Is it laziness for parents to use their children as translators, not even bother learning some English?

[Danielle93]

There was a Latina woman that didn't know any English after 23 years, not even how to say her own address. Base on my intermediate Spanish, she claimed there was no need because she already has her two children (21 year-old daughter and 18 year-old son) as her translators since they were kids. From the look on their faces, they looked frustrated. It didn't sound like they enjoy it at all.

This isn't a case of someone having learning disabilities nor limited time for classes. She was in her early 20's back then, had chances and time to learn English but didn't feel like it. Isn't that pure laziness?

[DryGermanGuy]

I will never understand how people can permanently move to a different country and not wanting to learn the language? If I visit an obscure little country as a visitor, of course I don't need it, but as a permanent resident? It's baffling.

[Nifrayu]

Nah, I don't think so. At least not for English. It's one of the hardest languages to learn as a second language because it doesn't have any rules that can be applied to the whole language. It's a mess and I really don't blame anyone for not learning it. Besides, these days there are translation apps for phones and they work really well in my experience.

[Danielle93]

I'm willing to bet if the lady had immigrated on a state with little to no hispanic community and had no translators, that laziness would go fly out the window and she would've learned English by now; by necessity. Her case wasn't the case of how hard the language is but a rather a ''why bother if my children are my translators and there are other Latinos in my area'' excuse.

[CubaPirate]

Absolutely there are South East Asians here in the UK that are the same

[Danielle93]

yeah and honestly I don't think it should ever be your child's obligation to be your translator

[CubaPirate]

Me neither

[douride2]

That is just plain lazy.

[Danielle93]

Exactly. That lady had no good excuse for not learning English.