[PLUG-TALK] Re: [PLUG] Sounds good to me ;)

[Richard Langis Jr.]

If I'm on vacation in France, I would perhaps expect *some* of the 
locals to know a smattering of English.  Or, if I wanted not to be 
regarded as a 'stupid american', I might learn some french or take along 
an english->french dictionary of some sort.

However, were I to go live in another country, I would at LEAST learn 
the native language.  For me to assume that the entire country should 
learn MY language is elitist of me.  I think the same should go for 
immigrants to OUR country though.  Before they can become citizens of 
the United States of America, they should be *required* to learn 
English.  Is that elitist of US?  Not in my thinking - the language of 
the country IS, after all, english.  THEY chose to move here, and THEY 
should choose to learn the language of the country they now inhabit.

Should we cater to the 27 different languages that the DMV prints 
manuals?  I don't think so.  Those people should learn to READ ENGLISH 
*before* they learn how to drive on our roads.

I would do the same were I in their position.

-R

Craighead, Scot D wrote:

> 
> Don't assume you know what I am going to say.  I would encourage people to
> immigrate here from other countries as long as they do it legally and expect
> to learn our culture.  I think it is ridiculous when people expect us to
> change our culture to accommodate theirs.  Part of out culture is that we
> speak American English.  If you want to drive on our roads or vote, you
> should have enough respect for us to learn our language.
> 
> Would go move to Germany and expect all the Germans to speak English to you
> and prepare the type of food you are used to?