Should people who move to the US have to learn English?

United States
September 5, 2006 11:22pm CST
I don't understand why we have to put everything in so many languages to accomodate aliens. Why shouldn't they just have to learn English if they want to live here?
11 responses
• India
11 Oct 06
Yes it is compulsory
@sherinek (3320)
• United States
11 Oct 06
You move to another country to settle down but dont want to learn their language, I think its rude. Also if people in that country feels that because an alian do not know their language, they should ill-treat him, that is also rude. Its courtious and welcoming if an alian is treated in a proper way. Also, its a very good thing if a country can cater to the needs of people who speak other languages. This is my personal view please.
@cyrux004 (948)
• India
11 Sep 06
Look, i dont think you should feel ashamed in learning other's languages and more over its good to be multilingual , helps you get along with local people more easily. English in today's world has been getting the standard of a universal language and i feel its not very diffcult to get through it. So learning will be a good experience Just my 2 cents
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
11 Sep 06
I believe they should have to learn English. Otherwise, how can they get around or even know what they are doing. What really burns me is when you get your drivers license, people who speak another language can have a translator. How the heck can they get anywhere if they can't read or speak English? And products in major gorcery stores that have English & another language on them for thngs like milk.
@121970 (66)
• India
11 Oct 06
If students who are temporarily coming to the US need to give an TOEFL or IELTS then people moving there should also be made to do the same. No country should support immigrants that are not going to be able to understand anything or explain themselves clearly.
@nannacroc (4049)
11 Oct 06
Yes, it's my beleif that if you want to live in another country it's common courtesy to speak the language of that country.
@Rileydog (197)
• United States
10 Sep 06
One good reason they don't have to learn English is because there are no rules (laws) that require it. It is one of the freedoms we enjoy. Personally, I am not interested in giving up my freedoms or anyone elses. You have the freedom to not associate with those that don't speak English. You don't have the right to infringe on their freedom. Every major city in the United States has areas of people with a common ethic background. There is no "typical American". That is why it is called a melting pot. Eventually, most of them learn English so tht that can suceed here.
• United States
10 Sep 06
Yes they should learn English. It is the native language. Like the old saying goes "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"
@kcrowson (353)
• United States
11 Sep 06
Yes, they should learn our language,not for us to learn theirs. I think it is rude for someone to speak a little english, then start talking in their native tongue.
• United States
10 Sep 06
Hell yeah they should learn english. That is our language. so if you want to live here then you should learn it. If we wanted to go live in spain, we would have to learn spanish. Why shouldnt they have to learn english!!!!
• Philippines
10 Sep 06
Yes, they have to learn the english language because they are in a country not their own. If someone is in another's house should he (the guest) follow the rules and regulations that is stated or followed in that house?