learn english

They do not learn it because the US makes it too easy for them to live here without learning it. If we made it more difficult, then they would have to learn it. They can take their drivers test in spanish. They can get food stamps, SSI, Welfare, Medicaid, and any other free Government services in spanish...Why learn English? You can live in the States and not even be a citizen even vote and all for free...

I think it is just crazy. Hispanics aren't such a problem as Vietnamese and Phillipinos. Whenever I see people traveling to other countries they are busy learning the language so they can atleast order their meals and register at a hotel. Why don't these people coming here do the same thing? And online too.

I've seen it also where a child who is clearly educated in the US has to translate to English for their parent. I don't know that they expect their kids to learn it but that our schools will teach them, as I've been told in their home countries they have to pay for their education where in the US it's a right to have a Free and Appropriate Public Education thru grade 12. I also think they just plain don't want to learn any other language and play the political correctness cards to get pity or perks because they don't speak English. Many know more English then they let on they choose not to speak it. If you look at history when people immigrated to the US they eventually assimilate into the culture of ones new country/environment this group refuses to. During WWII people of German heritage had to change their last names and only speak German in their homes to assimilate for fear they would be treated poorly because of their culture and what was going on in the world, despite not having anything to do with the war at the time.

Wie, bitte? Oops (slaps self)...

I was checking once online which country in the world has more Spanish speaking people and it´s the US. I was amazed, but then I remembered that a lot of the US had belonged to Mexico less than 2 centuries ago, that Puerto Rico, a Spanish speaking island, is a sort of US State now and that in the south of Florida there are lots of Cuban descendants. I think that when there are lots of people speaking your native language it is harder to learn another, because you don´t need it so much to survive. I always wondered, some years ago, why was it that US residents who came to my Spanish speaking country did not make any effort at learning the language besides a dumb "si, señorita". Then I found out that it was partly our fault because we made it easy for them, trying to speak English with them just to be polite. It seems, I´m not sure, that in some States of the US, Spanish is one of the main languages and it´s taught at school as a must. Do you know about that? Don´t fret, SomeCowgirl, just remember that countries change. If we had a time machine, you and I would probably be other people, in Europe or who knows where or, if you were at the US, you should be speaking one of the several native languages that are only shown at some town´s names in this moment.

Hi there SomeCowgirl! I'm a Filipino and I would like to give a foreigner's point of view on your discussion. I'm not saying that I speak for Hispanics in your country but at least, I'd like to share what my thoughts are regarding your topic. First and foremost, I do agree with you that to live in the US, one must get there legally. I know that there are a lot of illegal citizens staying in your country and benefiting from what your government can offer. The thing is, the American Dream is not just for Americans only. I, for one, admit that it's probably what a lot of my fellow country men would want to grab if given the chance. It's not that I like what some foreigners do to the extremes just to be in your country, but I understand why they do what they do. Anyways, when it comes to learning the English language, I do agree, that they should at least try to learn how to speak the basics. This should be true to everyone who plans to migrate in any country they choose to. But as for Hispanics in your country, some of the older generations would totally get to be so frustrated in learning your language since it would surely be difficult for them to do it. They may not admit it but most of them are still traditional in the sense that they don't want to learn any other language besides what they've known for more than half of their lives. Besides that, they don't see the need of it especially if they live in a town where everyone understands what they're talking about. For them, there are more important things to think about other than learn a new language. They ask their kids to learn English because this way, they serve to be interpreters of some sort if they see the need to speak English. Maybe, if your government would have required that immigrants would learn the English language as a must, just like what other Mylotters have said, then maybe, you won't be pissed off and have a difficult time talking to any Hispanic ever again. By the way, I like your discussion. This is what I really like about Mylot. I get to know and understand different cultures and opinions about a lot of things. Good job and have a great day.

As I understand it, in a a very short time there will be more Spanish speaking people in America than English speaking, and that is why so many things come with a Spanish translation. I buy new products though and often find four to eight different languages in the instructions. Americans are pretty bad about going to foreign countries and not trying to adapt, but it is more often for shorter periods of time and not permanent. That is part of where the term "Ugly American" came from. I get your discussion, though. If I were to move semi permanently or permanently to another country I would attempt to learn the language, even if it was just a few words at first. It would be a challenge. I do not think we do people favors by making everything too easy. I also get that this is not a political discussion but more about the idea of fitting in and participating fully. Just as MyLot asks us to post in English.

I have to agree. It really gets on my nerves when I make a business phone call and cannot understand the person on the other end. We are not putting these people down but they need to learn to speak plain English like the rest of the Americans do.

I'll have to say that learning another language as an adult is VERY difficult, I know I have never mastered another language, even starting as a child. However, I do agree that they should at least TRY to learn the language. Now, I have known illegals, and they pay taxes, and because they have illegal SSNs they don't get their SS. Many complain that they come and get assistance, but its become a lot harder for them because they have to have SSN and those get into computers and if there is more than one person with it in the system, it kicks out. So, while I certainly agree that it would be better if they were to come legally, that most of the time, the illegals aren't doing too much that citizens really want to do - and now with the down turn, a lot of them are going back to Mexico or wherever, because the jobs they were doing are going away...

It only makes sense that if you are going to another country that you learn the language of that country and you enter LEGALLY. It's not just them though. I really have a problem understanding some of the Chinese people that live here. As for them stealing jobs, well, I do't blame them but I do blame the people that hire them because they are willing to work for much lower wages.

hi somecowgirl I agree come here legally, do all the things to become and American citizen and yes all learn our language so you can facilitate things much faster in schools, in shopping , in your jobs if you know English. okay keep your Spanish but also learn English and do not just make your kids speak you learn and use it too.Come in here legally, become an American citizen and enjoy our life but p lease learn our English language as that's what we use in the marketplace,the work place, churches, schools and the malls where you will shop. English is preferred over Spanish. t

Hello Somecowgirl, as I was reading your post, I felt bitterness on your part, correct me if wrong. Anyway, I got your point, people who would like to go to other country must enter legally and learn there languages as well as there culture. Learning whatever they had is a sign of respect. However, I do not have idea on how Hispanics do with your country but I know the issue on taxes and overstaying. I think not only Hispanics do the same but some other ethnicity also. You are just sharing your thoughts, I cannot see if this would cause arguments.

I would pay attention to someone entering legally rather than insist that they learn the language of that country. It is more in the interest of the immigrant that they learn the language. I remember when I was holidaying in France and Germany I picked up a few sentences that would wade me through ordering for food, asking for directions, how to say thank you, etc.