Andy Rooney Totally Said It!!

[sparks19]

I agree with most of those, except a few. One of them was this one:

To me, that sounds a little arrogant...

From what I gathered, there are four - and probably more - different languages spoken in the United States (English and Spanish being two of the most common). So English is not the only one spoken. I believe it is best that everyone would be able to speak English, but they don't.

but warning signs, road signs etc etc are printed in English... therefore you SHOULD at least have an understanding of the language IMO

[critter crazy]

I am one who definitely thinks, that you should be able to read and speak english. I am not saying perfectly, but should definitely have a good understanding!

[sparks19]

I am one who definitely thinks, that you should be able to read and speak english. I am not saying perfectly, but should definitely have a good understanding!

I knew a couple who moved to Ontario from Colombia. they only spoke Spanish but upon arrival in Canada they bought as many books, tapes and whatever they could about learning the english language. They watched as much tv as they could so they could listen to the language even when not out with people. they would ONLY speak english to each other at home and were determined to learn the language because everyone around them spoke english and it just didn't make sense for them to not be able to understand anyone around them or not be understood. their english is still very broken but I just thought it was so amazing that they wanted to learn so badly. they did not speak a lick of English upon arrival but now they have a basic understanding of the language and all self taught.

After seeing their determination I wonder why anyone would refuse to learn the language spoken around them. If they could do it all self taught what is stopping others?

[critter crazy]

I knew a couple who moved to Ontario from Colombia. they only spoke Spanish but upon arrival in Canada they bought as many books, tapes and whatever they could about learning the english language. They watched as much tv as they could so they could listen to the language even when not out with people. they would ONLY speak english to each other at home and were determined to learn the language because everyone around them spoke english and it just didn't make sense for them to not be able to understand anyone around them or not be understood. their english is still very broken but I just thought it was so amazing that they wanted to learn so badly. they did not speak a lick of English upon arrival but now they have a basic understanding of the language and all self taught.

After seeing their determination I wonder why anyone would refuse to learn the language spoken around them. If they could do it all self taught what is stopping others?

Exactly! I grew up in a Huge Mexican family, and neighborhood, but every one knew and spoke english, if they didnt they were at least trying to learn. If I moved to a different country, i sure as heck would try to learn the laguage! I spent some Time in Honduras, with the Army, and Boy did my spanish come in handy.

[Twisterdog]

I am one who definitely thinks, that you should be able to read and speak english. I am not saying perfectly, but should definitely have a good understanding!

I, too, agree with this. I do not think it is arrogant in the least. I think it is common sense.

If I were moving to France or Germany or Mexico, I would most certainly learn the language! I would probably never be perfectly fluent, but I would do the best I possibly could to learn the language.

I would not for one minute expect the government of another country to make concessions for me and duplicate signs, instructions, etc. in English. I think THAT is extremely arrogant!