"Learn the language of the land or get out!" What do you feel about this statement, and why?
by 
NotYourAvgPsycho
ANSWERS: 12
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I agree with the learn the language part, but if you don't want to, I see no reason to leave, it would be much more difficult to live in a country without speaking the local language, but that would be your problem, not mine, so I see no reason to kick them out for that reason alone.
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I agree in part, but that should apply to all countries - if you want to live in France, learn French, and so on and so forth. It's also a mask for hatred. Considering how much they benefit the economy, there's not a lot to attack immigrants about, and there are some who will take any opportunity they can get.
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I think any person that goes to live in another country it is only courtesy to the receiving country to learn the language
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I think it's a great start on full-fledged bigotry and xenophobia... As for me, I've never been able to master the Native American languages: there's so many of them, and some are quite subtle and poetic but difficult to pronounce. So sadly, English and a bit of Spanish is all I can muster. I still think I fit in, though... I just try to be friendly and tolerant.
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It depends on what country you are talking about. If you are referring to a country that has a specific language like France or China, then I agree. When my family came from Poland to England, they learned to assimilate and spoke English as soon as possible. My grandmother taught herself English using crossword puzzles and the newspaper. (To tell someone to get out may be too harsh, but I do think people need to help themselves.) If you are talking about the U.S., then it is harder to say because we do not have an "official" language. (I do, however, think English should be our official language.)
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I think that it depends on your needs. If you can live without knowing the common language, so be it. I am Native American, and can trace my bloodline back to before America became a "country". Many of my relatives speak no English at all, and have absolutley no need to learn. I learned English as a second language and found it beneficial. If we kick out all those that don't speak the "language of the land", there won't be many of us left.
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I think that it does not make any sense. Many people lead productive lives and do not speak a word of English.There is many hispanics that only speak spanish,because they only communicate with people of their culture.That is their business.Anyway languages,especially English is extremely hard to learn,even harder as an adult.
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What I was thinking was when I visited Italy several years ago it was difficult for me (not them) to try to communicate. Like I wanted to buy my daughter shoes and I had no idea at all on how to translate sizes. I asked and thank goodness the sales lady spoke a little english. To buy a item I had to know certain words...but it was really hard. I would of began immediately to learn if I would of stayed there any longer. Lonely for people as well that do not know that language where they are to not be able to communicate our basic needs because of a language barrier. The answer to the question is no we should not kick out someone for a language barrier. If they want to learn then thats good for them.
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I actually pretty much agree. People that move into America SHOULD learn to speak English, because that's what we speak here. But there's no reason to discontinue using their native language whenever they want. The same goes for outside the U.S. If I moved to France, I would learn French. I wouldn't just seek out English speakers, or have people translate for me. I'd learn the language of where I lived. People outside the U.S. consider it obnoxious when Americans insist on speaking English in non-English speaking countries. A lot of the time even tourists who DON'T intend to live there get crap for not knowing any of the language. It just seems like a good idea and easier for everyone if they know the language of where they're going to stay.
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I'm from the UK and immigration of mainland Europeans is a problem here due to the lack of border control between EU countries. Unfortunately a lot of (not all) people who seek asylum or immigrate here can't speak English.. they then use this as an excuse for being unable to seek employment and will claim benefits of our government. I think if you wish to live in another country you should make the effort to fit in. Whenever I visit another country, I will make the effort to learn the language - I think it is very ignorant not to make an effort and try hard to fit into your new environment.
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Personally, I think "Pay for them to get the lessons to learn the language of the land or shut your mouth." If you are going to make such demands, then you should provide the facilities to make it happen
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Actually I think it not a bad idea. In as much I live in a country with what seems like a large proportion of immigrants. While I understand that older people can find it difficult to elearn a new language, they at least should be able to learn some basics. I have noticed that many immigrants only understand what they want to in that if you ask them for something they don't want to do and answer all of a sudden they can't speak english. I believe that when you choose to go to a new country for your living part of that choosing is accepting their culture and language. Not imposing your old culture (which you left behind for many different reasons) and language and then claiming racism and bigotry and religious intolerance because you can't keep doing the same old things that you wanted to leave behind.
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