Take back USA

[DDoug]

Just got off the phone to get something straightened out on a credit card and a guy by the name of Hashish or something like that hard to understand. When this happens insist on talking to someone in the U S. This guy was in India, boy this is bull crap. I know everyone says lighten up tell me why. OK I'm better

[2BNTV]

As the comedian says, My name is yaba daba yeba baba, you can call me "Chuck". :D

[eweissenbach]

Just got off the phone to get something straightened out on a credit card and a guy by the name of Hashish or something like that hard to understand. When this happens insist on talking to someone in the U S. This guy was in India, boy this is bull crap. I know everyone says lighten up tell me why. OK I'm better

This from a guy who put rats in a cage to fight to the death for "entertainment"!

[JourneyOfLife]

I have read that several companies have been pulling their call centers back to the US for various reasons.

[billethkid]

when I get one I do not understand I insist on talking to a rep in the USA.
They will do everything in their power to not do that . And before they do it always defaults to someone with impeccable english......I guess they get a demerit or something if they have to refer calls back to the USA.

I have zero tolerance for one, not able to hear them, and two if their english is not understandable.

[skyguy79]

Just got off the phone to get something straightened out on a credit card and a guy by the name of Hashish or something like that hard to understand. When this happens insist on talking to someone in the U S. This guy was in India, boy this is bull crap. I know everyone says lighten up tell me why. OK I'm betterYou mean you didn't get Peggy like the rest of us? Maybe some service closer to you might... well just check this out:

Customer Service - YouTube (http://youtu.be/sqOTxYsydZ0)

You can also request customer service online. Here's an example:

Customer service by phone - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Funny%20customer%20service%20 by%20phone&sm=3)

[Golfingnut]

I don't care what you say, I Love America.

[DaleMN]

As long as it is 'American for Americans'. :doh:

[CFrance]

Just got off the phone to get something straightened out on a credit card and a guy by the name of Hashish or something like that hard to understand. When this happens insist on talking to someone in the U S. This guy was in India, boy this is bull crap. I know everyone says lighten up tell me why. OK I'm better

Maybe so, but these are humans too, trying to work for a living, and referring to them in a demeaning manor, i.e., "Hashish," is just plain rude. Go after the company; don't demean the employee.

[applesoffh]

It's all about profits...the banks don't pay much to their foreign Customer Service reps - here in the U.S., they'd have to at least pay minimum wage. That would cut into profits, and we all know that banks are about making money for themselves and their stockholders (as is every other publicly traded company). I'm not against profits, but you can't have it both ways.

[bkcunningham1]

Like you, I'm human and get frustrated when I can't understand someone's accent and I get frustrated when someone can't understand my southern drawl. But like CFrance I realize this is another human you are referring to and realize it is a person who has a job and is trying to make a living. If you look at the bigger picture of a company outsourcing and see the benefits it gives to others in countries less fortunate than we in the US you can see how it enables them to buy US made products too. I love America but I also don't have a problem with a a free market or a global economy.

[DianeM]

When I get a foreign country I politely request transfer to the States. If I get an argument I remind them that by law they MUST get me to the States. I don't care much about their economy. I prefer to support mine by speaking with an employee in my own country.

[gomoho]

It's all about profits...the banks don't pay much to their foreign Customer Service reps - here in the U.S., they'd have to at least pay minimum wage. That would cut into profits, and we all know that banks are about making money for themselves and their stockholders (as is every other publicly traded company). I'm not against profits, but you can't have it both ways.

My experience with my Bank Of America or Bank of the West accounts have both been speaking to fluent speakers of English that I assume are in this country. One of the few times I don't get an outsource employee.

[CFrance]

When I get a foreign country I politely request transfer to the States. If I get an argument I remind them that by law they MUST get me to the States. I don't care much about their economy. I prefer to support mine by speaking with an employee in my own country.

I was unaware of that. Can you explain more, Diane?

[Average Guy]

When I get a foreign country I politely request transfer to the States. If I get an argument I remind them that by law they MUST get me to the States. I don't care much about their economy. I prefer to support mine by speaking with an employee in my own country.

According to Snopes.com, this is not true.

[buggyone]

Well, it certainly was pleasant to see the tolerance level of some Villagers regarding foreign people.

Your grandkids would be proud of you.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

You can always tell them to transfer you to an American call center and I believe they have to do so. Me I would cancel the card and get a different one. I use Amex as much as possible because their customer service is normally excellent!

[gomoho]

Perhaps if enough people requested to speak to an American call center these companies would consider bringing these jobs back home. I am more interested in growing our economy rather than that of another country. I know it costs more to service people with employees in the US, but sometimes that benefit may outweigh the cost to the company - i.e. customer loyalty.

[buggyone]

One major company, Marriott, has very recently transferred their reservations call center to India. This was done for the purpose of increasing company profits.

It is surprising to me to see all these negative comments regarding the foreign call centers when it usually happens to be the same posters talking about a free economy and government hands off the free market. Or is it just a case of NIMBY?

[gomoho]

I fully support a free economy in the US and the companies have the freedom to do business where they please. My point is if they start losing a loyal customer base because the customers are not happy with the customer service part of their business then it will not longer be as profitable to do business in that manner.

[graciegirl]

Well, it certainly was pleasant to see the tolerance level of some Villagers regarding foreign people.

Your grandkids would be proud of you.



I don't think that this is what was meant exactly by some posters.(Looking down on other countries)


I take it that when you are given customer service in another country sometimes their accents are very difficult to understand and you are not sure that the business that you are trying to conduct is going along correctly.


If you add a hearing deficit like some of us olders have, it sometimes is very difficult. My husband is not only very patient, but very polite and very calm and has normal hearing... but last week he said calmly, several times, I am sorry, I don't understand what you are saying to a person in customer service from another country. I am QUITE sure that no one could understand me if I tried to speak in their language and I applaud them for speaking in mine.

[CFrance]

I don't think that this is what was meant exactly by some posters.(Looking down on other countries)


I take it that when you are given customer service in another country sometimes their accents are very difficult to understand and you are not sure that the business that you are trying to conduct is going along correctly.


If you add a hearing deficit like some of us olders have, it sometimes is very difficult. My husband is not only very patient, but very polite and very calm and has normal hearing... but last week he said calmly, several times, I am sorry, I don't understand what you are saying to a person in customer service from another country. I am QUITE sure that no one could understand me if I tried to speak in their language and I applaud them for speaking in mine.

I have had the same problem and have been as polite as Henry. I once had to terminate the conversation and call back, hoping for another person I could understand better.

I think demeaningly referring to someone as "Hashish," as an example, displays a disregard for that human and for foreigners in general. There were some other posts that were dismissive of the employee, as well as the practice. That's what I was talking about, and I think what Buggy was talking about as well.

[BarryRX]

I don't know how people determine they're speaking to a call center in a foreign country. I sometimes initially assume that when I hear an "Indian" accent that I am speaking to someone in India, but I could very well be speaking to an American Citizen in anywhere USA. Being hard of hearing, I find that I have a harder time understanding young females (high pitched voices) than foreign sounding accents.

[janmcn]

Most, if not all, of the major credit card companies have a 'live chat' feature on their website. This is a much quicker and easier way to communicate with these companies for things such as checking a payment, raising a debt limit, etc. The only thing I would call a company about would be fraud on my card.

[Arctic Fox]

Be careful what you wish for.

I have been trying to resolve a problem with a major airline since mid-November.

They do not respond to e-mails - no relevant e-mail addresses are even listed on their web-site - so a telephone call is the only way forward.

Customer Service is manned by nationals, but there are so few of them there that I have had to wait for over an hour, on hold, before I actually get to speak to anyone.

I would rather have my calls answered immediately, even if it means having to struggle a bit with a non-national.

[buggyone]

I have had the same problem and have been as polite as Henry. I once had to terminate the conversation and call back, hoping for another person I could understand better.

I think demeaningly referring to someone as "Hashish," as an example, displays a disregard for that human and for foreigners in general. There were some other posts that were dismissive of the employee, as well as the practice. That's what I was talking about, and I think what Buggy was talking about as well.

From the title of the thread "Take Back the USA" and referring to an employee as Hashish does not show just the difficulty of understanding an employee but, to me, shows an attitude of intolerance toward others of foreign extraction.

CFrance seems to be in the Buggy camp. Welcome to the brightness!

[Golfingnut]

From the title of the thread "Take Back the USA" and referring to an employee as Hashish does not show just the difficulty of understanding an employee but, to me, shows an attitude of intolerance toward others of foreign extraction.

CFrance seems to be in the Buggy camp. Welcome to the brightness!

The complaint should be addressed to the big business doing this for cheap labor and not to the person grateful for any any work at any pay. It is hard for CEOs to be filthy rich and pay far wages at the same time.

[DianeM]

I was unaware of that. Can you explain more, Diane?

All you have to do is respectfully request transfer to the States. They must comply. If they give you grief just remind them legally they must respect your wishes. No need to get nasty. Just make the request. Works every time. I will not deal with agents outside of the States.

[Bucco]

All you have to do is respectfully request transfer to the States. They must comply. If they give you grief just remind them legally they must respect your wishes. No need to get nasty. Just make the request. Works every time. I will not deal with agents outside of the States.

They only MUST if their company has that policy.

There has been a lot of talk on this subject in the US Senate, but no bills and no actions as of yet.

Many companies do have a policy to do what you suggest, but do not get yourself into a heated debate...there is NO law that says you must be transferred.

I do suggest that people do some research on why these jobs are being outsourced and not jump to irrational conclusions.

[LndLocked]

All you have to do is respectfully request transfer to the States. They must comply. If they give you grief just remind them legally they must respect your wishes. No need to get nasty. Just make the request. Works every time. I will not deal with agents outside of the States.

simply not true

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/servicerep.asp

[DDoug]

Couple things folks when I put that name in my post that is because that was the name the guy gave me(spelling my have been wrong) second why do we always have to give up our country because we don't want to put up with an accent that is hard to understand. Sorry folks but that is the problem with us we put up with something less than we should have to. Say what you will but I was born here I don't have accept something less. This is The U S A why are we giving it away. I'm done I have to take my pills now

[LndLocked]

Couple things folks when I put that name in my post that is because that was the name the guy gave me(spelling my have been wrong) second why do we always have to give up our country because we don't want to put up with an accent that is hard to understand. Sorry folks but that is the problem with us we put up with something less than we should have to. Say what you will but I was born here I don't have accept something less. This is The U S A why are we giving it away. I'm done I have to take my pills now


yea ... prob not:

Hashish - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashish)


"We" are not ... you should address that question with the company(s) that you are doing business with, as they are the ones that are exporting the jobs.

[Steve & Deanna]

Funny this thread just came up as I just got off the phone with Comcast. I told him my name and spelled it three times, told him where I lived in TV at least twice and gave him my account number four times. I speak well and am patient in giving my information SO I CAN GET SOME SORT OF SERVICE FROM COMCAST. I informed him that I needed a tech at our house as I am not going to crawl on the floor, unhook cables with a short in them and ....I apologize for going on but could we get some representatives that speak and understand the English language......and two cable companies that compete against each other???

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't think that Doug is being intolerant of people of foreign extraction. I think he's simply being intolerant of, and frustrated by companies that hire people whose primary function is to communicate with English speaking Americans, an that have difficulty communicating or being understood in English.

It's kind of like hiring 5'4" 150 lb men to play offensive linemen on your NFL team.

I have the same problem with anyone who is put into a position of having to communicate in English and can't be understood by most Americans whether they are in this country or are American citizens or whatever. It's a stupid move by companies and I think it will eventually backfire on them.

On the other hand, many of us have stock in some of these companies in our retirement portfolios and it is in our interest that they maximize profits as much as possible.

[skyguy79]

Couple things folks when I put that name in my post that is because that was the name the guy gave me(spelling my have been wrong) second why do we always have to give up our country because we don't want to put up with an accent that is hard to understand. Sorry folks but that is the problem with us we put up with something less than we should have to. Say what you will but I was born here I don't have accept something less. This is The U S A why are we giving it away. I'm done I have to take my pills nowI can see how someone can come to the opinion that DDoug was making light about the individual from India, but at the same time I don't understand why forum rules were ignored by expressing negative opinions directly at DDoug. We have been told numerous times by moderators and the admin alike that comments should be addressed to the topic and not directly at the individual.

In any case I have to give DDoug the benefit of the doubt, especially with my having found a website that lists Indian names, checking it out and coming to the conclusion that makes his explanation very plausible. In the list I found three names that sound close to Hashish, and this was with just a simple perusing of the list. Also, the three I did find came only from the H list, so there may well be several more within the rest of the alphabet.

Here is the link to the list mentioned where anybody can checkout for themselves what I said: Indian Boy names starting with H - Indian babynames (http://www.indiaexpress.com/specials/babynames/boy-h.html)

[skyguy79]

.....I have the same problem with anyone who is put into a position of having to communicate in English and can't be understood by most Americans whether they are in this country or are American citizens or whatever. I wholeheartedly agree with you on this. When I was working as a Motor Vehicle Issuing Office supervisor, we had one nice elderly gentlemen that came in frequently. He was alone, spoke Spanish and couldn't speak a word of English. We had one Spanish speaking employee that worked at our location and this gentleman always asked for Robert so he could be understood and helped.

One day the gentleman came up to me as he usually did and said "Robert?" I felt so bad for him because Robert just got promoted to another part of the state. Sadly, I couldn't even explain to the man about Robert and after several shoulder shrugs and looks of sympathy, I think he got an idea what happened, left and I don't remember if I ever saw the guy again.

On that day I said to myself "Where is this guys friends? Where are his relatives? Why did they not help him? The department was supposed to develop a system of available translators so I could hook them up on our phone to translate for them/us. It never developed by the time I retired and I have no idea if it ever did since then.

So again I hear you about anyone put in that position of not being able to communicate.

[Parker]

An even worse problem - voice menus. Lord have mercy, they will kill me eventually!

[Golfingnut]

From our television service, internet service cell phone service, they all need improvement. On the other hand, service from Apple Support has been perfect and always accurate for us.

[JourneyOfLife]

My concern is more about companies allowing foreign companies and their employees offshore to have access to my information.

[Golfingnut]

my concern is more about companies allowing foreign companies and their employees offshore to have access to my information.

good point

[DaleMN]

We need to 'take our country back'.....if we could ever figure out who in the hell took it. :doh:

[Bucco]

we need to 'take our country back'.....if we could ever figure out who in the hell took it. :doh:


nafta ???

[DianeM]

According to Snopes.com, this is not true.

I'm sorry but it absolutely is true. I make the request to be transferred back to the States whenever necessary and it is done every time.

[DianeM]

Well, it certainly was pleasant to see the tolerance level of some Villagers regarding foreign people.

Your grandkids would be proud of you.

It has nothing to do with tolerance but rather economics. I would prefer to bolster our economy by speaking with a fellow American earning a paycheck here and spending same here.

[DianeM]

QUOTE=gomoho;844641]Perhaps if enough people requested to speak to an American call center these companies would consider bringing these jobs back home. I am more interested in growing our economy rather than that of another country. I know it costs more to service people with employees in the US, but sometimes that benefit may outweigh the cost to the company - i.e. customer loyalty.[/QUOTE]

:agree:

[KayakerNC]

simply not true
Originally Posted by Average Guy View Post
According to Snopes.com, this is not true.
I'm sorry but it absolutely is true. I make the request to be transferred back to the States whenever necessary and it is done every time.
snopes.com: Foreign Call Centers Must Transfer Customers to U.S. Reps? (http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/servicerep.asp)

According to the last paragraph; "Although the practice is not yet legislatively mandated, some U.S. companies have established policies and procedures of their own that instruct foreign call center operators to transfer calls back to U.S.-based reps upon customer request."

[DianeM]

simply not true

snopes.com: Foreign Call Centers Must Transfer Customers to U.S. Reps? (http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/servicerep.asp)

Every time I say that it works like a charm so I guess they don't know it's not true

[DianeM]

:Couple things folks when I put that name in my post that is because that was the name the guy gave me(spelling my have been wrong) second why do we always have to give up our country because we don't want to put up with an accent that is hard to understand. Sorry folks but that is the problem with us we put up with something less than we should have to. Say what you will but I was born here I don't have accept something less. This is The U S A why are we giving it away. I'm done I have to take my pills now

You got that right. We are so afraid of being "politically correct" that we're giving it away. Our ancestors must be rolling in their graves.

:bigbow:

[quirky3]

Ancestors of US citizens had accents. ;)

[JourneyOfLife]

Ancestors of US citizens had accents. ;)

Depending on where each of us live, we might think each other has an accent the other can't understand...

For example, someone from New England talking with someone from the Deep South.

[quirky3]

Exactly! After all, English is NOT this land's native language.

[Golfingnut]

Big business greed gave it away, so please don't blame a 50 cent an hour employee for this. This is our fault not there's.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this. When I was working as a Motor Vehicle Issuing Office supervisor, we had one nice elderly gentlemen that came in frequently. He was alone, spoke Spanish and couldn't speak a word of English. We had one Spanish speaking employee that worked at our location and this gentleman always asked for Robert so he could be understood and helped.

One day the gentleman came up to me as he usually did and said "Robert?" I felt so bad for him because Robert just got promoted to another part of the state. Sadly, I couldn't even explain to the man about Robert and after several shoulder shrugs and looks of sympathy, I think he got an idea what happened, left and I don't remember if I ever saw the guy again.

On that day I said to myself "Where is this guys friends? Where are his relatives? Why did they not help him? The department was supposed to develop a system of available translators so I could hook them up on our phone to translate for them/us. It never developed by the time I retired and I have no idea if it ever did since then.

So again I hear you about anyone put in that position of not being able to communicate.

Frankly, I'm offended by the idea that my tax dollars are used to pay for translators for people who come to this country and refuse to learn our language. It's also obscene that most if not all of our government forms are printed in multiple languages. I don't believe that there is any other country in
the world that does this unless they have multiple native languages.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Exactly! After all, English is NOT this land's native language.


Really? Since when? Are you going to argue that because some dopey congressmen who are afraid of losing some vote refuse to make English our "official" national language, that people in this country haven't spoken primarily English for the past 400 years?

English has always been the native language of this country.

And accents and dialects are a lot different than languages.

[Bucco]

Big business greed gave it away, so please don't blame a 50 cent an hour employee for this. This is our fault not there's.


NAFTA started the move 20 years ago


PS...large corporations job...only job..is to make money for its shareholders...that is all of us with IRA's etc. NAFTA was the catalyst for much of this, not all, but that is what gave the impetus.

[perrjojo]

Well, it certainly was pleasant to see the tolerance level of some Villagers regarding foreign people.

Your grandkids would be proud of you.

I don't feel it is an intolerance of foreign people. For me it is the belief that our official language is English. When I call customer service I should expect to speak with a person who speaks English fluently. It makes no more sense than hiring a plumber to be a nurse. Their job is to COMMUNICATE and if they cannot be understood, they are NOT communicating; therefore they are not successfully performing their job function.

[Bucco]

I don't feel it is an intolerance of foreign people. For me it is the belief that our official language is English. When I call customer service I should expect to speak with a person who speaks English fluently. It makes no more sense than hiring a plumber to be a nurse. Their job is to COMMUNICATE and if they cannot be understood, they are NOT communicating; therefore they are not successfully performing their job function.

The United States has NO official language. Some states have adopted that stance.

Our government says we must provide access to those who do not speak english

[Golfingnut]

NAFTA started the move 20 years ago


PS...large corporations job...only job..is to make money for its shareholders...that is all of us with IRA's etc. NAFTA was the catalyst for much of this, not all, but that is what gave the impetus.

I never understood NAFTA, but it did seem wrong tome.

[Bucco]

I never understood NAFTA, but it did seem wrong tome.

As I said, NAFTA was the beginning of, or at least an attempt, to begin a world wide economy. An agreement between US, Canada and Mexico to trade as a bloc. Some say it cost jobs, and some say it added jobs. Company I worked for closed a very large manufacturing site to move it to Mexico as a result of NAFTA.

But, I use that as only the beginings. There are many factors to this discussion.

One, and one I think is important is our tax code. The last few elections we have heard a lot of lip service given to this subject....but NO action We actually charged the committee put together to discuss the budget deficit with also looking at the tax code. After millions of dollars and lots of effort, the committee report was thrown aside and just not discussed, I assume because it did not fit a political agenda.

We need to fix the tax code first.

We are not going to protect american jobs until we do that, PLUS convince americans to take some of these lower paying jobs, and or provide incentives to companies to keep these jobs here.

It is not simple, and simply making fun or and throwing stones at large corportations is just plan silly and ill advised. They are doing their jobs...our government is not. Watch for tax overhaul debates in the election cycle and pay attention.

[DianeM]

Ancestors of US citizens had accents. ;)

Absolutely. The call takers in foreign countries that do not live here are not citizens.

[DianeM]

Exactly! After all, English is NOT this land's native language.

The native language is American Indian but since we screwed them royally, the language of this country is English.

[DianeM]

Frankly, I'm offended by the idea that my tax dollars are used to pay for translators for people who come to this country and refuse to learn our language. It's also obscene that most if not all of our government forms are printed in multiple languages. I don't believe that there is any other country in
the world that does this unless they have multiple native languages.

I was afraid to say it but I give you kudos for saying what I was thinking. If I moved anywhere else I would be forced to assimilate into that society by speaking that language. No one would be printing forms in English to accommodate me. Nor would they have translators to assist me.

[DianeM]

I don't feel it is an intolerance of foreign people. For me it is the belief that our official language is English. When I call customer service I should expect to speak with a person who speaks English fluently. It makes no more sense than hiring a plumber to be a nurse. Their job is to COMMUNICATE and if they cannot be understood, they are NOT communicating; therefore they are not successfully performing their job function.

:agree:

[DianeM]

The United States has NO official language. Some states have adopted that stance.

Our government says we must provide access to those who do not speak english

And how stupid are we for providing it ???? No wonder the world laughs at us now.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The United States has NO official language. Some states have adopted that stance.

Our government says we must provide access to those who do not speak english

That's true from a legal standpoint, but can anyone deny that English has been the native language of this country for the past 250 years?

Juts because a bunch of cowards in Washington decide not to make it "official" doesn't mean that we don't have a native language. We have a native language and I think that everyone understand that and knows what it is.

When our parents, grand parents or great grand parents came here from other countries they made it a point to learn our national language. They understood that to survive here they would need to learn to speak English.

For some reason, (maybe to get more votes) congress decided that it would be better if we all speak different languages and that the government would provide all of it's forms in every language in the world and that they government would provide translators for every person in this country that doesn't want to learn English. Gives the government a lot of power doesn't it?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The native language is American Indian but since we screwed them royally, the language of this country is English.

This was not a country prior to the English settling here. It was open land occupied by tribes. The Native Americans had no common language or system of government.

The English came and established a country on this land.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ancestors of US citizens had accents. ;)

Yes, they certainly did. But, would you have given them jobs involving communicating with English speaking people on the telephone.

My grandfather came here from Italy and had a very thick Italian accent. It would have been completely foolhardy to put him on a phone to do customer service for a company in this country.

Like I said, would you hire 5'4" 140 pound people to be on the offensive line of your NFL team? That not being prejudice or bigoted against small people. It's simply recognizing that they are not capable of doing a particular job. There are plenty of jobs that small people can do but playing on the offensive line is not one of them. There are plenty of good jobs for people that don't have good English skills, but communicating by phone in English with English speaking people is not one of them.

Some things are just too obvious and simple.

[karostay]

:

You got that right. We are so afraid of being "politically correct" that we're giving it away. Our ancestors must be rolling in their graves.

:bigbow: Our ancestors stole the land and murdered the Indians
why should they roll in their graves

[CFrance]

Frankly, I'm offended by the idea that my tax dollars are used to pay for translators for people who come to this country and refuse to learn our language. It's also obscene that most if not all of our government forms are printed in multiple languages. I don't believe that there is any other country in
the world that does this unless they have multiple native languages.

Oh, I disagree. Almost every other country in the developed world teaches their young to speak English from the time they start school. We should not do that for the Hispanics and Asians that proliferate our country? Do you realize how hard it is for an adult to learn a second language? It's an established fact that the young learn a foreign language easily, because they learn it from a different part of the brain. Once you reach adulthood, it is an entirely different and more difficult process.

I don't have a problem at all with my tax dollars going to help immigrants who are not fluent in English to understand our laws and their rights.

[DianeM]

Seriously? We speak English here and anyone who doesn't want to learn is free to leave at any time. Speak as you wish in your Country or your home but do not expect me to learn your language just to communicate with you. Millions have come here and WANTED to fit in with their new neighbors. What happened to that concept?

[quirky3]

No one is forcing the corporations to outsource their customer service. They make that decision out of greed, at the expense of their customers. More appropriate to direct your angst at the root cause of the issue.

[Bucco]

No one is forcing the corporations to outsource their customer service. They make that decision out of greed, at the expense of their customers. More appropriate to direct your angst at the root cause of the issue.

They make these decisions because they have one responsibility and that is to their shareholders to make a profit. That is what their responsibllty is.

If they did not, you would be complaining about your IRA or any investment you have going down the tubes.

You do not mention what you consider the root cause of the problem and that might be interesting to hear.

Wrong to blame corporations who are doing exactly what you, as a stock holder, want them to do.

Calls for tax code revision to allow corporations incentives to stay in this country are always greeted with catcalls.....but that is step one.

But allow us what you think the root cause might be.

[quirky3]

The only problem that bothers me with this thread is the complaints of the original illegal immigrants.

[Golfingnut]

They make these decisions because they have one responsibility and that is to their shareholders to make a profit. That is what their responsibllty is.

If they did not, you would be complaining about your IRA or any investment you have going down the tubes.

You do not mention what you consider the root cause of the problem and that might be interesting to hear.

Wrong to blame corporations who are doing exactly what you, as a stock holder, want them to do.

Calls for tax code revision to allow corporations incentives to stay in this country are always greeted with catcalls.....but that is step one.

But allow us what you think the root cause might be.

So confusing, I agree with quirky and Bucco on this. Where is the compromise. I dislike outsourcing but I also would be upset with poor management of my financial interests. What is the solution? Could living with less profit be done with more jobs done by our neighbors. I don't know.

[CFrance]

Seriously? We speak English here and anyone who doesn't want to learn is free to leave at any time. Speak as you wish in your Country or your home but do not expect me to learn your language just to communicate with you. Millions have come here and WANTED to fit in with their new neighbors. What happened to that concept?

Yes, seriously. The times they are a-changing. I invite you to go try to learn a foreign language at your age and see how difficult it is. Then try to fill out a form in that language. Then go try to hire some Americans to go pick your fruit.

[Bucco]

It's all about profits...the banks don't pay much to their foreign Customer Service reps - here in the U.S., they'd have to at least pay minimum wage. That would cut into profits, and we all know that banks are about making money for themselves and their stockholders (as is every other publicly traded company). I'm not against profits, but you can't have it both ways.

Not sure what you mean by "both ways" ?????

And banks are probably the least off shore companies customer service...if there are actually any of them.

[2BNTV]

No one is forcing the corporations to outsource their customer service. They make that decision out of greed, at the expense of their customers. More appropriate to direct your angst at the root cause of the issue.

:rotfl: So True!!!

My mother and father were born in Europe and struggled to learn, the English language. I'm sure they were difficult to deal with, back then. They formed a community of friends, that would help them translate when they needed, to deal with someone, or something.

Eventually, they spoke english well. My mother had a second grade education in Italy, and spoke three languages. She just barely, taught herself to read English.

I have mixed feelings in this matter as:
1. If English is not your first language, you shouldn't be put in a customer service role unless you can speak without a heavy accent, or have good command in your use of words. I have witnessed my mother and father search for words in English, to convey what they wanted to say.
2. People need to be given a break, unless they have no intention of learning how to speak english. Grandmother had no interest in learning, as she was surrounded by her children who all spoke fluent Italian. They live in a totally Italian neighborhood, so there wasn't a communication problem.

If I were to move to XXXXXXXXX, I would make every effort to learn that language, and be greatful for all the help, in my conversion.

[Bucco]

So confusing, I agree with quirky and Bucco on this. Where is the compromise. I dislike outsourcing but I also would be upset with poor management of my financial interests. What is the solution? Could living with less profit be done with more jobs done by our neighbors. I don't know.

AGAIN, make those politicians who promise tax code revision do what they say. Allow some reason for companies to not only place customer services offices on shore but to do their base business.

We now live in a world wide economy and we cannot be like we used to be, but so much of our tax codes simply invites companies to move

[Golfingnut]

I lived 11years in Germany, spoke the language and always was accepted for it but found by many to be strange as the Germans all had English in school and found Americans that spoke their language as an oddity. Go figure, but Americans seldom have a second language. Yet most other countries speak two or more languages.

[Golfingnut]

AGAIN, make those politicians who promise tax code revision do what they say. Allow some reason for companies to not only place customer services offices on shore but to do their base business.

We now live in a world wide economy and we cannot be like we used to be, but so much of our tax codes simply invites companies to move

How does, did NAFTA play into that? It's all so complicated to me. Is anyone watching to see that American interests come first?

[Bucco]

To those who are upset about the lack of english speaking folks, EVEN who live in this country.......we have about TWELVE MILLION ILLEGAL immigrants in this country. I have no idea how many of them even attempt to learn the language.

We make it easy not to learn. We make it difficult for companies to require english standards.

If you research just Florida law, you will find how difficult it is to require employees to speak english. You must show that english is vital or the EEOC will be after you big time. Election ballots are printed in SEVERAL different languages.

I suggest, and this is just me and it is not well received, that english be required and the only "give" is that the company will pay for you to learn english in a specified amount of time or you lose employment. At least that creates the incentive to learn the language. Why learn it if you can get everything available without.

Wait until the debates begin on illegal immigration

[Bucco]

How does, did NAFTA play into that? It's all so complicated to me. Is anyone watching to see that American interests come first?

As I said, NAFTA was just the beginning of the worldwide economy and is not the root problem for the issue being discussed. It is an ingrediant of an issue, world wide economy, that we just do not address because, and this is my opinion, it is not politically expediant.

I still think a complete revision of the tax code keeping all this in mind which would generate a code designed to keep jobs here.

To me, it is all about the taxes......listen to the pols tell you about it and then do nothing but create class warfare by raising and lowering general taxes just to get a headline or so

[Golfingnut]

To those who are upset about the lack of english speaking folks, EVEN who live in this country.......we have about TWELVE MILLION ILLEGAL immigrants in this country. I have no idea how many of them even attempt to learn the language.

We make it easy not to learn. We make it difficult for companies to require english standards.

If you research just Florida law, you will find how difficult it is to require employees to speak english. You must show that english is vital or the EEOC will be after you big time. Election ballots are printed in SEVERAL different languages.

I suggest, and this is just me and it is not well received, that english be required and the only "give" is that the company will pay for you to learn english in a specified amount of time or you lose employment. At least that creates the incentive to learn the language. Why learn it if you can get everything available without.

Wait until the debates begin on illegal immigration

Got to give a thumbs up on this one. I could care less if a laborer in the fields is fluent in English, but I am a firm proponent of mandatory English for our application for housing, medical assistance, drivers license, state or federal aid programs and the like.

[Golfingnut]

As I said, NAFTA was just the beginning of the worldwide economy and is not the root problem for the issue being discussed. It is an ingrediant of an issue, world wide economy, that we just do not address because, and this is my opinion, it is not politically expediant.

I still think a complete revision of the tax code keeping all this in mind which would generate a code designed to keep jobs here.

To me, it is all about the taxes......listen to the pols tell you about it and then do nothing but create class warfare by raising and lowering general taxes just to get a headline or so

You certainly provide a compelling argument. I better go to bed before I turn conservative. I joke, but I do see your reasoning to have merit.

[perrjojo]

We lived in France for a period of time. When making a phone call I never heard ...FOR ENGLISH PRESS 1. I don't think this thread is about not being understanding of people who have accents or do not speak English. This thread is about primarily English speaking people calling a customer service number and NOT receiving customer service because the people they are speaking to do not have a good command of the English language. Why call if you can not understand the person you are speaking to? It is not bigoted or intolerant, it is just common sense. I called because I need information. if I cannot understand the information you are giving me the call is a waste of my time and a waste of money for the company paying a person that I cannot understand. As I said before, these calls are for communication. If one or the other does not understand the language, we are NOT communicating. It' as simple as that.

[perrjojo]

Maybe so, but these are humans too, trying to work for a living, and referring to them in a demeaning manor, i.e., "Hashish," is just plain rude. Go after the company; don't demean the employee.
I don't think anyone is demeaning the human that they were speaking with. I think many are tired of the companies who choose to save money by paying people who are clearly not qualified to resolve our problems when we call customer service.

[2BNTV]

I don't see this issue as political or a immigration issue. It just makes sense that if one were planning to live in a country, to learn the native tongue.

Sorry, it did bother me when I worked at a place where there was a large amount on non english speaking employees and they demanded you to know their language.

Sorry, I just don't get their reasoning, thinking someone born in America, should know all languages.

I applaud those who do make an effort to learn other languages, and speak them fluently. My son had two years in HS and college in Spanish and can understand it, but still cannot speak more than a few sentence to convey his thoughts.

Nuff said......

[LuckySevens]

We lived in France for a period of time. When making a phone call I never heard ...FOR ENGLISH PRESS 1. I don't think this thread is about not being understanding of people who have accents or do not speak English. This thread is about primarily English speaking people calling a customer service number and NOT receiving customer service because the people they are speaking to do not have a good command of the English language. Why call if you can not understand the person you are speaking to? It is not bigoted or intolerant, it is just common sense. I called because I need information. if I cannot understand the information you are giving me the call is a waste of my time and a waste of money for the company paying a person that I cannot understand. As I said before, these calls are for communication. If one or the other does not understand the language, we are NOT communicating. It' as simple as that.

YES!!!! You explained it the best........"calling a customer service number and NOT receiving customer service because the people they are speaking to do not have a good command of the English language. Why call if you can not understand the person you are speaking to? It is not bigoted or intolerant, it is just common sense"

[buggyone]

I don't see this issue as political or a immigration issue. It just makes sense that if one were planning to live in a country, to learn the native tongue.

Sorry, it did bother me when I worked at a place where there was a large amount on non english speaking employees and they demanded you to know their language.

Sorry, I just don't get their reasoning, thinking someone born in America, should know all languages.

I applaud those who do make an effort to learn other languages, and speak them fluently. My son had two years in HS and college in Spanish and can understand it, but still cannot speak more than a few sentence to convey his thoughts.

Nuff said......

To a lot of the people on the call systems, English IS NOT their first language. Let's get a bit of respect for these people that are actually getting a job and working!

Let's show some American backbone to those who are working even if it is in a different country.

Try and be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

[Matzy]

Well, one positive thing when you get someone from India or Philippines: THERE ARE REAL PEOPLE AT THE OTHER END - no machine. Isn't that already a progress? (just kidding)

[DianeM]

Yes, seriously. The times they are a-changing. I invite you to go try to learn a foreign language at your age and see how difficult it is. Then try to fill out a form in that language. Then go try to hire some Americans to go pick your fruit.

That language lesson wouod be out of courtesy to the new country I moved to if I were to do that. It is wrong to expect millions who speak a language to learn English to accommodate me. If I cannot assimilate into a culture then I don't belong there.

[DianeM]

We lived in France for a period of time. When making a phone call I never heard ...FOR ENGLISH PRESS 1. I don't think this thread is about not being understanding of people who have accents or do not speak English. This thread is about primarily English speaking people calling a customer service number and NOT receiving customer service because the people they are speaking to do not have a good command of the English language. Why call if you can not understand the person you are speaking to? It is not bigoted or intolerant, it is just common sense. I called because I need information. if I cannot understand the information you are giving me the call is a waste of my time and a waste of money for the company paying a person that I cannot understand. As I said before, these calls are for communication. If one or the other does not understand the language, we are NOT communicating. It' as simple as that.

You nailed it. If we can't communicate there is no customer service.

[buzzy]

Maybe "no customer service" is the company's desired result, anyway. This lack of communication shields the company from customer complaints. Saves money in two ways.

[The Buckeyes]

From the title of the thread "Take Back the USA" and referring to an employee as Hashish does not show just the difficulty of understanding an employee but, to me, shows an attitude of intolerance toward others of foreign extraction.

CFrance seems to be in the Buggy camp. Welcome to the brightness!

Someone please explain to me why I must press 1 for English! :rant-rave:

[quirky3]

Well, one positive thing when you get someone from India or Philippines: THERE ARE REAL PEOPLE AT THE OTHER END - no machine. Isn't that already a progress? (just kidding)

Actually, there is some truth to that. Remember the days when automated phone menus dead-ended with a recorded message?

[JourneyOfLife]

Wow, how this topic drifted.

The first generation of immigrants often do not learn perfect english, unless they were english speaking to begin with. The older the first generation, the less likely they will learn the new language.

This political hot potato has been debunked many times.

New immigrants, some of which are older and might not speak english well... their children assimilate to the new country and are often bilingual... speaking mainly the tongue of the country they live in. They learn the former language because of their parents mainly.

One generation to assimilate.

The reason for spanish signs, phone prompts, etc.... there are so many spanish people in our country, that businesses want to attract that business their way.

Illegal immigration is a bit of a different issue.

Both parties have been complicit. Cheap labor vs Advocating for Rights.

Both sides want the votes! That is probably the only common thread of concern.

[dillywho]

May be a little off topic, but beware of someone who barely speaks English calling and claiming to be from Microsoft about your computer Windows. It's is a scam, folks. I got one yesterday and told the guy on the other end, "No, you are not from Microsoft. You are a scammer! I don't talk to scammers." And hung up.

Nobody will ever call you about "a problem with your Windows" no matter which provider, etc. They do not do business this way. Initiate your own calls if and when there is a real problem. There is always a support line or deal with a local "fixer".

[buggyone]

May be a little off topic, but beware of someone who barely speaks English calling and claiming to be from Microsoft about your computer Windows. It's is a scam, folks. I got one yesterday and told the guy on the other end, "No, you are not from Microsoft. You are a scammer! I don't talk to scammers." And hung up.

Nobody will ever call you about "a problem with your Windows" no matter which provider, etc. They do not do business this way. Initiate your own calls if and when there is a real problem. There is always a support line or deal with a local "fixer".

Very good warning to all! Personally, I would not have said anything about knowing he is a scammer but would have just hung up - since I have heard of that scam before.

There is also a scam where someone supposed from the IRS sends an email asking for your bank account information and PIN's.

Just last week ago in the USA Today, it was reported that a lady in New York City gave a fortune teller around $217,000 to get rid of a curse. Hey, some folks are just too stupid to have money.

[CFrance]

Very good warning to all! Personally, I would not have said anything about knowing he is a scammer but would have just hung up - since I have heard of that scam before.

There is also a scam where someone supposed from the IRS sends an email asking for your bank account information and PIN's.

Just last week ago in the USA Today, it was reported that a lady in New York City gave a fortune teller around $217,000 to get rid of a curse. Hey, some folks are just too stupid to have money.
Perhaps that would work for the Chicago Cubs?

[Bucco]

[/B]
Perhaps that would work for the Chicago Cubs?

You have stepped way over the line with a comment even hinting that the Cubs could beat the curse.....that is a major violation of all protocol.

[CFrance]

You have stepped way over the line with a comment even hinting that the Cubs could beat the curse.....that is a major violation of all protocol.
Oops...:o

[DaleMN]

Someone please explain to me why I must press 1 for English! :rant-rave:

Cuz pressing 2 is for Spanish. :doh:

[DouglasMo]

Cuz pressing 2 is for Spanish. :doh:

I have tried to get service from a person in India who I literally could not understand, I was very polite but I had to keep saying, I'm sorry, I don't understand you. She hung up.

I agree with the posters-- press 1 for English should be dropped. We should not have Press 2 For Spanish. We should just speak English. People who come here should learn our language. Period. And we should not be ashamed or politically incorrect to demand it.

I myself have had enough of other language speaking people conversing in their language in front of me instead of using English---so I would not know what they were talking about..but for them that's ok -- that is not a problem….for them.

Bring those jobs back to the U.S. Demand immigrants learn English. My grandfather and my great grandfather had to and I am proud of that fact. They did what they had to do and made their way in the U.S. What is wrong with that idea? I'm signing off now. Those are my thoughts.

[DaleMN]

We should all learn Spanish.

[karostay]

We all should learn to be tolerant

[perrjojo]

We all should learn to be tolerant

It's difficult to be tolerant when you are 70 years old, on you hands and knees on the floor, behind the desk, trying to unplug some cable, counting to thirty or what was it that guy said? I can't understand him.:a20:

[karostay]

It's difficult to be tolerant when you are 70 years old, on you hands and knees on the floor, behind the desk, trying to unplug some cable, counting to thirty or what was it that guy said? I can't understand him.:a20:
Rest my case

[buggyone]

It's difficult to be tolerant when you are 70 years old, on you hands and knees on the floor, behind the desk, trying to unplug some cable, counting to thirty or what was it that guy said? I can't understand him.:a20:

Plug your computer modem into a power strip so you can just flip the main power strip switch instead of crawling behind a desk. Bad for your knees but good for orthopedic surgeons.

I don't have those problems. I have Comcast and call 800-COMCAST if I have any problem. I always get a very good English speaker located in the USA who solves the issue.

For credit card issues, I call the customer service number on the card and always get someone in USA who speaks English and fixes the issue right away.

It does not bother me to press 1.

[Bucco]

Plug your computer modem into a power strip so you can just flip the main power strip switch instead of crawling behind a desk. Bad for your knees but good for orthopedic surgeons.

I don't have those problems. I have Comcast and call 800-COMCAST if I have any problem. I always get a very good English speaker located in the USA who solves the issue.

For credit card issues, I call the customer service number on the card and always get someone in USA who speaks English and fixes the issue right away.

It does not bother me to press 1.


You have been really lucky. Comcast is perhaps, if not the worst, one of the worst with offshore customer service. Just hope you do not have difficulty on an off time :) FOR THEM I mean !!

[Bucco]

We should all learn Spanish.

WHY ? And make that case but tell me why those who do not speak english but live and work in an english speaking country should not learn english !!!!

[CFrance]

We should all learn Spanish.

We all should learn to be tolerant

Both of these.

[Bucco]

Both of these.

Could it be explained to me why I MUST learn spanish ? Have we been invaded ? Those who speak only spanish have no obligation at all ?

Wonder if on the message boards in Mexico, they are saying how they MUST learn english so we do not feel uncomfortable when we visit !

Just explain to me WHY it is all one sided...thats all !!!

PS...I am slow....here is how I understand what you folks are saying. As an american, if I own a company and hire someone who speaks only spanish or WANT to do that, I cannot according to the EOC insist they learn english to do their job in America for an American compnay, BUT......as an american consumer, I am or should learn spanish to get help when I call an american company. Got it !

[DianeM]

We should all learn Spanish.

Sorry but hell would have to freeze before I speak anything but English in the United States.

[buggyone]

Ah, the tolerance level of Villagers is ramping back up. :rant-rave:

[janmcn]

Most of these calls centers are being moved to India, The Phillipines, and Indonesia, not Spanish speaking countries. BTW: Tarpon Springs is adopting Greek as it's second language, so another language to learn if planning a trip there.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ah, the tolerance level of Villagers is ramping back up. :rant-rave:

It has nothing to do with tolerance or lack thereof. It simply has to do with common sense. We are an English speaking country officially or not. English has been the native language of this country for almost 250 years and it was the language of the colonists who inhabited this land for over 100 years before that.

You can hang your hats on silly technicalities if you want, but I prefer to live in reality and the reality is that this is an English speaking country.

When my grandparents and most every one on this boards grand parents or great grand parents or great great grand parents came here from another country, they learned to speak English. It had been that way for over 200 years and now within the past thirty years are so a group of people in this country have decided to deny reality.

Like I said, just common sense.

[buggyone]

It has nothing to do with tolerance or lack thereof. It simply has to do with common sense. We are an English speaking country officially or not. English has been the native language of this country for almost 250 years and it was the language of the colonists who inhabited this land for over 100 years before that.

You can hang your hats on silly technicalities if you want, but I prefer to live in reality and the reality is that this is an English speaking country.

When my grandparents and most every one on this boards grand parents or great grand parents or great great grand parents came here from another country, they learned to speak English. It had been that way for over 200 years and now within the past thirty years are so a group of people in this country have decided to deny reality.

Like I said, just common sense.

Yep, America for Americans - and they better speak American, too. :a20:

[CFrance]

Could it be explained to me why I MUST learn spanish ? Have we been invaded ? Those who speak only spanish have no obligation at all ?

Wonder if on the message boards in Mexico, they are saying how they MUST learn english so we do not feel uncomfortable when we visit !

Just explain to me WHY it is all one sided...thats all !!!

PS...I am slow....here is how I understand what you folks are saying. As an american, if I own a company and hire someone who speaks only spanish or WANT to do that, I cannot according to the EOC insist they learn english to do their job in America for an American compnay, BUT......as an american consumer, I am or should learn spanish to get help when I call an american company. Got it !

I don't know about EOC. We bring people up here from Spanish speaking countries to perform services we can't get our own people to do. Migrant workers come to mind. They bring their families and put their children in our schools. At our invitation. I just don't see the problem with trying to learn another language to accommodate these people so we can, say, have fruit on our table.

We lived in France for a while. Tried to speak their language. They would hear us and break into their English, which was way better than our French. Nobody EVER refused to communicate with us because we were not fluent in French. Most of what we had to do online--buying train tickets, renting cars, ordering dog food, etc.--was available to us in English, provided by the French web sites. Only in tiny rural towns did we encounter people who only spoke French. Why can we not do this for the 35 million Hispanics that live and work in our country?

It is a known fact that a foreign language is very difficult for an adult to master. Yet these workers' children are learning fluent English in their schools. We can't wait a bit?

It is the 21st century. It is a global community. Spanish is the second most used language in international communication. The Hispanic population in the United States has grown by 60% in just one decade. At present there are 35,5 million Hispanics, representing 12,5% of the total population. Hispanics are now the first minority.

I cannot see the justification for isolationism in this day and age.

I know I am about to get slammed.:throwtomatoes:

[DianeM]

Why only Spanish? How about French and Italian and Chinese and Swahili? Hell why not every language in the world? We speak English here and the new folks need to learn it just like all of our ancestors.

[Bucco]

Ah, the tolerance level of Villagers is ramping back up. :rant-rave:

The call of racism and intolerance are ramping up.

QUESTION.....so you believe truely that we should learn spanish to communicate with folks who do not, and in most cases, will not even try to learn english in our country. That in order for us to get customer service from an American company, we need to be tolerant with the fact we cannot understand the folks on the other end of the phone ? Let me clarify.....folks who sub contract with an American company to provide service to Americans, yet cannot speak english.

You really and truely believe this ?

All of this while spanish speaking people who want a job will jump to the head of the line because of our own laws, then if asked to learn english to perform that job, will refuse and have our own EOC defend them.

I must have crossed over somewhere if this makes any sense whatsoever...and then to have folks call me and others intolerant is just beyond any comprehension and those who make all these name calling posts do not realize that they are undercutting those who want desperately to be as tolerant as possible.

[CFrance]

The call of racism and intolerance are ramping up.

QUESTION.....so you believe truely that we should learn spanish to communicate with folks who do not, and in most cases, will not even try to learn english in our country. That in order for us to get customer service from an American company, we need to be tolerant with the fact we cannot understand the folks on the other end of the phone ? Let me clarify.....folks who sub contract with an American company to provide service to Americans, yet cannot speak english.

You really and truely believe this ?

All of this while spanish speaking people who want a job will jump to the head of the line because of our own laws, then if asked to learn english to perform that job, will refuse and have our own EOC defend them.

I must have crossed over somewhere if this makes any sense whatsoever...and then to have folks call me and others intolerant is just beyond any comprehension and those who make all these name calling posts do not realize that they are undercutting those who want desperately to be as tolerant as possible.

Bucco, let me say that I am firmly against American companies outsourcing their customer service centers to foreign countries if they cannot employ reps who can be understood by the people they are supposed to be serving. And also that I have always respected your opinions, while not always agreeing with them.

That said, I stand by all my other reasoning concerning some Americans' isolationist lack of regard for anything other than what they grew up with, and their refusal to embrace the changing global community.

I am old, and I have tried to learn three different languages. And I have not been overly successful. In fact, one could say that I have failed miserably. I have lived abroad enough to understand what immigrants are up against.

[Bucco]

I don't know about EOC. We bring people up here from Spanish speaking countries to perform services we can't get our own people to do. Migrant workers come to mind. They bring their families and put their children in our schools. At our invitation. I just don't see the problem with trying to learn another language to accommodate these people so we can, say, have fruit on our table.

We lived in France for a while. Tried to speak their language. They would hear us and break into their English, which was way better than our French. Nobody EVER refused to communicate with us because we were not fluent in French. Most of what we had to do online--buying train tickets, renting cars, ordering dog food, etc.--was available to us in English, provided by the French web sites. Only in tiny rural towns did we encounter people who only spoke French. Why can we not do this for the 35 million Hispanics that live and work in our country?

It is a known fact that a foreign language is very difficult for an adult to master. Yet these workers' children are learning fluent English in their schools. We can't wait a bit?

It is the 21st century. It is a global community. Spanish is the second most used language in international communication. The Hispanic population in the United States has grown by 60% in just one decade. At present there are 35,5 million Hispanics, representing 12,5% of the total population. Hispanics are now the first minority.

I cannot see the justification for isolationism in this day and age.

I know I am about to get slammed.:throwtomatoes:

No slamming at least not from me. I understand what you say, but how am I intolerant or none understanding or any of the other words seem to apply to those who feel we are "giving away the store".

Let me tell you a true story about me....will try hard to keep it short. Back in eastern Pa, I was pretty involved in the community. The spanish population was growing rapidly an we noticed very very few spanish speaking youngsters participating in our youth programs. In order to reach out, I contacted a guy who knew the spanish community quite well...he identified a few leaders to me and I asked them if we could sit down and talk. We did...explained how we wanted to invite them to have their youth participate in our youth sports programs and how could we help them to make that happen.

They politely THREE DIFFERENT TIMES said NO....they said that the spanish community would like us to begin youth programs that were JUST for spanish youth.....they said, that is how they do it...whomever they was supposed to be....they did not want any involvement with non spanish speaking youth BUT WANTED US to create one for just them. These are parents who came to our town to work in our factories and as one guy told me "had no intent every to integrate into the community, but whatever we could do FOR them was fine"

That attitude prevails today I am afraid.

I want nobody to be suffer any discrimination, but seems to me, that this attitude will serve nobody at all.

Again, it is not anything even close to isolation at all......I ask again why you simply state one side...how we should learn spanish and NOTHING about those coming here and any responsibility whatsoever.

[Bucco]

Bucco, let me say that I am firmly against American companies outsourcing their customer service centers to foreign countries if they cannot employ reps who can be understood by the people they are supposed to be serving. And also that I have always respected your opinions, while not always agreeing with them.

That said, I stand by all my other reasoning concerning some Americans' isolationist lack of regard for anything other than what they grew up with, and their refusal to embrace the changing global community.

I am old, and I have tried to learn three different languages. And I have not been overly successful. In fact, one could say that I have failed miserably. I have lived abroad enough to understand what immigrants are up against.

BUT YOU wish all other Americans to learn spanish ?

Listen, no doubt there are many many racists or whatever the word of the day is.....but you just ignore the obvious responsiblity of those who come here....in my opinion there is more responsibility on those folks than on the existing citizens.

If most americans feel like you....that we are on the defensive and those visitors need not learn our language (not officially) and that we have the major part of the responsibility, wow....I will become very active when we finally have that immigration debate.

[CFrance]

BUT YOU wish all other Americans to learn spanish ?

Listen, no doubt there are many many racists or whatever the word of the day is.....but you just ignore the obvious responsiblity of those who come here....in my opinion there is more responsibility on those folks than on the existing citizens.

If most americans feel like you....that we are on the defensive and those visitors need not learn our language (not officially) and that we have the major part of the responsibility, wow....I will become very active when we finally have that immigration debate.

I don't wish all Americans to learn Spanish. And I don't say that those coming to our country should not attempt to learn English. My hope is that their children will grow up bilingual. Their parents are the ones who are not speaking so much English, and my point is that as you age, your ability to sop up another language changes because you learn it from a different part of your brain. And that is a proven fact.

I am trying to point out how the American community is diversifying, and also how hard it is to learn a different language as you age. I am only arguing against those who say "English or get out of America." And I am asking for some patience--not with corporate America, who is shipping our customer support off to people with poor English accents, but for the immigrants who are here legally working and providing services we need. My hope is that the children of these immigrants will become productive, English-speaking Americans. We have to help them get there.

Your example of what happened in eastern PA is an eye opener, I admit.

[perrjojo]

It seems logic and reason have escaped many of us. I speak a little Spanish and a little French. I am willing to learn the language of India. Do you think I can be an effective customer service agent in one of those countries? Back to the original point of this thread. I call customer service for help. If i do not understand that person, they are not fulfilling their job description. I am not helped. They are not helping me. I am not racist or intolerant. I just don't understand what they are saying. The customer service is non existent. The call was a waste of my time and the companies money as I did NOT receive the service I requested. What is so hard to understand about this or do you not understand my English?

[DaleMN]

Sorry but hell would have to freeze before I speak anything but English in the United States.

Not likely due to global warming. :doh:

[CFrance]

It seems logic and reason have escaped many of us. I speak a little Spanish and a little French. I am willing to learn the language of India. Do you think I can be an effective customer service agent in one of those countries? Back to the original point of this thread. I call customer service for help. If i do not understand that person, they are not fulfilling their job description. I am not helped. They are not helping me. I am not racist or intolerant. I just don't understand what they are saying. The customer service is non existent. The call was a waste of my time and the companies money as I did NOT receive the service I requested. What is so hard to understand about this or do you not understand my English?
I agree with you perrjojo. I don't have an issue with the people who were hired. I have an issue with the corporations who are trying to cut costs at the expense of their customers by hiring people who can't be understood. I don't care how much they are trying to satisfy their stockholders. If they can't provide adequate customer service, maybe their business will fall off to the point that their stockholders will be negatively impacted as well. (But I doubt they will care, frankly.) My initial complaint was with the OP who demeaned the customer service rep by making up a name for him. And I don't believe for a minute that he heard the rep say his name was Hashish.

[DDoug]

Give it up people this thread isnt worth it any more.

[DougB]

WHY ? And make that case but tell me why those who do not speak english but live and work in an english speaking country should not learn english !!!!

Usted puede obtener una respuestas diferentes dependiendo de si se pide que en The Villages que en Miami.

[bkcunningham1]

Usted puede obtener una respuestas diferentes dependiendo de si se pide que en The Villages que en Miami.

Usted debe trabajar en su Inglés antes de intentar española.

[graciegirl]

oui

[DianeM]

Anglais mesdames et monsieurs

[CFrance]

Usted debe trabajar en su Inglés antes de intentar española.

Nunca he visto nada malo con su Inglés.

[DianeM]

Gotta say - this topic has taken a turn for the worst. I quit. Not worth aggravating myself for kind of nonsense.

[Marigold]

Important topic!!!!!
Lets all talk about YOUR safety and the safety of your neighbors.
Today after a lightning strike at about noontime, a large section of Buttonwood lost our COMCAST Internet, cable TV and land line telephone service for approximately SEVEN HOURS.
Cell phone service was spotty at best.
We had no way (other than the radio)of knowing about the track of the storm, tornado watches or warnings.
Would have been very difficult to try to contact someone if (fire, sheriff, ambulance) was needed. We are an AED community and our responders would have been unable to receive their calls.

At 5:00 a small group of 13 neighbors meet at a restaurant for our weekly Monday night dinner together.
After toasting COMCAST with our drinks, we shared our cell phone conversations with the representatives each of us had reported our outages to.
Let's begin with the automated answering system to report outages that WAS FULL so......
we waited to speak to a human representative. So even though we ALL told our respective representatives that an entire neighborhood was without service after a lightning strike had occurred somewhere nearby, they proceeded to follow their SCRIPT and ask us if there were downed wires or could the weather have affected our service. If they were from Florida they would have a CLUE that we were experiencing severe weather. Still following their SCRIPT, they had us turning modems on/off, plug in/out, " do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around." Still CLUELESS even though we ALL said this occurred after a
lightning strike and the entire neighborhood is without service, three people were told that they were the FIRST ones to report this.
They then proceeded to tell us that would make an appointment for technicians to come to our individual houses on Wednesday and Thursday. They didn't get it!!! They just kept going back to that stupid SCRIPT!!!

If there was a water or electric problem in our former state, the respective companies could tell us if it was widespread and an approximate time when service could be restored.

Comcast is inferior in customer service and is getting worse.
So where are these phone representatives??? Some of us asked where we called today.......
India, China, Columbia.
"Entire neighborhood" is not in their script book, they don't understand it.

[DougB]

Gotta say - this topic has taken a turn for the worst. I quit. Not worth aggravating myself for kind of nonsense.

What kind of nonsense do you usually aggravate yourself with?

[DougB]

Marigold,
I thought Buttonwood had the option of Brighthouse.

[Marigold]

Unfortunately Brighthouse is for those south of 466a. Wish we had that option. Before we moved here three years ago, we were enjoying the great service of Fios.

Beautiful clear , truly hi def picture quality. Wish that was here!

[villagerjack]

It's all about profits...the banks don't pay much to their foreign Customer Service reps - here in the U.S., they'd have to at least pay minimum wage. That would cut into profits, and we all know that banks are about making money for themselves and their stockholders (as is every other publicly traded company). I'm not against profits, but you can't have it both ways.

Can't have what both ways?

[blueash]

I think you are all too young. you clearly don't remember when every large city had a cacophony of newspapers in every language which could support circulation. Gracie in Cincinnati there were competing German language newspapers well into the mid century. Immigrants did not learn English well, they continued to speak their native tongue within their community. Most jobs were physical labor and did not require fluency in English so it didn't matter. Yes there were night schools available and they were used, free night schools paid for both privately and with tax dollars. But the myth that all those millions of immigrants that came here before we closed the borders in the twenties just gave up their German, Italian, Russian, Greek, Yiddish etc is pervasive and wrong. So ask yourself, with those large retirement communities in Mexico and Costa Rica, do you think the Americans who have moved to these nations do not expect that services will be available in English and that the locals should expect these immigrants to learn Spanish or suffer?

[Golfingnut]

I think you are all too young. you clear don't remember when every large city had a cacophony of newspapers in every language which could support circulation. Gracie in Cincinnati there were competing German language newspapers well into the mid century. Immigrants did not learn English well, they continued to speak their native tongue within their community. Most jobs were physical labor and did not require fluency in English so it didn't matter. Yes there were night schools available and they were used, free night schools paid for both privately and with tax dollars. But the myth that all those millions of immigrants that came here before we closed the borders in the twenties just gave up their German, Italian, Russian, Greek, Yiddish etc is pervasive and wrong. So ask yourself, with those large retirement communities in Mexico and Costa Rica, do you think the Americans who have moved to these nations do not expect that services will be available in English and that the locals should expect these immigrants to learn Spanish or suffer?

Very nicely formulated statement about this wonderful country. Thank you.

[buggyone]

I just got off the phone with Comcast. I called 800-COMCAST. This was for a question regarding an email address on my account that I could not fix over their website.

I did not get the "press 1 for English". I got a lady with a Southern accent who listened to my question, verified my identity, and looked at my account, and fixed the email address on the spot. She thanked me for being patient in the 3 minutes it took to fix. I asked where her service center was located and she said, "Madison, Mississippi".

Even though I do not love everything about Comcast by any means, I have always gotten decent or better customer service from them - and never in a foreign country or someone with a language problem.

[graciegirl]

I think you are all too young. you clear don't remember when every large city had a cacophony of newspapers in every language which could support circulation. Gracie in Cincinnati there were competing German language newspapers well into the mid century. Immigrants did not learn English well, they continued to speak their native tongue within their community. Most jobs were physical labor and did not require fluency in English so it didn't matter. Yes there were night schools available and they were used, free night schools paid for both privately and with tax dollars. But the myth that all those millions of immigrants that came here before we closed the borders in the twenties just gave up their German, Italian, Russian, Greek, Yiddish etc is pervasive and wrong. So ask yourself, with those large retirement communities in Mexico and Costa Rica, do you think the Americans who have moved to these nations do not expect that services will be available in English and that the locals should expect these immigrants to learn Spanish or suffer?


My grandparents came from Germany on one side and Appalachia on the other. I think I was more hampered by the country twang of the grandparents who raised me. When I began to read and to watch television I lost the use of most of my "hillbilly" English. There is an unspoken respect by most of us for "good English" and the use of poor English causes most people to look down on a person, their upbringing, and their education. Sometimes that is fair and sometimes it is unfair. My grandparents were good, hard working, not rich people. I am surprised that after a few generations we don't all speak pretty near the same. (Did you notice the usage of "pretty near"?


Buy ya books and buy ya books. lol.


And...Blue Ash. MOST of us don't have to go too far back to find our ancestors from another country. I don't understand the point of the post. You cannot teach or legislate respect for one another. It has to be earned.

[CFrance]

I think you are all too young. you clearly don't remember when every large city had a cacophony of newspapers in every language which could support circulation. Gracie in Cincinnati there were competing German language newspapers well into the mid century. Immigrants did not learn English well, they continued to speak their native tongue within their community. Most jobs were physical labor and did not require fluency in English so it didn't matter. Yes there were night schools available and they were used, free night schools paid for both privately and with tax dollars. But the myth that all those millions of immigrants that came here before we closed the borders in the twenties just gave up their German, Italian, Russian, Greek, Yiddish etc is pervasive and wrong. So ask yourself, with those large retirement communities in Mexico and Costa Rica, do you think the Americans who have moved to these nations do not expect that services will be available in English and that the locals should expect these immigrants to learn Spanish or suffer?

My grandparents came from Germany on one side and Appalachia on the other. I think I was more hampered by the country twang of the grandparents who raised me. When I began to read and to watch television I lost the use of most of my "hillbilly" English. There is an unspoken respect by most of us for "good English" and the use of poor English causes most people to look down on a person, their upbringing, and their education. Sometimes that is fair and sometimes it is unfair. My grandparents were good, hard working, not rich people. I am surprised that after a few generations we don't all speak pretty near the same. (Did you notice the usage of "pretty near"?


Buy ya books and buy ya books. lol.


And...Blue Ash. MOST of us don't have to go too far back to find our ancestors from another country. I don't understand the point of the post. You cannot teach or legislate respect for one another. It has to be earned.
Here's what I think. (I could be wrong.) I think the point of BlueAsh's post was that not everyone who ever came to America could learn English, back before the borders were tightened and immigration was encouraged and so many adults came over from other countries. Further, I think he was pointing out that the large numbers of American expats living in foreign countries (Mexico, for example) do not go to the trouble of immersing themselves in the country's language either, because Mexicans feel that if you're going to live in Mexico, speak Spanish. So he was speaking to the posters who feel that no matter what, if you're going to live in America, you must learn English, and America should do nothing to accommodate them.

Further, I agree with BlueAsh that a century ago most immigrants' jobs were blue-collar jobs, people came over and formed communities with their compatriots, and the learning of English wasn't that important. It's their children who learned English, and I think that is happening with the foreigners who are living here in America presently.

We just have to wait a bit, the children will grow up, and nobody will have to listen to "Marque nueve por Espanol." Not that it bothers me--it doesn't.

It is DAMN hard for an adult to become fluent in a foreign language if he hasn't started learning it as a youth. Even with my gazillion years of French, the train schedule & ticket buying web site in France brought me to my knees. Fortunately, if you showed up at the station, they would give you a refund for the error you made online.

I would hate to be a foreigner and have to fill out forms in a different language, especially if you were not affluent enough to have a computer, the internet, and Google Translate.

[Marigold]

Buggyone,
Glad that you were able to get a person who was from the US. I wish all of the Comcast service representatives were. The folks from India, Columbia, Mexico that monitor the service requests do not all understand what is said to them and fumble over their scripts.

Yesterday, our entire neighborhood of four streets.......Claverton, Kincord, Abbey and Triggerfish were without phone service, Internet and cable TV from Comcast from noon until all service was restored by nine that evening. Many of us had a difficult time getting through on our cell phones to report the outage. Even though it was widespread, the representatives had us jumping through hoops pulling plugs to reboot modems in our homes IGNORING our observation that it was not just our individual houses. They went as far as to schedule appointments with each of us for Wednesday or Thursday.

This morning........
We received a follow up phone call (on our restored land line phone) asking us about the service we received and if the problem was fixed. We were told that even though we reported that an entire neighborhood was out, they needed 6-7 people to call them and report the problem before they would look into it as being a bigger problem then one house.

Really???? If one person calls to report a house fire, does the fire department take his/her word or wait for 6-7 people to call to report the problem before they take action?

Comcast needs to update their outage reporting system and use technology to monitor when many houses are out at the same time. Having representatives babble their way through a SCRIPT and not UNDERSTAND what the customer is tellng them is not good customer service.

[buggyone]

I fully understand the frustration Marigold is having with the level of non service. Last time I noticed my entire Comcast (telephone, cable, and internet) went down, I got on my cellphone, called 800COMCAST, and when I pressed 1 for trouble with service, a recorded message said there was a service interruption in my neighborhood and should be restored at (an exact time). It was all up and running within 1 hour AND they gave me a $20 credit for my trouble.

As I said, not once has Comcast sent my calls to a foreign call center.

[perrjojo]

I fully understand the frustration Marigold is having with the level of non service. Last time I noticed my entire Comcast (telephone, cable, and internet) went down, I got on my cellphone, called 800COMCAST, and when I pressed 1 for trouble with service, a recorded message said there was a service interruption in my neighborhood and should be restored at (an exact time). It was all up and running within 1 hour AND they gave me a $20 credit for my trouble.

As I said, not once has Comcast sent my calls to a foreign call center.

I have had my calls sent "off shore". But for the most part have had ok service from Comcast. Not better or worse than from any company of the same size.

[perrjojo]

Btw, I have an English speaking friend who worked for ATT and got reprimanded for going "off script" even though she solved the customers problem. It seems all customer service reps must follow a script rather than use their own brain and reasoning skills. Go figure!