Is Spanish becoming an "unofficial" second language in USA?
Answer:
Approximately 337 languages are spoken or signed by the population of the U.S., of which 176 are indigenous to the area; in other words, spoken by the native Indian tribes. The balance are spoken by groups of immigrants. 82% speak English as a first language - even though they may use another language in the home or social circle. Of the remaining percent, 10% speak Spanish - the 2nd largest language spoken. Third is Cantonese, fourth is French, Fifth is German.
We are a nation of immigrants. Unless you are a "full blood" member of an indigenous tribe of people, you or your parents or grandparents or an ancestor are immigrants and came to these shores speaking another language.
It'll take a while but eventually everyone will speak English.
NO!! This is an English speaking country. Always has been and always will be!
Sadly yes. Why do I say sadly. Because historically, nations that have one common language are the ones that persist or survive.
P. S... People in the US are becoming irritated with the use of Spanish because of the illegal immigration issue. ------ Telling it like it is.
I don't know what the big deal is. Many countries in Europe speak multiple languages depending on the country they boarder, and it's all OK...they realize that they are not the only country or people in the world. Many students are required to learn English in other countries, why shouldn't we learn other languages as well? Do the people who want to make English the "national language" live in some crazy place where they're being forced to speak something else? English will always be our primary language; it's what's spoken in schools, etc. People fear change, period. I highly recommend traveling - it's great for opening minds...
Relax... Are you kidding me? How in the world can you compare Ricky Ricardo's use of a "few" Spanish words from time to time, to this day in age where we have to press #1 to hear our bank or doctors office or any other important message in English. Just like Ricky Ricardo learned English, the rest of you Spanish speakers should be made to do the same. Use another comparison if you want to convince anyone of your dumb ideas.
How can I relax when I can't order a fukcin cheeseburger within a 65 mile radius of where I live or when they have to search for some one to speak English when I'm trying to cash my check. Ricky Ricardo came here legally, spoke spanish at home not at work and was a productive member of society!
If the idiots in the White House pass that ridiculous immigration bill it will probably be the official language.
Since English is NOT an official language, I think it
is OKAY if SPANISH becomes the next unofficial language. MANY countries have bilinguals and get along nicely. WE COULD continue to speak English AND Learn to speak SPANISH. The MEXICANS can continue to speak SPANISH and learn to speak ENGLISH. The more languages we can speak the better off we are. I WISH I COULD SPEAK ARABIC!
OUR GOVERNMENT, so I was told, is paying $400,000 a year to interpreters.
IT never hurts to learn more, IT REALLY HURTS to know less.
MOST PEOPLE COMING HERE from other countries can speak more than one language. MOST of them can speak ENGLISH and their language.
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME and teaching languages should start in the elementary grades.
Shelly up there said it best. I don't see the big deal. Most countries have multiple official languages. I don't understand why white Americans (yes, it's only whites crying about this) continue to put down Spanish. More people in the world speak Spanish than English. Then again, most white Americans can barely speak one language. That's why they are mad....
Just look to Canadian people for the problem with a two language country. Quebec almost left the common wealth to preserve french. Also look to South Florida for the problem of a duel language system. Bilingual, meaning Spanish is spoken in most places, but English is hit and miss
I think it just depends on where you live.Many of the people in my area speak Thai a few Spanish and we have a few Russian.But English will always be the language of America.I think it was 3 years ago they finally made it the official language.I don't get mad to hear someone speak another language but if they want me to help them with anything they better know English because I don't speak much else. LOL
I think people who come to this country should learn English (like my great-grandparents did). I should point out they taught my grandparents Spanish. We still speak Spanish at home but English is spoken at the workplace and in school.
However people should be free to speak whatever language they choose at home or with friends.
Your question is rather strange in that there are many languages spoken within the United States.
Problems have only come about when others demand that instead of learning the common language spoken by all should have added it only one of those languages over others.
There is also the problem that many of those that say that they speak "Spanish" really are not speaking Spanish but a variation of it. Which dialect are you suggesting within this group are you suggesting is becoming the "unofficial second language"?
"I'm all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with typewriters."
Frank Lloyd Wright (1868-1959)
Look at the bottom of this page.notice the two flags?? That was actually brought to my attention by a person on here that asked if anyone had noticed it. Desi spoke English as well, not just Spanish. That is the problem. I am Greek... where is my special American Flag at the bottom of this page in my language? . Oh that is right... I am an American and here we speak English.
Yes
It is predicted that by the year 2125, people identifying themselves as Latinos will represent the majority in the United States. My suggestion to all of you monolingual people is...learn another language...maybe Spanish??
Take the word 'becomming' out of your question. The better word would be 'become'. The answer is yes. Due to illegal immigration, hispanics are the fastest growing segment of our population.
Its just a choice, you don't have to speak spanish, but if you have a bussines and want to double your clients, you will offer spanish assistance and will make more money.
Just as you will offer help for the deaf or blind, there are legal aliens who need special attention and will do bussines with you if it is easy for them.
It doesn't hurt to learn another language, actually, people who speak two languages, lives longer!
Take it easy and try to look at the bright side of the picture.
Buena Suerte!
I agree with you.
And moreso, it's inevitable, so when I see all these people getting POed and griping "WHY should I have to PRESS 2 for ENGLISH?! THIS IS AMERICA BLAH BLAH RABBLE RABBLE" I just laugh, because I'm a native American who speaks English, but I make more money because I'm bilingual, but the complainers... all they're going to get is an ulcer with that kind of attitude.
People are always resistance to change of any kind. So it's not hard to understand.
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