Comments on: ‘English-only’ rule about to be tested

By: ag

ag — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:11:07 +0000

I went to Europe last spring and I visited Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. While I do not speak any of the 4 languages spoken in those countries, I did make an effort to learn a few words so that I could get by. I was by no means proficient. Therefore, I was grateful that most signs in the subways and airports were posted in multiple languages, including English, and that people who spoke English were kind enough to realize that I don’t speak French (or Spanish or Portuguese) and speak to me in English so that I could understand.

I am sure that many Americans who visit other countries do so with even less knowledge of the language than I had, and assume that everyone will speak to them in English. Why should we not treat our guests as politely and speak to them in their native tongue if we have the resources?

I realize that the above arguments refer to immigrants and not tourists, but the Nashville legislation does not make any distinction. If such legislation passed on a national level, tourism in America would plummet.

By: RH

RH — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:26:48 +0000

It doesn’t matter where you originally are from; the main problem is that we all need to communicate better. That starts with everyone speaking the same language. English is the predominate language of this country and like it or not, it is what we all need to use. If you’re bilingual that’s great, but use common courtesy (which seems to be a challenge for many) and speak english when in public. And it’s not just the language but the dialect. Proper communication should be a priority.

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:02:51 +0000

Cynthia, I did not assume Mexican, I didn’t mention it anywhere in there. I said Mexico as an example of a place I could live and where I would need to learn the language. The person in your story could have been Hispanic, Latino, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish/Spaniard, etc, for all that it matters.

By: Private Party

Private Party — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:58:22 +0000

H.B. I didn’t read all the comments before I wrote mine, I just wanted to make sure my own feelings got written down before I logged off. Sorry…Message still remains the same here, SPEAK ENGLISH, PERIOD. Kuddos to your parents, they have become true American Citizens.

By: Joni A.

Joni A. — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:45:50 +0000

Amen Private Party! The most frustrating thing that I hear on a daily basis on a phone call is for English press 2…when did English become 2nd?!? Arrgghh

By: H.B.

H.B. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:21:35 +0000

To: Private Party, If you noticed I said the very same thing as you did but in different words.

By: Private Party

Private Party — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:07:50 +0000

It seems that those who do not like the English Only are normally not true Americans. When immigrants from way back then had to take their citizenship tests, guess what, they were in ENGLISH and they had to learn and understand ENGLISH before they passed the test. Everything was done in English. It is only now in the past decade or so that we ENGLISH SPEAKING CITIZENS are being forced to make everyone understand in their own language at TAXPAYERS cost. I do not believe that you should be able to take your driving tests in your own language because our street signs and caution signs are not in their foreign language, they are in ENGLISH. I do not believe that cities should provide everything in Spanish and whatever other language at taxpayers expense. GET REAL THIS IS AMERICA AND WE HAVE SPOKE ENGLISH SINCE IT’S BEGINNING AND THERE SHOULD BE NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!

By: Joni A.

Joni A. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:37:54 +0000

I think that this has been a hot topic for some time, and that IF you do live in the United States where the primary language is English, then don’t “dumb down”. Learn to speak the main language so that people don’t “assume” things about you or others that you or others will take offense to. I work for people of different ethnic origin and find it rather RUDE that they carry on a conversation in their language knowing full well that no one understands them, but them.

I go out of my way to make sure that they can understand, or come close to understanding something that I am saying if I am trying to get a point across.

Face it, if no one can understand what you are saying, they are going to assume that there is a reason for the continued resistance to the English language. One of the main things in any company is the ability to effectively communicate on a whole…it is very frustrating if one party cannot understand what the other is saying.

I have long been a believer that as long as I am in America, I should be able to understand what is being said.

If I CHOOSE to move to Mexico, India, Africa or some other country, then I and ONLY I need to ADAPT.

That is my 2 cents

By: Cynthia S.

Cynthia S. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:30:07 +0000

You’re absolutely correct! I proved my own point…never throw stones.

You all bring up good points and it’s great that we live in America where we are all free to form our own opinions. Here’s my thoughts: If you seek employment where the customers only speak English, then of course you need to be able to communicate with them. BUT if during the course of my shift, my co-worker and I decide to carry on a conversation in a different language then I don’t think my employer has the right to tell us we must stop.

Ross…Maybe I need to read the WalMart story again but I don’t think it mentioned that the employee was from Mexico. I think it’s awful that anytime a subject like this comes up, people automatically assume it’s the Mexicans.

By: H.B.

H.B. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:14:29 +0000

Robin, I agree on what you said about families here coming from all over the world. My parents came over from Germany right after the War but you know what? They stopped speaking German and have only spoken English since and became legal citizens. They said they are now in America and now they will speak English. In fact, until the last few years most immigrants felt this very way
because it was excepted of them but since it is taken for granted now and people can speak whatever they want they will not learn English and it is easier not to make the effort to learn English.

Cynthis, Debbie may have spelled coming wrong but when she says that word we sure can understand her.