Is it already a double insult if you come illegally in the US and don't even try learning some English?

[Danielle93]

At least Cesar Millan is useful for the community and learned English. I'll place him as an exception. If I were nearby his town with dog issues, I would gladly contact him. I don't care about his accent. It's very understandable. He's already a citizen so I'll let that one slide.

But the others that come illegal, stayed here for 10-20 years (or more), do nothing special and everything has to be translated every single time, even on simple things such as their own address should honestly leave. Some of them even use their children when they're still minors as translators. Several of those children aren't enjoying translating for their parents.

Is that already a double insult? First breaking the law and then wasting time by not even trying to learn some English.

[KostasKouvalis]

Normally yes, but the issue is, and it seems a lot of people are unaware of this, is that the US doesn't officially have an official language. So technically, they can't mandate them to learn it. The thing is, Spanish is so widely spoken in the US, that you can get by just knowing Spanish, so these people don't really have any incentive to learn English, unless they want citizenship. That being said, I doubt these people are aware that the US actually doesn't have an official language, so yeah, it's disrespectful.
Some Cuban lady at Miami airport told us to speak Spanish and some Miami guy said you need to know at least some Spanish to survive in Miami. Why should I know Spanish. Why don't they know English. So in that sense, it IS disrespectful, yes

[Danielle93]

Even though it doesn't have an official language, English is still widely spoken and needing translators all the times makes it difficult for doctors whom probably would've liked to build up a fluent, rapport with the client. Instead they have to speak in shorter phrases when via a translator and can even fully express themselves. Or imagine being on a technical support call and what could've been a normal 10 minute call, took 30+ minutes because the client doesn't know basic English.

[Danielle93]

I don't mind them speaking Spanish (I speak advanced Spanish as a result of getting tired of relying on translators) but it would be better if they did that same effort too.

[KostasKouvalis]

Yeah. My mom took my grandma to a doctor here and my grandma was mad that she couldn't explain her issues to the doctor on her own
I imagine they just go to doctors who speak their language

[KostasKouvalis]

😂
I know, I'll try to communicate with them in my broken Spanish even though I shouldn't.
But I can tell you from personal experience, a lot of them pretend like they don't speak English just to be dicks.
Likewise, a lot of Chicanos pretend they don't know Spanish when they're in front of their White friends

[Danielle93]

I've seen that happening. There was a Spanish speaker lady that knew enough English, even said it herself but stated she still wanted everything (even basic numbers) translated. Types like her get on my nerves.

[loveslongnails]

Let's get something straight; a person can not be "illegal". An illegal act is a violation of law, but even this term can apply to civil offenses. Someone who is here without proper documentation is in violation of the law, but they're not yet "criminals" because they haven't been tried and given due process. This is supposed to be a fundamental tenet of American jurisprudence.

Much the same way, if you violate a law and get arrested, should you be deported or imprisoned for life without due process? No. So this whole "illegal immigrant" thing is not as open and shut as your stupid Orange man wants to make it. Instead, what he's attempting and doing is, once again, circumventing the Law. But wtf, they're the party of Law and Order, right?

[slayxme]

Nuh, it is subjective. Learning a new language isn't easy, especially for older age groups. However, yes it is practical and ideal to learn the main language of the country that someone is going to immigrate to live. I think it is important to be sensitive and mindful of parents who speak another language experiencing difficulty with adjusting, learning another language, and lacking sufficient education. Some kids may be immature and insensitive to support their parents with the language barrier that they may be experiencing. But some other kids understand that their parents came from a different country with little education and knowledge needing more support in this area.

[Danielle93]

I understand someone that's much older (60+ years old) will obviously be less likely to learn it. I was referring to illegal immigrants that came here when they were still in their 20's or early 30's, had time to learn the language, could afford it but they just refuse to and even give excuses that their child can translate for them. One of the excuses given by a Mexican lady for instance was that she didn't feel like learning English because she already has her children that can translate.

[Danielle93]

Some of those children likely felt there was some laziness on their parents' part. Trying to make an effort and having an accent (I have an accent in Spanish but it's good enough to not need translators) is still better than not trying at all.

[DrPepper12]

Well said!

[Anonymous]

There’s really no excuse for it. You have YouTube and apps that will help you learn whatever language you’re trying to learn.

[Danielle93]

Exactly. With the easy access to social medias and technology today, it should be easier than in the past.

[Opinion Owner]

There are over 200 languages spoken in Los Angeles. I would hate to be a cop. How do you say.."put your hands in the air' in 200+ languages? In the next few years I would like to travel to Mexico. I certainly won't be able to speak fluent Spanish, but the locals really appreciate if you make it an effort. I feel like it's disrespectful to not make somewhat of an effort.

[Stevepro68]

Not speaking English puts you as second class citizens here. As evidence by this post. All immigrants languages fade with subsequent generations here because English is so dominant. Why does it infuriate you so? Why is it a personal affront to so many Americans. Tribalism at it finest. Show me how many 4th generation non English speakers there are here, and then if it's significant maybe I'll see it as a societal issue.

[Danielle93]

I ended up having to study Spanish and even though it's slower, it's good enough to rarely rely on translator unless the terms is very sophisticated or it's an unknown phrase. So basically it's like I ended up accommodating for the immigrant (plus several of them being illegals), what I shouldn't be doing. Meanwhile many of the Spanish speakers put no effort in learning some English, not even to say their own address.

[Stevepro68]

That may be true and may not be true. You are writing a narrative that assumes personal arrogance is the reason why they don't speak English. I can think of 8 reasonable reasons why someone from another culture and language are unable to share that in English, other than purposefully refusing to learn. Just consider your own personal assumptions before assignment of agency.

[Danielle93]

I've met a few conceited ones too. There was a Spanish speaking lady that could speak good enough English (the same level as my Spanish) but refused to, would say "Spanish only" with an arrogant tone and still requested (even when she could clearly understand everything) a translator just because she felt comfortable in her language and to compare how the words are being translated in case she has to correct the person. Finally she was another illegal that crossed the borders.

[Danielle93]

Not every single one of them nice either.

[DrPepper12]

Many adult first generation immigrants do retain their language for longer for obvious reasons. I don't see the big deal tbh. Many multilingual nations have no problem navigating that. Besides, it would do USA Americans some real good to join the rest of the planet and speak multiple languages.

[Danielle93]

If I were immigrating to another country then yes I would be studying the language on the very first day. It must be super uncomfortable for doctors not being able to build a full rapport with their clients. It isn't the same via a translator.

[Danielle93]

I actually have no problems with legal immigrants that learned the English. It doesn't matter if they have their accents. At least they came legally and are trying. I like those types of immigrants.

[DrPepper12]

Me too but sometimes circumstances make it difficult for first generation older people.

[exitseven]

What makes it even worse is after the taxpayers put them up in a hotel and provide them wit h3 catered meals a day and free healthcare, legal services, dental care and other services citizens have to pay for they still break into your house while you are at work and steal your stuff.

[DrPepper12]

I see today's dose arrived on time...

[QuietRunner]

When I move to Japan or Portugal, I'll also not try to learn the local languages. Seems about right if the world wants to express outrage at the United States for expecting newly arriving Americans to speak the common language.

Also they should assimilate into the culture of the United States. Don't forget the old, but integrate into the new country you moved to because you left an old one.

[KostasKouvalis]

Why would you do that to Japan or Portugal though? Those people usually learn English when they immigrate.
You should do it to Latin American countries.

[QuietRunner]

@KostasKouvalis good advice

[Danielle93]

Actually I think anyone that comes to a country where a language is widely spoken and plan on staying for years, then it's wise to learn the language. If I were to live in Germany, then I would be studying German. It shows an appreciation of your new home.

[KostasKouvalis]

I was watching Rick Steves and he was talking about how British expats have set up their own enclave on the Spanish coast and only keep to themselves and don't even bother learning Spanish.
They only like Spanish weather

[jshm2]

No. As the most widely spoken language in the US is actually Spanish - not English.

So get your crusty, racist ass out of here, you bigot.

[Danielle93]

Actually my Spanish is advanced. It's a bit slower when speaking it but yes I'm able to communicate with the Spanish speakers without translators. I was sick of tired of translators and them not making any efforts in learning English. Plus if you read my very first sentence again, I actually like immigrants that learned English and contribute greatly to the community. I like Cesar Millan.

[Danielle93]

Honestly it should be the other way around. They're suppose to be learning English because they're not in their homeland. They make it harder for doctors that have to use translators. Instead of having a great rapport with the client, it's not the same with a translator. You can't even express your full ideas and have to sometimes speak it shorter phrases.

[Anonymous]

The unjustified, learned hate here is unbelievable.

[Danielle93]

I love legal immigrants that learned English. I dislike illegals that come when they're still young but stayed here for over 10-20 years and don't even try learning English.

[Opinion Owner]

The US is a melting pot. People who are born here are often just as guilty as sucking off the system. The activity stirring is illogical and inhumane.. and more directly personal assault. Hitler first hated the jews because they refused him to take leftover food from their park picnic baskets home for his starving family as a young boy. That was wrong. But genuine hate seeded.
Where does trumps "hate" seed from?
It's purely manifested hate designed to stir and gather masses of followers. Scripted and acted out. And is working. lol
The facts simply do not add up.

[Danielle93]

Doesn't it suck when doctors have to use translators because they can't find a Spanish speaking provider and they can't build a rapport with the client? It's not the same as expressing yourself and actually connecting directly? Or imagine a quick call about how to log into your account that would've ended within 5-10 minutes. Instead with a phone translator and the client's horrible pronunciation (the translator has to even tell the client to spell it), now the call takes over 30 minutes.

[Danielle93]

More time consuming for sure

[Opinion Owner]

Are you aware of how many languages the US has? Spanish along was spoken in the US long before English and most certainly before "American English". Open a history book and check it out.

[Anonymous]

No, because there are several Americans who do not understand the English Language or know how to properly speak it for that matter.

[msc545]

English is very difficult to learn.

[Danielle93]

Yet not impossible
They don't have to be fluent but at least some effort. Learning the numbers, the alphabet, how to say your address and basic sentences wouldn't be too much.
I've learned Spanish over the years. It's not fluent and I still have an accent but it's good enough to not need translators and follow their conversation. So it's not too much wanting them to at least try.

[DrPepper12]

Got that right!! It is universally acknowledged as the most difficult popular language.