ESL & Should Immigrants be Taught How to Speak English?
by Even though the United States has had problems with its economy, immigrants continue to flock to this country
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Every year, immigrants make a decision to come to the United States, believing it to be the land of opportunity. Some come legally with the help of their families. Others however come into the country illegally, managing to find jobs which the Americans no longer want.
Most do not speak English; however, the employers still hire them at low wages to fill jobs that are increasingly difficult to fill. Traditionally, the first generation immigrants resist changing their culture and their language out of pride for their heritage. They find places to shop and purchase their native food from immigrants who came here before them. They will move into neighborhoods around people who speak their language.
However, the second generation is more inclined to adopt American customs. They stop eating their native foods and wearing their native clothing. They speak better English because they are willing to integrate with Americans. Most have lost an interest in even learning about their own culture.
There are many programs for immigrants who want to learn English; however, many do not take the initiative to learn the language unless their companies require them to do so. Before President Bush completed his last term at the White House, he ordered cutbacks on funding for English classes for the immigrants.
Representative Steve King will be introducing legislation to make English the Official Language of this country and to stop companies from providing literature in Spanish. Lawmakers are optimistic that the legislation will be passed. Indian and Minnesota have already introduced legislation against providing information in Spanish on legal documents.
Providing Spanish clauses on documents only makes it easier for the first generation to delay learning English. It is very difficult in the United States for immigrants who do not speak English. Many will seek the help of their friends or relatives who do speak English.
I have visited Montreal, Canada on a few occasions, but when I did, I tried learning French by reading the street signs whenever I went out among the people. I am sure I would try to learn the language in any country I would visit, just out of common courtesy. I also have a love of languages, so I would naturally learn how to speak.
About two years ago, the family of a Spanish girl that I had tutored came to the U.S. to visit her. They took me out to a Spanish restaurant where I was given a menu in Spanish. They explained the menu to me, as some foods were prepared with ingredients that I did not know.
As they were explaining the food to me, I noticed one of the men was convinced that I would not like their food and tried to talk me out of eating it. I could not understand his attitude. I eventually ordered a pumpkin omelet with spinach and it was quite tasty.
In conclusion, I believe that as a common courtesy, immigrants should learn how to speak English and seek ways to learn English when they first come to the country. In this way, they could better integrate into the American culture.
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Post CommentOhSugar
On February 2, 2011 at 6:01 pm
I think they should want to learn to speak English. However, I don’t think they should be forced to learn it. The children, just by association will learn it over time.
Wizard Brown
On February 2, 2011 at 6:32 pm
UK is going this way as well. I guess if everyone is speaking English there may be less tension between natives and foreign nationals
Karen Gross
On February 2, 2011 at 8:26 pm
I think that in Canada immigrants wanting to come here have to already be fluent in English or French – I’m not sure about that, but I think it is a requirement.
I agree with you, especially that tourists should be willing to at least try to learn some of the language, and that if you are visiting somewhere you should want to try their food. Why else would you go there?
gvgatchalian
On February 2, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Immigrants, workers and students to Canada, Australia, U.K. and New Zealand are required to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to make sure they know how to communicate when they get to their host countries. The U.S. is not as strict though. You’re right, they do need to speak at least conversational English. This is a very significant article.
Val Mills
On February 3, 2011 at 3:22 am
I believe that anyone wishing to take up residency in a new country should be obliged to speak the language of that country when outside their own home. The reluctance to do so is becoming a problem world wide. Why go to live in another country if you are not prepared to become part of it.
Gail Cavanaugh
On February 3, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I agree that immigrants should learn the language of the host country if they are moving there. It is to their benefit. They can take advantage of opportunities that they would otherwise not have. When the factories moved from the U.S. to overseas, many of the immigrants who were working there did not know enough English to seek other jobs. Unfortunately, they are struggling. One should be prepared for the woest case scenario. Nothing here on earth lasts forever.
alehiy@yahoo.com
On May 5, 2011 at 9:00 am
but what about culture? did u know we lose a language every 10 days?
what about the indians? do they have to speak english? aafter all we have done to them?
Gail Cavanaugh
On May 5, 2011 at 10:55 am
It will be dificult for any person not native to the United States to get along in the U.S. without English speaking and writing skills. It will hurt job prospects and affect day-to-day activities.
The Native American Indians have progressed, but they still have a desire to preserve their culture and they still struggle with joblessness, homelessness, alcooholism, and other social problems. Language skills have to be proficient in order to survive in the U.S.