Thread: English Only?

Originally Posted by deodaclan18

Yes, but this thread is about the U.S.A.. It's a lot easier to type "america" than "the united states of america". So, I'm just saying, when someone in this thread refers to america, they mean the U.S.A. I know there are more americans in south america, but this thread is about speaking english up here.

simpify: in this thread........america=U.S.A

Don't get offended from it, don't think about south america or canada.
It's just a misunderstanding that I'm sure will happen over and over again in this thread.

Exactly.

In this thread, when we say "America", we are technically speaking OF the United States of America. It isn't because we are stupid an know nothing of geography, because frankly lebasiara, that is how you are making me feel. I'm not saying North America purposely, and still knowing that Mexico is part of it. Plus, most mexicans have been taught english at one point or another because they do trading with the US, so they need to learn how to speak English.

I understand that North America isn't ALL English. But what you need to understand is that in this thread, we're talking about the USA.

To quote from the first post:

So sometime ago I saw that some restauraunt-owner in Pennsylvania had a policy to only serve customers if they ordered in the American English language. Many people around there say it is discrimination towards immigrants and the owner says and I quote "You live in America you should know how to speak English." So what is the point of view of others on this? I personally don't find it discriminating but that is just me, as a matter of fact I say all of the U.S.A. should do this. If immigrants move to America they should know English.

Originally Posted by The White Wolf

Exactly.

In this thread, when we say "America", we are technically speaking OF the United States of America. It isn't because we are stupid an know nothing of geography, because frankly lebasiara, that is how you are making me feel.

Well... now i get it, don't get me wrong... I was being offended and hurt by that saying so that's why of my reaction, it is just one of the things that I am still learning about this country, i have a little time here, but now I get that is just how you guys call the US. So I AM REALLY SORRY IF I HURT FEELINGS THERE The last thing I want is to hurt feelings... So Whitey I say it I am sorry I appologize. OK I get it, yes.... at least one as foreigner living here should know at least the basis... not to forget or to change our roots though... but at least to know the language of the country that one is going to live in... in this case "America."

Originally Posted by lebasiara

Well... now i get it, don't get me wrong... I was being offended and hurt by that saying so that's why of my reaction, it is just one of the things that I am still learning about this country, i have a little time here, but now I get that is just how you guys call the US. So I AM REALLY SORRY IF I HURT FEELINGS THERE The last thing I want is to hurt feelings... So Whitey I say it I am sorry I appologize. OK I get it, yes.... at least one as foreigner living here should know at least the basis... not to forget or to change our roots though... but at least to know the language of the country that one is going to live in... in this case "America."

It's all right. And I'm sure [we] apologize for offending you. But I just needed to get that out of the way lebasiara. That when the Americans - Sorry, the US'ers say "America" They're really speaking of the United States. Just as when you refer to America, you speak of wherever you are from. It was just a misunderstanding, and now it is out of the way.

Ok, the geography lesson is over. Back on topic.

Originally Posted by DarknessInZero

So sometime ago I saw that some restauraunt-owner in Pennsylvania had a policy to only serve customers if they ordered in the American English language. Many people around there say it is discrimination towards immigrants and the owner says and I quote "You live in America you should know how to speak English." So what is the point of view of others on this? I personally don't find it discriminating but that is just me, as a matter of fact I say all of the U.S.A. should do this. If immigrants move to America they should know English.

I absolutely agree. If you're going to live in America, you should jolly well learn the national language. And come to think of it, English isn't just a national language, it's a universal language. It would be pretty absurd to expect a restaurant owner to be able to speak French, Mandarin, Iraqi, Malay, Korean and Italian just so he can cater to his customers. Bull.

I know this is looking at it from an economist's point of view (something which I try to avoid at all costs), but if everyone in the world spoke a universal language (like in Star Wars . . .) then there would be large numbers of translators out of jobs and think of the repercussions that would have on individual income, not to mention the national/global economy . . . That's all I'm saying for now. (Don't get me wrong; I am in favour of everyone speaking the same language, but retaining their culture/first language.)

Well, I don't think a universal language will ever be developed. And it is good for them to keep in touch with their heritage and first culture. But, maybe learning a little english might help them adjust here better, that's all. And I see where you are coming from economically, but there will never be one language in this world. At least, it's highly unlikely.