I speak English, American English to be more precise. I live in America and we have taken words from every country in the world and added them to our language. We have also invented words which have gone around the globe. Everyone knows "OK."
Now, having established the fact that I am an American, speaking American, living in America , why do I have to press 1 to talk to someone who speaks English?
If I were to move to France , Spain , Germany or any other non-English speaking country, it would be expected of me to learn their language. For a long time, American travelers were known as "Ugly Americans" for the simple fact they expected everyone to speak English. Well, guess what, not everyone does!
So, when someone comes to live in this great country, why are we catering to foreign nationals? If they are going to live here for a long period of time, or have immigrated to this country, should they not learn the American language?
President Theodore Roosevelt said at the beginning of the 20 th Century, stated that when you come to this country you should learn to speak the language.
For almost 400 years, people from other countries have come to our shores and learned the language, making our version of English one of the most prolific on the plant. We can give you two or three words, pronounced the same, but having different meaning.......to, too, two, for example.
We now have a large number of illegal immigrants in this country who want, no demand, the exact same rights as those who were born here or who legally entered the country. They not only want all the rights, but expect to continue to speak the language of their country of origin. This is exacting finacial burden on the American taxpayer, teachers and employers.
We have started a new industry, translators. When you go to court, hospitals there are interpreters on hand to translate for those who do not speak English. When applying for a job, one of the first things they ask is if you speak any other language.
If they go on public assistance, should not one of the requirements be they speak English?
What I'm trying to say is this, you came to this country because you want a better life for yourself and your family, and I understand this point of view. But, this is America and we, the American people speak English.
When you place a call to a service company, or need help, non-English peoples should be the ones to press 1. Let them stay on the line for the number of the language they understand. Who knows, maybe it will get them to learn the language faster.
Don't forget folk, there are night schools which are set up especially for those who wish to learn English, some are even are free. Maybe you should try going to one of these classes, then you wouldn't have to press 1 and wait for an interpreter to come on the line.
I, for one, am getting tired of pressing 1 to speak to someone in English!
Copyrighted 2008 Michele Winslow
When word gets around about your command of Ethical facts, others who need to know about Ethics will start to actively seek you out.
