We need a leader like this

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

A farce or not, this is my favorite part:


This is my biggest pet-peave in this country, and makes me visibly angry. The on that gets me the most is when I called Comcast the other day and had to "Press 1 for English." Or how about going to Dunkin and not understanding a word the person on the other side of the counter is saying - I'm sure everyone here has experienced that one.

can you speak native american?

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Nebe

can you speak native american?

Nope. I also don't buy into the "we're all the decedents of immigrants" shtick either. While true, that can be said about every single civilization if you go back in time long enough.

This is not an imperialized nation any longer, hasn't been for well over 2 centuries now. If I decided to move to Beijing, it would be with the understanding that I would have to change and learn the local language.

It is unacceptable for people to come here and think that we need to change in order to accommodate them.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

If I decided to move to Beijing, it would be with the understanding that I would have to change and learn the local language.

OK You've moved to Beijing....learn Chinese....NOW.....what you've been here 2 weeks and you can't speak Chinese....LEAVE!!

Takes time, you know, to learn a new language. Doesn't happen overnight.....

Its a friggin button on a phone...and it bothers you that much. What is it changing for you....your still talking to a person in english after you hit the button.

Now if they MADE you speak a different language I can see it causing you some stress.....but please, its just a button on a phone. Its there to help people and it doesn't cost you one red cent....its a freebie kind of help.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

OK You've moved to Beijing....learn Chinese....NOW.....what you've been here 2 weeks and you can't speak Chinese....LEAVE!!

Takes time, you know, to learn a new language. Doesn't happen overnight.....

Its a friggin button on a phone...and it bothers you that much. What is it changing for you....your still talking to a person in english after you hit the button.

Now if they MADE you speak a different language I can see it causing you some stress.....but please, its just a button on a phone. Its there to help people and it doesn't cost you one red cent....its a freebie kind of help.

Your challenge is predicated by the idea that I moved to Beijing on a whim. A responsible person would start learning a language as soon as they decide (or are told, in the case of business) that they are moving to a new country. I understand people actively trying to learn the language, it is definitely a difficult process. However, there are people that have been here decades and still need their kids to translate for them... give me a break. And like I said before, people working in a food service business should speak English.

Not to mention the plethora of "English as a second language" classes that are offered just about everywhere. My point was the expectation that someone from immigrates here, then the US and it's citizens are expected to acclimate themselves to the immigrant as opposed to the immigrant acclimating themselves to the US.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Your challenge is predicated by the idea that I moved to Beijing on a whim. A responsible person would start learning a language as soon as they decide (or are told, in the case of business) that they are moving to a new country.

And you're assuming they have the means and educational opportunity to learn a new language. If your company is sending you, or you are moving, you are buying Rosetta software or taking classes to learn... should they have be trying to learn? Yes. Does everyone? No, but I figure it is human nature that different people will put forth different effort.
Should they have to take a written test on grammar and writing? most Americans would fail...

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by Nebe

can you speak native american?

Does "$20 on eight and put $5 on a hard four" qualify? If so, I am bi-lingual.