Speaking English in America?

[Soledad]

Traveling abroad is actually not all that difficult or expensive. With the amount of crap that most Americans spend on consumer goods, there is no excuse for the lack of travel. It is simply a matter of priorities. In America, traveling abroad is a sort of "wouldn't that be nice" experience whereas in other countries it's a rite of passage, something a young adult MUST do in order to get a better sense of themselves, the world and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.

How many of us drop 30 bucks at PetSmart on non-essential items? How many of us buy unnecessary items for our entertainment? No, the issue is not money. It's where our priorities lie. And to many Americans, they see no reason why they should ever leave. And that's the root of many a problem.

While living in New Zealand, I met young people who faced greater financial difficulties than most Americans. Yet, somehow, they managed to save the money to go out and see the world.

People will always make excuses, but where there's a will, there's a way still applies. We just don't have the will.

[2kitties]

A person can get to Europe, backpack and stay in youth hostiles for so very little money.

[Soledad]

Yup. I'm sure people spend more money eating out and going to the movies in a year than what it would require to get you to backpack through Europe.

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by Soledad
Oh, and Cincy's Mom, a three year old speaking only Spanish in Ohio who has two English speaking parents is NOT a problem. That kid is going to pick up English no matter what. I mainly spoke Spanish until I was five, and I started and completed kindergarten with no problems. The language abilities of children are truly amazing.

I don't think it is a problem for the child. I just think that since my co-worker is the only member of her side of the family that speaks Spanish, they should do more to teach their child to be bi-lingual. I understand they want to teach him his father's culture and that is great, but it should go both ways, and he should learn his mother's as well.

And I have to admit I judge this particular person harshly for things that do not belong in this thread. Just because I don't agree with her choices views and opinions doesn't mean they are wrong.

[trayi52]

Some of us live on fixed incomes, and cannot even think about going to a movie or dropping 30 bucks at Petco.That would indeed be a luxury, I make toys for Grover, which everything is a toy to her anyway, even me. That 30 bucks goes for life’s necessities.

My husband got sick about seven years ago due to heart and lung problems. It is all we can do to just pay for the necessities of life. So traveling to another country would be a luxury we could not even think of doing, because of health problems and a fixed income of Social Security.

Social Security just does not pay enough for a couple to take trips abroad of any kind. Think you could take a trip on 1200 dollars a month. Some even draw less and have to decide whether to pay for their electric bill or their medication. You decide, what to leave off. It is very hard on people living on fixed incomes. Eating out? Going to movies? No such thing here. Last time I went to a movie was a treat from my daughter. I wish it were as easy as you think it is. Besides, it is not easy when you reach a certain age, to go backpacking if you have health problems that do not allow that kind of activity.

Of course, young people should think of traveling, that is great! They are able to think about putting traveling into their plans for the future.

I am sure there are people that spend money on items, that could be left out, and saved for these trips abroad, but you have to look at the age and the actual income of these people. Lots of other circumstances keep them from that luxury.

Everything is not as easy as you think it is, it is hard on some of us from the older generation. We are not rich; we live on a fixed income. It would be nice if we had youth and income on our side, but we do not have that luxury. Simple as that.

I wish my dad had kept his ability to speak German, but he did not. He did teach us some of what he remembered, but as he got older, he could not even remember that. Age is a killer to our memories and a hazard to our health.

You are right, they should teach a second language in school, and start at a very early age. That is a great idea, sounds wonderful.

Tray

[amoore]

Tray, Dad said his parents could not speak any English when they came here. Dad said he didn't know a word of English when he entered the first grade in the state of Ohio.

[trayi52]

Ann,
You know I cannot remember that! So he had to learn to speak English from the first grade up, and so did his parents.

Like I said, growing old is hazardous to your health.

[micki76]

Originally posted by Soledad
Traveling abroad is actually not all that difficult or expensive. With the amount of crap that most Americans spend on consumer goods, there is no excuse for the lack of travel. It is simply a matter of priorities. In America, traveling abroad is a sort of "wouldn't that be nice" experience whereas in other countries it's a rite of passage, something a young adult MUST do in order to get a better sense of themselves, the world and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.

How many of us drop 30 bucks at PetSmart on non-essential items? How many of us buy unnecessary items for our entertainment? No, the issue is not money. It's where our priorities lie. And to many Americans, they see no reason why they should ever leave. And that's the root of many a problem.

While living in New Zealand, I met young people who faced greater financial difficulties than most Americans. Yet, somehow, they managed to save the money to go out and see the world.

People will always make excuses, but where there's a will, there's a way still applies. We just don't have the will.

Oh I have the will, I just would personally go and sun myself on the beach in Mexico than back pack through Europe. Nothing wrong with that.

[Soledad]

Mexico, Europe....doesn't matter, as long as it's out of the country!!!

Trayi52, I know there are plenty of people who actually CAN'T but they are a lot who can and just don't. They put more value in shopping than saving their money for travel. Oh well. Whatever.

But don't get me wrong, Trayi52, I have been on public assistance. I'm not a spoiled person, but there is such a thing as budgeting and planning ahead if you really, really want it.

[gini]

Soledad, your point of view is interesting to me because for a few years I was exposed to many young girls (right out of high school) that took out a "student travel loan" that New Zealand banks offered to young people.

When they came to the United States they took positions as nanny's - stayed for six months in one place, saw as much as they could and then moved on to another city. The whole time they did not make a great deal of money here, but they also had little expenses. For many, the ultimate goal was to get to England and then finally return home to New Zealand.

I think we also have a generational gap here. What today, might seem easy to save for - travel in particular - was not as easy for people say in the 1930's - 40's - 50's. Travel was very expensive. If you were raising a family it was out of the question.
And think back to then - there were not all of the "toys" that we now have and seem to want. Parents just got by.

How many of this generation also made sure their kids had a good education right through college and THEN made their travel plans in their retirement? And they did not live lavish lives.

This is all way off the subject of the ability to learn English or a second language.

I think in the next generation you will see many young adults who can speak fluent Korean, or Spanish or another native tongue and also English. But as the generations pass on, how many will keep their mother tongue?

[Soledad]

I still don't buy it, Gini. Traveling has been something people all over the world have been able to do, and Americans, with the highest standards of living in the world, can somehow not make it out of their country? Nope. Sorry, not buying it.

I know that the British, Australians and New Zealanders have a tradition of traveling. It's something that is just done. It's a part of growing up to them. But not in America. In America, we have this idea that while it would be "nice" it doesn't really matter, because, well, we're AMERICA.

[gini]

I have no idea of the statistics, but probably a check with all of the airlines traveling to various countries and the cruise ships doing the same - would give us an idea of the increase in travel over say the last what? 50 years.

But you are right - there are those who do just not care to travel, have no interest in a foreign country or their language. But it is their choice and ultimately their loss.

[amoore]

I have friends from all over the world that I love talking to in the chat rooms. I really love hearing about their countries and their cultures. I plan to travel someday. I would love it! I want to take my sister with me.

Tray, Dad said his parents were speaking English, too. They picked it up after they lived here awhile. But they spoke mostly in German at home with family. I'm sorry I left that out.

[trayi52]

Oh great, I am going to travel after all!!!! Going with the sister.

Tray

[Twisterdog]

Originally posted by Soledad
Traveling abroad is actually not all that difficult or expensive. With the amount of crap that most Americans spend on consumer goods, there is no excuse for the lack of travel. It is simply a matter of priorities. In America, traveling abroad is a sort of "wouldn't that be nice" experience whereas in other countries it's a rite of passage, something a young adult MUST do in order to get a better sense of themselves, the world and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.

How many of us drop 30 bucks at PetSmart on non-essential items? How many of us buy unnecessary items for our entertainment? No, the issue is not money. It's where our priorities lie. And to many Americans, they see no reason why they should ever leave. And that's the root of many a problem.

While living in New Zealand, I met young people who faced greater financial difficulties than most Americans. Yet, somehow, they managed to save the money to go out and see the world.

People will always make excuses, but where there's a will, there's a way still applies. We just don't have the will.

You are speaking of the uppper-middle and upper classes, and I would agree with your assessment of that. You are also, I infer, speaking of single people or married couples without kids, for the most part. And, I would also agree with your assessment there. If you are a young, dual-career, couple with no kids you can absolutely afford to travel all over the world. However, if you are a single mother working for $6.00 per hour, raising two or three kids, there is NO WAY you are going to travel to Europe for your summer vacation. No way. You say you are "not buying it" that many, many people live from hand to mouth in this country. Come on. You know better than that. You have spoken many times about your own less-than-luxurious roots, and of the hardships of your parents and grandparents. There are millions of people in this country who live at or below the poverty level, or are spending every dime they have for the bills, school clothes and medical care. We all know this.

Travel abroad is a wonderful experience, no arguments from me there. However, I do not think it is fair to label everyone who doesn't hold a passport as basically shallow, egocentric flakes who want to spend all their money shopping for frivolous items. Not true, and not fair. Many people have valid reasons for not making foreign travel a top priority. It doesn't automatically make them lesser people.

I've traveled out of the USA several times. When the circumstances in my life are different than they are now, I will probably do it much more. However, if I had never left this country, I would not suddenly be a backwards, closed-minded person who knew nothing of the world beyond my front door. Actual travel is great, but it is not the ONLY way to learn and experience and grow.