In regard to immigration would it be part of the American dream to learn English?
Answer:
Wow, I think this is a really interesting question that makes a very good topic of discussion! I think there are different versions of what is called the "American dream", which makes sense since so many people desire so many different things.
Some define the American dream as a freedom from the political oppression & turmoil in their home countries. Some define it as an opportunity for a better economy/living conditions for their families (so that they can have better & more access to basic necessities as food, clothes, health care, etc); some want to live in America since it's much safer than it is in their own countries; and there are many other reasons.
So, is learning English part of their American dream? I think depending on how old they are/where they’re in their life & what their roles/functions are in their families, it may be part of their American dream, since they’re probably the kids who would need to work in USA & have ambitions to get better jobs. However, for the older generations who just come here for the sake of their families, although they try to learn English, I don’t think it is really part of their American dream. For them, their definition of the American dream is to see their kids succeed in life & have better safety, health care, & opportunities.
I agree that everybody who wants to live in USA needs to learn English, as it won’t be wise otherwise because they’re closing up opportunities for themselves to advance. However, not only the language, but the cultural barriers sometimes are also too big to break, especially for those who are older. Believe me, most of them try very hard, and some Americans are just so clueless! I’ve seen people try to learn & practice speaking their “broken” English at the grocery stores or constructions stores, etc, and some Americans just start getting impatient, pissed off, and accusing them of being rude or even accusing them of not learning English already! Just because they’re still not able to speak it fluently or using the proper words, it doesn’t mean they don’t make the efforts to learn it: you need to learn a language by practicing it, don’t you (I'm assuming you've learnt another language)?
By the way, not all immigrants want to live in America permanently, & thus, probably don’t have the “American dream”. Permanent residents of USA (PR’s = green card holders) are considered immigrants; however, they can still be citizens of their home countries. They just have to live in USA at least 6 months per year to keep their green cards. I know a lot of PR’s who live in USA because their sons & daughter-in-laws & their kids = grandchildren, etc are here, so they just want to be able to stay close to their grandchildren & help out babysitting them. They’re mostly in their 60’s & I’d say they don’t really have desire to learn English. So, don’t worry, they won’t try to take your jobs! (always look at the bright side, you see).
Ohh, and Angry-T: some Americans drive like total morons, too, haven’t you seen them around? Yeah, especially when they’re drunk!!
It better be.
It probably would be, but it is easier said than done, especially for people who immigrate after puberty and the laguage reception part of the brain is no longer as adept in mastering a foreign language.
Yes. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles came to this country over 70 years ago. They set about learning English. It sure helped. This is AMERICA, learn English. My relatives did. Speak your native tongue at home if you want (my relatives did) but if you want to be accepted as an American, speak English when shopping, working, etc. It will make life here so much easier.
It should be but it is hard to make that point when so many native born Americans have such a poor grasp of our language. Some can barely put a sentence together to convey a message. They know nothing of grammar and spelling. These poorly educated Americans often claim to be true American patriots but don't even have enough respect for our country to learn our written and spoken language well. These people set a horrible example for immigrants and make the United States look bad.
If you don't we would become like Canada - more divided than ever.... "Welcome to America we speak ENGLISH here".
I think you meant to say, "Welcome to America. We speak English here."
I honestly don't give a hoot weather anyone thinks it is part of the "American Dream" to learn English. If someone refuses to learn English and they live in America, then they should be shunned from society as they are most likely an illegal alien. All documents should be written in English and English only. Eventually they will teach themselves or pay out the nose in late tax fees.
Yes it is part of the American dream. Too bad most of the immigrants don't want the American dream. They're trying to live the Mexican dream of coming to America and mooching off our social services, taking our jobs, and driving like total morons.
People eventually do. Dont you recall your Grandma Brigitte that spoke with the Irish accent and Grandpa Guido you could barely make a word. I'ma a lika the spaghetti!
Relax. You people forget how hard is to learn a language and the fact that millions if not billions of US immigrants didnt know it and entire enclaves existed where the lingua franca was NOT english.
The immigration information post by website user , MyTend.com not guarantee correctness