Quote:
Originally Posted by Talk Host
My wife an I have the good fortune of being able to travel a lot.
We were in Sweden and Denmark recently. In addition to their native language, nearly everybody we met also spoke English and Spanish (perfectly). All of the menus were in both languages.
Over the past couple of years, we have driven through most of the western and eastern European countries. In Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Russia and Holland, everybody spoke their native language, plus many spoke English, French, Russian an others. We did a boat tour of the waterways in Vienna and our young tour guide spoke English, German, Italian Spanish and French. Most menus offered not only native language but also English
In Brazil, where Portuguese is the native language, nearly everybody also spoke English and Spanish.
In Canada, there are two languages, French and English.
Here in this county, everybody has their fur up because Spanish is becoming a second language. You know, the old, "By God were Americans and we talk American." Why are we so against the wonderful opportunity to learn a second language and have it be part of our culture. Realistically, we are never going to turn the tide, so shouldn't we flow with it?
It doesn't seem to any problem at all in most other countries.
|
Some people have a difficult time dealing with change and pluralism. The demographics in the USA are changing -- as they continually have since the white man first took the land away from the Indians. From "Irish need not apply" to Jim Crow laws to the anti-Hispanic "English should be our official language" sentiments, sadly there will always be a vociferous bunch of folks who put down the looks/culture/language of the more recent arrivals. It's unfortunate and, in my view, pathetic. It's interesting talking to my grandchildren...they could care less about it...they are already dealing with a slew of non-white classmates who speak many languages and they enjoy learning about their cultures and languages...and learning those languages! Best of all, they all love soccer -- a true international, intercultural sport.
I'm not worried about resistance to change -- those folks who get their fur up, as you said. Sad for them to not learn and embrace variety. The anti-generation will pass and the USA melting pot will continue to make us great and even more innovative.