Thread: A Controversial but Serious Question

I am considered to be a slightly liberal person, and as such no one has ever understood why it is that I think people who live and work in a country should speak the language native to that country. Apparently that goes against the liberal handbook.

But it's really very simple, to me.

I won't even go to a country as a tourist without being able to count to 20, say please, thank you, "I'd like a room," "How much does this cost?", "I need help," "Pleased to meet you," and a couple other useful things, in the language native to the populace.

Because if I don't, I feel a little embarrassed with myself. How selfish of me, to walk into someone else's country and expect them to speak my language. That's just very inconsiderate and rude.

I would sure a hell never expect to be allowed to LIVE in a country if I can't speak the language. It is not everyone else's responsibility to cater to me. If I want to move countries, and stay there, it is MY responsibility to suit myself to the laws of the land, which were there long before I got there.

So yes, I think people who want to live in America should speak English. The same way I think people who want to move to France should speak French, or those who want to move to Brazil should speak Portuguese.

The idea that we would entrust the livelihood of others to someone who can't even understand their patient's description of symptoms is ludicrous to me.

Originally Posted by MistressNomad

... I think people who live and work in a country should speak the language native to that country.

Of course they should. That's just common sense. Should they be required to? That's a different question.

Originally Posted by MistressNomad

So yes, I think people who want to live in America should speak English.

Just to play devil's advocate, do you speak Maori?

I don't mean to be combative at all, but simply to point out that there is plenty of grey in this issue.