miles from Hazleton, PA. Some may have never heard of this town and some have. It has a big hispanic population, but also has a great influx of illegal immigrants (I know that's not what this thread is about) The town and its mayor (Lou Barletta) have been in the national news since last summer. After being fed up with crimes committed by illegal immigrants (I know, but my point of this reply is coming), Mayor Barletta has enacted the Illegal Immigration Relief Act and part of that is the English Official Language Ordinance...
http://www.smalltowndefenders.com/090806/2006-19 _Official English.pdf

I'm all for people of different cultures coming to America for a better life. I just want them to speak the language, even though it's not official. Maybe our federal government could learn a thing or two from Lou Barletta.

Lou for President!!

 

[Hound 109]

Isn't he also legislating stiff fines (or jail) against landlords or employers of illegals? (i thought i had seen that)

If that is the case, I admire his logic that THE PROBLEM is caused & would probably only be solved by nailing those who are CAUSING THE PROBLEM.

Please advise if i'm wrong, Thanks.

hound

 

[kehouse]

i got this in an email.


The year is 1907.....but the speaker knew what he was talking about

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in
1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who
comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us,
he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an
outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or
birthplace, or origin.. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in
every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no
divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something
else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the
American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the
English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a
loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt

Every American citizen needs to read this!
KEEP THIS MOVING

 

[Hixski]

i got this in an email.


The year is 1907.....but the speaker knew what he was talking about

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in
1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who
comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us,
he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an
outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or
birthplace, or origin.. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in
every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no
divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something
else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the
American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the
English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a
loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt

Every American citizen needs to read this!
KEEP THIS MOVING

I posted some quotes from Theodore Roosevelt back a few pages too. They were ignored. Here are mine:

These quotes are from Theodore Roosevelt. The 26th president of the United States from 1901-1909.

Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.
Theodore Roosevelt

We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Wise words......too bad they can't still hold true today. I googled this below about how many immigrants were here the year the above quote was made. If they could learn English then why can't they do it now. Oh, I forgot they don't have too, we make it too easy not to.

The turn of the century was characterized by rapid urbanization and industrialization as well as by a substantial increase in overall population. By 1907, the immigration rate peaked as approximately 1.3 million immigrants entered the United States and in that one year accounted for a 3 percent increase in the U.S. labor force.

 

[toto2]

i was wondering, when you go lowes andthe brochure is english on one side and spanish onthe other side , and then when you go to buy betty crocker cake mix, and other food items, it also is in english and spanish , well call me slow.............but i dont get it...............so if i move to say //////////// france,russia, spain,etc. ........and tell them i only speak english ,will i and everyone else see ENGLISH on their packages, restaurant signs, etc. or would and should i learn their language ??????? i just think it is crazy..................... i just dont get it sorry.

I fact , if you go to france , russia or spain , there will be probably 12 language on the boxes because it is a lot cheaper to print one set of boxes than one foe every contry in the eurepean union. So it is probably only because it is more profitable to print one set of boxes for the US and South America. It is not done to upset you. And if you see french on the box as well , it is probably because they sell it in canada as well. You would go crazy here: often we dont even have french written on the boxes and in my province , 80% of the population is french. Go to any store in chinatown , and everything is only in chinese.

And in europe , all ATM "speak" at least 5 languages, in major cities , the restaurants who cater to tourists have menues in many language , you will hear engish music on the radio and you will be able to see every american movie...in english with subtitles. You shouldn't feel to far from home.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I fact , if you go to france , russia or spain , there will be probably 12 language on the boxes because it is a lot cheaper to print one set of boxes than one foe every contry in the eurepean union. So it is probably only because it is more profitable to print one set of boxes for the US and South America. It is not done to upset you. And if you see french on the box as well , it is probably because they sell it in canada as well. You would go crazy here: often we dont even have french written on the boxes and in my province , 80% of the population is french. Go to any store in chinatown , and everything is only in chinese.

And in europe , all ATM "speak" at least 5 languages, in major cities , the restaurants who cater to tourists have menues in many language , you will hear engish music on the radio and you will be able to see every american movie...in english with subtitles. You shouldn't feel to far from home.

I don't have a problem with places choosing to do this, esp. big cities, but I don't think it should be required. It is good business sense to appeal to people visiting from other countries and generate income from tourists or new immigrants.

However, I feel like people often don't feel motivated to learn the language. Some people are here 5, 10 years and still don't speak English. If people are receiving checks from the government, I think they should be able to read the words that are printed on it. I think immigrants should make a good faith effort to learn the language - that goes for any country. When I went to France, I spent a month reading a guide/phrasebook so I would at least be able to communicate. If I moved to another country, I would definitely take a class or read a few books. When my ancestors came here, they had to learn to communicate, not just for the sake of arbitrary rules. If every immigrant keeps his or her own language and loyalties and does not learn English, how can America continue to function as one country?

 

["Got Disney"]

my problem is with the telemarketers...they call you 50 times as if that is not enough to piss ya off than they cant say your name right and than you cant understand one word they are saying,,,,,

 

[Flyerfan]

ISome people are here 5, 10 years and still don't speak English.

How can people feel comfortable in a country where they cannot communicate? That would drive me crazy. If I were to even vacation in a foreign country, I'd definitely have to learn some of the language so I would be more at ease.

 

[Pirate Me]

How can people feel comfortable in a country where they cannot communicate? That would drive me crazy. If I were to even vacation in a foreign country, I'd definitely have to learn some of the language so I would be more at ease.

Yes. You can't go on through life like that.

 

[Charade]

Isn't he also legislating stiff fines (or jail) against landlords or employers of illegals? (i thought i had seen that)

If that is the case, I admire his logic that THE PROBLEM is caused & would probably only be solved by nailing those who are CAUSING THE PROBLEM.

Please advise if i'm wrong, Thanks.

hound

Huh? THE PROBLEM is CAUSED by landlords and employers?

I'll agree that some of them are enablers who knowingly rent to and hire illegals but they are not the sole cause. That would be like saying if a grocery store put a fruit and vegetable cart outside their storefront (like in the old days), that they are the cause of people stealing their wares! The THIEVES are the cause of theft, not the shop owner.

Here's to the mayor of Hazleton!

 

[wvjules]

Wow, I go to WV for the weekend and this thread got long. (WV where we speak English or Hick-onicks and can understand each other. lol )


And yes I meant Colombia the country.

I'm new here and this melting pot thing is a new experience for me. Its an adjustment that's for sure. I'm going to get my nails done tonight. I wonder what lanugage they will speak?

 

[Fitswimmer]

Huh? THE PROBLEM is CAUSED by landlords and employers?

I'll agree that some of them are enablers who knowingly rent to and hire illegals but they are not the sole cause. That would be like saying if a grocery store put a fruit and vegetable cart outside their storefront (like in the old days), that they are the cause of people stealing their wares! The THIEVES are the cause of theft, not the shop owner.

Here's to the mayor of Hazleton!

If there were no jobs for illegal immigrants here, they wouldn't be here. Companies hire illegals and pay them wages that are MUCH lower than minimum, knowing that the illegal person cannot complain and is still making more than they would have at home. Even the small bars and restaurants in my area do this-WHY? To maximize profits! If they had to pay those workers minimum wage they wouldn't make as much money.

I can understand why legal citizens don't want those jobs. I read in our church bulletin this weekend that half of all jobs in NJ pay less than $33,000 per year. If you are earning minimum wage in my area, you would have to work 120 hours a WEEK to afford an apartment!! Imagine if the job pays LESS than minimum! It's more beneficial to stay on welfare if you're legal.

We need to make work worthwhile for our citizens. If we can do that, we'll all benefit because more taxpayers will be contributing to the system instead of just taking out of it.

 

[Hound 109]

Huh? THE PROBLEM is CAUSED by landlords and employers?

I'll agree that some of them are enablers who knowingly rent to and hire illegals but they are not the sole cause. That would be like saying if a grocery store put a fruit and vegetable cart outside their storefront (like in the old days), that they are the cause of people stealing their wares! The THIEVES are the cause of theft, not the shop owner.

Here's to the mayor of Hazleton!

Yes, "the problem" (if one perceives it as a PROBLEM) mostly is caused by Employers. Let me elaborate:

- Employers hire workers for low paying jobs.
- Employers don't provide medical benefits.
- Employers don't (at least in my area) pay school taxes.
- Employers often don't pay FICA taxes (on these employees)
THINK HOMEBUILDERS, SUBCONTRACTORS, LANDSCAPERS, MAIDS, ETC.

I (we) pay for hospital bills, schools, my mom's social security benefits. I (we) are subsidizing these EMPLOYERS who are making money on the backs of the illegals and with MY TAX DOLLARS.

The solution is simple. (As Fitzwilliam & others have said)

ENFORCE CURRENT LAWS & SLAP A LARGE FINE (or put in jail) the EMPLOYERS who are causing the problem.

- In a matter of months they'll be scared to death to hire illegals.
- With no jobs, illegals stop coming.
- You or other smart folks can decide what to do with the illegals who are already here (& their children).

I (& many of you) will have to buy a lawn mower & I'll also need to be prepared to pay an extra 20-30K for my next home.

We'll all probably have to pay an extra 20 cents for our big macs & listen to mumbling teenagers at Wendy's instead of broken English.

& I'll also have to learn how to make breakfast tacos & gorditos as good as the Taco Truck that i stop by every couple of days.

I'm not saying any of these things are good or bad....I'm just saying.

hound -

 

[Flyerfan]

I can understand why legal citizens don't want those jobs. I read in our church bulletin this weekend that half of all jobs in NJ pay less than $33,000 per year. If you are earning minimum wage in my area, you would have to work 120 hours a WEEK to afford an apartment!! Imagine if the job pays LESS than minimum! It's more beneficial to stay on welfare if you're legal.

We need to make work worthwhile for our citizens. If we can do that, we'll all benefit because more taxpayers will be contributing to the system instead of just taking out of it.

It burns my butt when the government says, "They are taking the jobs Americans don't want" Gee, I wonder why.

 

[toto2]

I understand the frustration of english speaking americans. In my province , Québec, that was always around 80% french, we had to put into law that french was the official language of the province.

Until the beguining the 80's, you could go to major department stores downtown Montreal ( the second largest french praking in the worls after Paris) and not be able to be served in French. The staff would be unilangual english. It still happens from time to time, specially in bars and restaurants in the downtown erea .

What the law said , in substance , was that , immigrant childreen to the province have to attend french schools , not english schools , that any signs have to be in french , with the second language could be half the size, that the language of work has to be french.

Just a few years ago , our school systhem was still divised into the catholic school sythem and the protestant school systhem , with the french population going to catholic and the english going to protestant. So most of immigrant went to the english school board who was not as protective as the french school boards that were very protective ( not in a good way !) Now , since thery are forced to go to french schools , the situation as changed dramatically and since I am 43 , am still surprised to see pakistany , chinese etc speak french ! For the yonger people , they went to school with those immigrant childreen , so it is normal for them.

But I will say again , I think that the particular problem that the OP signal is more of an economic one than a social one. People who are ready to work for those wage simply dont have the "education". And as long as we will want to pay the lowest possible price for what we want to buy , and letting the company maximize there profits, they will continue to pay those salaraies or outsource to india. It is the fondation of capitalism.