[About speaking other languages in public]
In America while away from your own home, regardless of where you are, people are talking loud enough to hear the conversation. How am I supposed to know that they are not making fun of me, plotting a crime, or whatever ,when all I hear is a language I do no understand. First requirement for a citizen should be learn the language or leave. I am very uncomfortable in this situation. to be aware of what is going on around you is to keep safe, the Wal mart here in my home town in Iowa is full of foriegn speaking people all the time. Should WM hire 20 or 30 different language speaking people just to even this out? I don't think so, my neice in Calif was told to learn Spanish or her teaching position would be taken from her, she had 15 years at that school. this is America, and we are losing our identity. if I could do it , I would refuse to let a dollar of my taxes be spent in second language courses, unless they were the elective ones.
17 comments
If they wanted to make fun of you, they would say in your language(in order to hurt you). If they wanted to plot against you, they wouldn't say it aloud in any language. In English, because it's obvious. In other language, because more probably, another sympathetic individual could intervene in your behalf. And if your niece wants to be a teacher, she has to serve her students, not her students to her(she could relocate to your area and teach you to read and write, for that matter)
I know these people would never leave their state, let alone their country, but here's a scenario.
I'm staying in China for 6 months (or whatever country you choose). I become fairly proficient with the language, although people still have a hard time understanding me because of my English accent. I'm walking down the street and bump into a fellow American. Are we really supposed to converse in Chinese? Or should we lapse into our native tongue, which we are both comfortable with.
And was pointed out on the Newsweek article. She's lying about her niece, the union wouldn't allow that (this was pointed out by a California school teacher). And that Americans tend to demand service in English when they travel.
And if your that fucking paranoid about them making fun of you, take a course at your local college and learn the language. You really think these people care whether or not you even exist?
Anti-Christ, this anecdote is probably false but would summarise the scenario you spoused. My grandmother used to work as a maid in Argentine. One day, her employers hosted an English lady and the staff were talking about her. They pointed out that the lady was complaining about everything and my grandmother said "well, she shouldn't be suprised. We all are foreingers here, in a way". And she replied, in English(her husband, who was Argentinian, translated it to her)"no way, I'm an Englishwoman"
Too much egocentrism in one post. Maybe they're talking and they don't give a danm about you. Why do you think you're special?. At least, you'll never know so, well, enjoy baby(or learn the language, for that matter).And concerning your niece, I've been in California. ONLY in Spanish speaking areas is obligatory to speak Spanish and ONLY in bilingual schools.
"How am I supposed to know that they are not making fun of me"
Grow up. What does it matter anyway?
"First requirement for a citizen should be learn the language or leave"
America has no official language or religion. The majority of Americans speak English because the English colonists spread over more territory than the others. If life were fair, we'd be speaking a blend of Native American languages. If previous settlers had covered more land, we'd speak Dutch, German or French.
"to be aware of what is going on around you is to keep safe"
Crap. I'm screwed. I pay no attention to what happens in my general vicinity unless it's accompanied by a loud noise.
"this is America, and we are losing our identity"
Identity needs only rely on the individual. If people speaking a language other than English drops you into an identity crisis, only a pschologist can help you now. The beauty of America is that our national identity is a melting pot, where different ethnicities come together and enrich each other.
plue and her mother is at a supermarket.SimplyStar was there also
plue :* Me oi, me muon hai trai bom khong? muon a? duoc roi con se lai cho me day...
points out, look at mother, mother laughs and nods
SimplyStar: (in her head) OMG!!! they are talking about me!! that damn brat should speak english!!
Simplystar: (speaks) Hey you stop talking about me!!
Plue turns to Simpleystar
plue: what are you on about??? i was askin my mum if she wanted two apples!!! (shakes head and turns to Simplystar) paranoia much??
end of scrip.
*litteral translation: hey mum do you want two apples? you do? ok then i get the apples for you.
SimplyStar, if I knew your location, I would call the authorities and have them do a wellness check on you. I bet some medication could help with that paranoia. As for your daughter, we all weep with you, that she had to learn something in order to teach. But hey, look at the bright side, next time some "foreigners" are making fun of you or plotting a crime, she'll be able to interpret.
Funny, isn't it, that someone with such obvious intelligence wouldn't spend one dollar on education....
Confused?
So were we! You can find all of this, and more, on Fundies Say the Darndest Things!
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