This is America…I should not have to press anything for English!
I applaud folks who can speak more than one language. I understand that if you just moved here from another country you may need help with the language in the beginning. I appreciate a client who brings an interpreter with them, or asks for someone who speaks the language.
If I decided to move to Germany…I know that I need to learn to speak German. Same if I move to Russia, Rome, or Japan. When in Rome as the saying goes. I would expect to have to learn Italian or Japanese or Russian or whatever language that country speaks. . I understand we are a melting pot, and over 300 languages are spoken here in the US. By all means, keep the language of your country…and your heritage… in addition to the English language.
Years ago, I lived in Tulsa in an apartment complex that housed a lot of students from Venezuela. They spoke Spanish, and were anxious to learn English. When they went back home, they earned more money knowing another language. Although English is supposed to be the most difficult language to learn, they were speaking very well within just a few months. Reading and writing it also. Of course the children picked it up even quicker.
Although I know the United States does not have an Official Language… There is something called Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although twenty seven states have declared English as their official language, in order to receive federal financial assistance those states still have to comply with Title VI, which requires that vital materials be available in the language of everyone receiving benefits subsidized by the Federal Government. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 2000 Executive Order No. 13166 require that public entities receiving federal funds must have all vital documents available in every language that their clients speak; every language, not just Spanish. Basically, Title VI was best described by President John F. Kennedy in 1963: “Simple justice requires that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races [colors, and national origins] contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes or results in racial [color or national origin] discrimination.
Companies and retailers want to reach the Spanish-speaking population of the U.S. With a purchasing power in excess of 800 billion, the U.S. Hispanic population constitutes the ninth largest economy in the world, larger than Brazil, Spain or Mexico! As an example, and to see the impact of Hispanics in this country, by the year 2020, it is projected that Hispanics will outnumber Anglos in Texas alone. Similar projections exist for other states. Hospitals want to attract Hispanic patients, and at the same time they have to comply with Title VI if they are taking Medicaid and Medicare money. So everything has to be translated.
Someone who has been in the states for years and still doesn’t speak the language…I have a problem with. I don’t think Germany is going to change the official language for me. Of course I understand Japan teaches English, and it is hard to find someone there who doesn’t speak English as a second language. From my experience with the folks in Tulsa, it tells me it can be done. I had the privilege of meeting some of their parents on visits. I was amazed at how quickly they picked up the basic’s in just a short visit. I picked up a little Spanish in return. Not enough to converse, but enough I can usually follow a conversation somewhat.
If you move to the United States and plan on living here, please make the effort to learn English. 82% of the population speak it.
I have purchase my first Rosetta Stone software…and look forward to learning a couple more languages if I can.
Sherry Scales Austin Real Estate Specialist
HomeNet Realty, REALTOR, ABR, GRI
512-925-8928
Contact me or Find your home here
Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Dripping Springs
Originally posted at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2757299/this-is-america-i-should-not-have-to-press-anything-for-english
first photo courtesy of Cheezeburger, Inc. Second photo from Sodahead.com
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