We're in America... Right?

[JOE who...?]

Heres the deal...
I went to Joey's Pizza in PCB last night to pick up last minute munchies (not the healthiest thing, but whatever). About five/ten minutes after placing my order a lady walked in and placed her order in English. After several minutes of speaking fluent English, she started speaking Spanish with the employee (the only employee out of six or seven that i could tell was Mexican-American).

If i went to Italy and new fluent Italian, I wouldn't speak with the only Italian speaking American there in English. I would consider that RUDE.

Maybe i should learn Spanish, but why... We're in America... Right?

Had to get that off my chest... Have a good MEMORIAL day weekend...

BTW, don't forget why theres a Memorial Day... Thanks to all the men and women who lost their lives fighting for this country - Home of the free BECAUSE of the brave!

[goofer44]

I don't get the point of your gripe. But I agree about remembering the meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you.

[sunspotbaby]

I used to work in a Mfg. plant in Houston. Many times I was the only female there with 15-20 men and the only one who didn't speak Spanish. Even though I was friends with them all, it still made me uncomfortable when 2 or 3 guys would come into the lab and all of them speaking Spanish around me like I wasn't there. Then I'm thinking...WTF...speak English! You could all be talking about me and I'm standing right here!!! :wave:

[JOE who...?]

The point...? If the lady and the employee both knew fluent English, why speak Spanish... To speak to each other without letting everyone else know what they were talking about? In essence whispering. In America (and i ass/u/me most other cultures) whispering in most social settings is considered rude. If you and I were to live or visit somewhere the culture is completely different from the USA (or where we were originally from), wouldn't we want to abide by there cultural rules?

[NoHall]

The point...? If the lady and the employee both knew fluent English, why speak Spanish... To speak to each other without letting everyone else know what they were talking about? In essence whispering. In America (and i ass/u/me most other cultures) whispering in most social settings is considered rude. If you and I were to live or visit somewhere the culture is completely different from the USA (or where we were originally from), wouldn't we want to abide by there cultural rules?

I wasn't there, so I don't know. I agree that if you go to another country, you should be prepared to speak their language. When in Rome, you should speak Latin. (That was a joke.) We have a large Hispanic population in my town, and I think they only cripple themselves by refusing to speak English. The salutatorian at our school is Korean, and during his address he mentioned how hard it was when he came here 2 years ago--he actually separated himself from the other Korean students so he would learn better English. I was hoping that those students were listening--they insist upon speaking Korean to each other in class.

But...

I think that if I were in another country working in a pizza place, I would be grateful to have someone come in and speak English to me. :idontno: Maybe it seemed rude to you, but I bet it felt like home to the employee.

[jdarg]

I always find it completely hilarious that people complain about others speaking in another language- and how the complainers always think the non-Englsih speakers are talking about them.:lol: How arrogant!

My own mother pulled this one at a Japanese restaurant- the employees were speaking to each other in Japanese- wow imagine that! My mother said "What are they saying? Are they talking about us?"

And I replied, "Yes Mom. Everyone that speaks another language in your presence is probably talking about you. I am absolutely sure that they don't have anything more important to discuss, like their work or own lives.":roll:

[LuciferSam]

The point...? If the lady and the employee both knew fluent English, why speak Spanish... To speak to each other without letting everyone else know what they were talking about? In essence whispering. In America (and i ass/u/me most other cultures) whispering in most social settings is considered rude. If you and I were to live or visit somewhere the culture is completely different from the USA (or where we were originally from), wouldn't we want to abide by there cultural rules?

Maybe she just enjoys speaking Spanish. Maybe it's actually a better language than English. Quien sabe? Anyway what they were taking about was none if your concern. If I knew more languages I would make a point of rattling them off around people like you just to piss you off!

[Truffle Anne]

I always find it completely hilarious that people complain about others speaking in another language- and how the complainers always think the non-Englsih speakers are talking about them.:lol: How arrogant!

My own mother pulled this one at a Japanese restaurant- the employees were speaking to each other in Japanese- wow imagine that! My mother said "What are they saying? Are they talking about us?"

And I replied, "Yes Mom. Everyone that speaks another language in your presence is probably talking about you. I am absolutely sure that they don't have anything more important to discuss, like their work or own lives.":roll:
Ha! Try being in a place away from your home and culture, and you'll find that it is restorative, in a way, to speak your native language. It's like a little bit of home. Must one know what others are saying? Lay off. And thanks, jdarg.

[JOE who...?]

LuciferSam... What an attitude... You sound like a person with a lot of penned up frustration...

I don't believe i said it pissed me off, therefore you ("if you knew more languages") can speak as many languages around me as you want, i would just consider you rude which you've made clear already...

[Mermaid]

Heres the deal...
I went to Joey's Pizza in PCB last night to pick up last minute munchies (not the healthiest thing, but whatever). About five/ten minutes after placing my order a lady walked in and placed her order in English. After several minutes of speaking fluent English, she started speaking Spanish with the employee (the only employee out of six or seven that i could tell was Mexican-American).

If i went to Italy and new fluent Italian, I wouldn't speak with the only Italian speaking American there in English. I would consider that RUDE.

Maybe i should learn Spanish, but why... We're in America... Right?

Had to get that off my chest... Have a good MEMORIAL day weekend...

BTW, don't forget why theres a Memorial Day... Thanks to all the men and women who lost their lives fighting for this country - Home of the free BECAUSE of the brave!


America is a nation of immigrants. Home of the free and land of the brave. And do you know what? Many of the American men and women who lost their lives fighting for our freedom were immigrants or sons and daughters of immigrants...who came here speaking other languages than English. It is because of them and their sacrifices that American is as it is, a country that so many wish still wish to emigrate to. The employee you heard speaking Spanish, the woman customer that you heard speaking Spanish, they are part of the melting pot that America is. It is something to celebrate, not something to be irritated about. They've come to this country and learned our language, so think kindly when they laspse into their natives tongues. It's meant as no disrespect.

[peapod1980]

Yes, we're in America. Which is why what you seem bothered by actually serves as a perfect example of how our country works. A person can walk into a restaurant, order in the country's native tongue, and then turn to someone else and speak another language altogether. What a country! We have the freedom to speak whatever language we want, whenever we want. I say kudos to her for being able to do it, because as a nation, we are infamous for knowing English only.

[Amy@Avalon]

I like to practise my "no muy bien" Spanish when I get a chance with someone willing to have me butcher their language. They usually give me a little lesson for free. I think there is a difference in the occasional opportunity to speak your native tougue and a refusal to learn English. Maybe a second (or third) language is a good thing for everybody.

[Johnrudy]

This is a new one to me - - that those conversing in a foreign language might be talking about me! :lol:

Even tho I'm usually suspicious that some English speaking folks are. :roll: :lol:

[Bobby J]

I don't get why this is rude?:idontno:

[30A Skunkape]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:

[DD]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:

You and Elaine. :biggrin:

[tistheseason]

It can be rude. But not in the context you described. They weren't there with you and they weren't in the middle of a conversation with you. (and I assure you it was not about you, how did they know you didn't know Spanish?) Often people can speak English, but find it easier to speak in their native tongue. When we are in Spain, my head starts to hurt after a while of trying to speak in Spanish. And I have a hard time expressing nuances in meanings (due to the fact that I pretty much only know the present tense). And there are some times when I am so tired that I don't have the energy to talk in anything other than English -- and my husband just has to translate for me.

I'm sure the same thing happens to people when English is their second (or third or fourth) language.

[cp]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:
:floor:you won't do Skunky!

[Minnie]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:

That is hilarious, as I was thinking of that when I read this thread.

I was in one of the SoWal nail places this April and a lady walked in and suddenly the staff starting talking and laughing and my nail tech, said in English, oh "My, they are going to get in trouble again."

I asked and he said they are always getting in trouble talking about the customers without them knowing it and someone came in and did understand what was being said. :blink:

[scooterbug44]

Yes, we're in America (aka the melting pot) you xenophobe.................which means we are free to speak whatever language we wish, even more so when we are doing so as a way to make someone feel welcome!

IMO you can complain about people in America choosing to speak a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th language when you become fluent in the language of every foreign country you visit. Americans in general expect the world to speak fluent English, yet biatch when people in America who speak 2 or more languages are not 100% fluent or choose anything besides the mish-mash that is "american" as their chosen conversational language.

Ciao, off to meet mis amigos for hors'd' oeuvres! Hope they serve the dessert mit schlag! ;-)

[aggieb]

i'm sure this is already somewhere on the board, but it's classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o

[Johnrudy]

Yes, we're in America (aka the melting pot) you xenophobe.................which means we are free to speak whatever language we wish, even more so when we are doing so as a way to make someone feel welcome!

IMO you can complain about people in America choosing to speak a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th language when you become fluent in the language of every foreign country you visit. Americans in general expect the world to speak fluent English, yet biatch when people in America who speak 2 or more languages are not 100% fluent or choose anything besides the mish-mash that is "american" as their chosen conversational language.

Ciao, off to meet mis amigos for hors'd' oeuvres! Hope they serve the dessert mit schlag! ;-)

ouch.

.

[Gypsea]

i'm sure this is already somewhere on the board, but it's classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o

That one was especially for you Skunky! You so pretty. :wave:

[goofer44]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:

I am getting worried about you !!

[goofer44]

The point...? If the lady and the employee both knew fluent English, why speak Spanish... To speak to each other without letting everyone else know what they were talking about? In essence whispering. In America (and i ass/u/me most other cultures) whispering in most social settings is considered rude. If you and I were to live or visit somewhere the culture is completely different from the USA (or where we were originally from), wouldn't we want to abide by there cultural rules?


I just think you over-reacted. I personally am not offended or paranoid if someone is speaking a foreign language to another person in my presence, especially if I have had no involvment in their conversation when they were speaking English. I think it is a stretch to equate speaking to another person in their native language to "whispering". If anything, listening to another person speaking privately to someone else in whatever language they are speaking would be eavesdropping, which is rude. I understand what you are saying....I just don't agree with it.

[Johnrudy]

I just think you over-reacted. I personally am not offended or paranoid if someone is speaking a foreign language to another person in my presence, especially if I have had no involvment in their conversation when they were speaking English. I think it is a stretch to equate speaking to another person in their native language to "whispering". If anything, listening to another person speaking privately to someone else in whatever language they are speaking would be eavesdropping, which is rude. I understand what you are saying....I just don't agree with it.

I say it's better than those who walk around in public and talk on their cell phones with all their wild hand gesturing, etc. Now that's rude to me!

[singinchicken]

You and Elaine. :biggrin:

HA HA HA!!! I looked for that scene from Seinfeld this afternoon on YouTube when I first saw this, but it's not there...:idontno:

[ShallowsNole]

That is hilarious, as I was thinking of that when I read this thread.

I was in one of the SoWal nail places this April and a lady walked in and suddenly the staff starting talking and laughing and my nail tech, said in English, oh "My, they are going to get in trouble again."

I asked and he said they are always getting in trouble talking about the customers without them knowing it and someone came in and did understand what was being said. :blink:

I was thinking about nail salons too, and I can picture this happening to Skunky. :lol:

[MissCritter]

HA HA HA!!! I looked for that scene from Seinfeld this afternoon on YouTube when I first saw this, but it's not there...:idontno:

Ditto. Where's Frank Costanza when you need him? :D

[Minnie]

H

Ditto. Where's Frank Costanza when you need him? :D

Trying to find those old hawaiian shirts. :D

[peapod1980]

Skunky, I always assume the nail techs are talking about me! You sporting white tips these days, or what?
One of the things L'il Pea #1 figured out right away after he started taking French this year was--hey, mom, we can talk about things, and no one in the house will know what we're saying! I told him that's one of the beauties of learning a foreign language. Sometimes powers are used for evil. ;-) :lol:

[Miss Kitty]

"We're in America...Right?"

Si. :wave:

[destinscuba]

So would you also critize someone for using sign language in front of you???

You are assuming that she is a tourist. How to you NOT know that they know each other from outside of Joey's. Maybe they have kids on a soccer team together, Maybe she works with his spouse, Maybe they go to the Spanish language mass together. You never know.

Unless you spent a couple of months learning, I doubt you would know fluent Italian before you went. I spent a summer in Paris, I did learn enough to get by while I was there, and being there helped a lot with learning the language, but I was no where near fluent.

OH and I couldn't let this go....

If i went to Italy and new fluent Italian, I wouldn't speak with the only Italian speaking American there in English. I would consider that RUDE.

I guess it skipped your mind to type fluent English in your post or are you typing AMERICAN.

[LuciferSam]

LuciferSam... What an attitude... You sound like a person with a lot of penned up frustration...

I don't believe i said it pissed me off, therefore you ("if you knew more languages") can speak as many languages around me as you want, i would just consider you rude which you've made clear already...

Guess I'll just have to consider the source. :moon:

[JOE who...?]

First and foremost, I’m sorry if my initial post offended any of you... I meant this to be a conversation, not an argument... I too agree that everyone is and should be allowed to speak their native tongue whenever they choose; it is what makes America, America. My original post obviously came across wrong (or maybe as a smart@$$ (smart@$$)). I made a statement that I thought it was rude, a lot like me eves dropping (ironically, both rude but also fun sometimes). I was simply wondering if other people felt the same way some-times, if not why. Some of you made great points to advance the conversation and my opinion; then again, some were quick to jump on the defensive for the sake of arguing... You wouldn't think people that live on the worlds most beautiful beaches would be so uptight... Geezzz

BTW Lucifer Sam... In an earlier post you said "people like you"... What kind of person do you think I am? I've made a very limited amount of post/responses on Sowal.com and from that you know who I am? I'm really not a bad person...


Have a great week!

[peapod1980]

First and foremost, I’m sorry if my initial post offended any of you... I meant this to be a conversation, not an argument
JOE, you initiated a lively debate and played a part in people looking at things a little differently (including yourself, I hope)--that's what message boards are all about! :clap:

[InletBchDweller]

First and foremost, I’m sorry if my initial post offended any of you... I meant this to be a conversation, not an argument... I too agree that everyone is and should be allowed to speak their native tongue whenever they choose; it is what makes America, America. My original post obviously came across wrong (or maybe as a smart@$$). I made a statement that I thought it was rude, a lot like me eves dropping (ironically, both rude but also fun sometimes). I was simply wondering if other people felt the same way some-times, if not why. Some of you made great points to advance the conversation and my opinion; then again, some were quick to jump on the defensive for the sake of arguing... You wouldn't think people that live on the worlds most beautiful beaches would be so uptight... Geezzz

BTW Lucifer Sam... In an earlier post you said "people like you"... What kind of person do you think I am? I've made a very limited amount of post/responses on Sowal.com and from that you know who I am? I'm really not a bad person...


Have a great week!

:wave:Did not offend me. I understand where you were coming from and the point you were trying to get across....:wave:

[MissCritter]

Joe, I think the bottom line is that the America of 2008 is not the America of 1958, or 1988 or '98 for that matter. For better and for worse, depending upon your perspective. I think much of what we remember with nostalgia about everyone being "of one heart" or "on the same team" was partly fear of being perceived as different, partly limited exposure to other cultures and attitudes through a filtered media. Also, change happened at a much slower pace back then. We had more time to assimilate change in little baby steps. Now it comes at us like a tsunami, or should I say like a fire hose; it's non-stop. Those of us in our 40's and older remember that slower pace (and long for it sometimes, certainly). The younger generations just accept it as reality. How things will shake out in the future, I don't know. But I do know that we need to start seeing each other as more the same than different, something I believe Americans do better than anyone else. And yes, I do share your sentiment about foreign language conversations sometimes. I only speak one language (I'm trying to learn "teenager" which consists mostly of grunts; making little progress :D), and have not traveled overseas, but imagine that if I were in a foreign country and ran into a fellow American, my English would be going a mile a minute.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a brilliant Harvard neuroanatomist who had a stroke and lost the function of the left side of her brain (the ego side) for a time, wrote a book about the experience titled "My Stroke of Insight." A video of one of her presentations is somewhere on this site. Maybe someone can link for us. Anyway, she contends that we are all alike in 99.99% of our humanity. It's that one hundredth of one percent that causes all the mess we see in the world. Amazing, isn't it? I try to remind myself of that when I'm bothered by others' differences. Not there yet, but some days I see a teeny bit of progress. :blush:

And on this day, especially, I am sad that wars had to be fought for us to enjoy this freedom, and am deeply grateful for those who were courageous enough to do it. http://www.smileycollector.com/images/patriotic/itty1.gif

[30A Skunkape]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xHPU6NulM

[InletBchDweller]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xHPU6NulM

Skunky, you are too funny!! I think I heard :blink: a new language yesterday at the Jambalaya Festival...:lol:

[MissCritter]

I see your jive and raise you one Pootie Tang. . .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdWvUqo9Urw

[aleonard]

So would you also critize someone for using sign language in front of you???

You are assuming that she is a tourist. How to you NOT know that they know each other from outside of Joey's. Maybe they have kids on a soccer team together, Maybe she works with his spouse, Maybe they go to the Spanish language mass together. You never know.

Unless you spent a couple of months learning, I doubt you would know fluent Italian before you went. I spent a summer in Paris, I did learn enough to get by while I was there, and being there helped a lot with learning the language, but I was no where near fluent.

OH and I couldn't let this go....



I guess it skipped your mind to type fluent English in your post or are you typing AMERICAN.

I have no issues with someone being able to speak their native language in American for many of the reasons other posters have mentioned. But, I have been in the situation of being in a conversation between four people and then two turned to each other and use sign language in order to have a private conversation in front of us and exclude us. It was rude. Neither was deaf and it was used to keep us from understanding what they were talking about in front of us. If you want to have a private conversation then move away and have it. But don't do it in front of someone. I have also been in situations where people used a second language to keep me from understanding their conversation, such as walking past a group of men that can speak English but chose not to when I passed by and that is unnerving to say the least. 99% of the time I feel like it is innocent and a chance to use a comfortable native tongue but sometimes it can be rude as well.

[Sandy Pants]

So this seams like a case of two English / Spanish speaking Americans who wanted to connect with each other by speaking in a shared language. It is something that they share culturally and it feels good to connect to your own culture when you are separated from it. It would be like two Americans meeting up in Spain and speaking English to each other. Being able to speak more than one language should be commended.
I might be able to understand your complaint if the one behind the counter could not speak English, but that was not the case.

[hnooe]

I just have to comment that this is the most unenlightening and nonsensical thread I have ever read in the Political area in my almost two year involvement with Sowal. :idontno:
This is Sowal, not Sowhat?

[sunspotbaby]

I have no issues with someone being able to speak their native language in American for many of the reasons other posters have mentioned. But, I have been in the situation of being in a conversation between four people and then two turned to each other and use sign language in order to have a private conversation in front of us and exclude us. It was rude. Neither was deaf and it was used to keep us from understanding what they were talking about in front of us. If you want to have a private conversation then move away and have it. But don't do it in front of someone. I have also been in situations where people used a second language to keep me from understanding their conversation, such as walking past a group of men that can speak English but chose not to when I passed by and that is unnerving to say the least. 99% of the time I feel like it is innocent and a chance to use a comfortable native tongue but sometimes it can be rude as well.

AL you said this very well. I guess it all depends on the situation and the context of the conversation in which people are engaging as to whether or not it is rude
. :wave: BTW :welcome: Joe who?

[LuciferSam]

First and foremost, I’m sorry if my initial post offended any of you... I meant this to be a conversation, not an argument... I too agree that everyone is and should be allowed to speak their native tongue whenever they choose; it is what makes America, America. My original post obviously came across wrong (or maybe as a smart@$$ (smart@$$)). I made a statement that I thought it was rude, a lot like me eves dropping (ironically, both rude but also fun sometimes). I was simply wondering if other people felt the same way some-times, if not why. Some of you made great points to advance the conversation and my opinion; then again, some were quick to jump on the defensive for the sake of arguing... You wouldn't think people that live on the worlds most beautiful beaches would be so uptight... Geezzz

BTW Lucifer Sam... In an earlier post you said "people like you"... What kind of person do you think I am? I've made a very limited amount of post/responses on Sowal.com and from that you know who I am? I'm really not a bad person...


Have a great week!

Nothing too personal, but you gave me enough to go on concerning this one issue. I don't like to label people, but let's just say I don't think we need language police. I'm sure I have friends who feel the way you do. I think they are dead wrong, and they do offend me on some level. I may offend them on some level, Oh well. Most people I associate with do not share your attitude. That's my choice and their's as well.

I don't go for the attitude that this is America, speak English or else. Just look at the title of your post and the situation you described. I think invoking America to push simple minded views is rude. If you just wanted to know how people felt you could have taken a poll, but instead you started a discussion describing your biased reaction to a personal experience. You should expect to get opinionated reactions to your views. It sounds like you just wanted to push your views without them being countered. You commend people who advance your opinion, but dismiss the sincerity of people who disagree. WTF is that all about?

[Bob]

i'll be content until we press 2 for English...

[sowalgayboi]

I have no issues with someone being able to speak their native language in American for many of the reasons other posters have mentioned. But, I have been in the situation of being in a conversation between four people and then two turned to each other and use sign language in order to have a private conversation in front of us and exclude us. It was rude. Neither was deaf and it was used to keep us from understanding what they were talking about in front of us. If you want to have a private conversation then move away and have it. But don't do it in front of someone. I have also been in situations where people used a second language to keep me from understanding their conversation, such as walking past a group of men that can speak English but chose not to when I passed by and that is unnerving to say the least. 99% of the time I feel like it is innocent and a chance to use a comfortable native tongue but sometimes it can be rude as well.

I think you make a very good point. The funny thing is that from Joe's post he was not involved in the conversation thus one can only conclude that he would just prefer everyone speak English.

Okay, I can't find the clip from Just Married where Ashton Kutcher yells at the French Hotelier that he should have his signs printed in "American". :funn:

[InletBchDweller]

i'll be content until we press 2 for English...


:lol: ;-)

[Cheering472]

Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than when I am in the nail parlor and the Vietnamese women all look at me and one proclaims something like 'dang bang trang' and they collectively giggle.:wave:

Skunky next time you go the the nail place don't wear your box. :biggrin:

[30A Skunkape]

Skunky next time you go the the nail place don't wear your box. :biggrin:

I could make a joke that takes advantage of old stereotypes regarding the size of boxes in different parts of the globe but I am bigger than that:wave:

[Cheering472]

I could make a joke that takes advantage of old stereotypes regarding the size of boxes in different parts of the globe but I am bigger than that:wave:

:clap:

[sowalgayboi]

I could make a joke that takes advantage of old stereotypes regarding the size of boxes in different parts of the globe but I am bigger than that:wave:

:funn:

[MissCritter]

. . . but I am bigger than that:wave:


That's what they all say, Big Boy. :D

[30A Skunkape]

That's what they all say, Big Boy. :D:cuss:

[Gypsea]

:floor:

[Geo]

You and Elaine. :biggrin:

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Thanks for the great Seinfeld reference!

[DD]

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Thanks for the great Seinfeld reference!

;-)

[elgordoboy]

good peeps all.

[Mango]

DD is speaking politicinese? :yikes:

[DD]

DD is speaking politicinese? :yikes:

;-)

[Gypsea]

Interesting article on whats happening in Dade County:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/miami/sfl-529miami,0,6086892.story

[elgordoboy]

Interesting article for sure. More skills/abilities equals more opportunities.

[scooterbug44]

Anyone who only speaks one language can expect to find fewer opportunities as time goes on (there's a reason it's a skill you put on a resume), however people HAVE to learn the primary language of their country of residence.

It's ridonkulous that someone is an area with a large second/foreign language population doesn't even know a smattering of that language. Makes me question their intelligence is a couple ways.

I have a sliding scale as to how much of a language I try to learn based on how long I will be in that country. My pronunciations and malaprops can be quite hilarious depending on my level of sobriety/what day of the week it is, but it still makes a huge difference in how I am treated and how well I can function!

[JustaLocal]

The first time I went to Miami (about 12 years ago) I was very surprised to find no English spoken in an entire shopping mall. I was shopping for a men’s shirt. I was most taken aback that even the manager of J.C. Penney didn't speak English. I wasn't offended and did find a shirt. I thought then, and still do, that it is more of a handicap for them not to speak English in Miami than for me not to speak Spanish.
I absolutely love Miami. Such a lively, friendly city with fantastic culture, restaurants, and weather!

[Gypsea]

The first time I went to Miami (about 12 years ago) I was very surprised to find no English spoken in an entire shopping mall. I was shopping for a men’s shirt. I was most taken aback that even the manager of J.C. Penney didn't speak English. I wasn't offended and did find a shirt. I thought then, and still do, that it is more of a handicap for them not to speak English in Miami than for me not to speak Spanish.
I abforuI have found it to be much more of a handicap to not speak Spanish than for English. solutely love Miami. Such a lively, friendly city with fantastic culture, restaurants, and weather!

Having worked in Miami I have found it to be a major handicap to not be fluent in spanish. Vacationing is a different story. I still :wub: to visit Miami.

[JustaLocal]

Having worked in Miami I have found it to be a major handicap to not be fluent in spanish. Vacationing is a different story. I still :wub: to visit Miami.

Ah. I understand.

[organicmama]

As I read the whole thread, I pondered the thought of why the discussion is actually happening. Si, nos vivimos en America pero hay no lengua oficial!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States


State-wise, it's a different story.

BTW, health dept. info, etc. here is written in Spanish, English & Creole. Why? Hmmmm.....

[organicmama]

On the issue of people using other languages to talk about one another: Most of my friends in college were from other countries. My best friends were from Curacao & the average high school dropout down there speaks 4-5 languages. My friends, all guys, mainly spoke Papiamentu & Dutch. I had to get used to it, but a few times it did get on my nerves, mainly when I was hormonal. :wave:, greenroomsurfer & scooterbug!

However, it taught me a lot. When people who speak a common language are together, it is easier for them to just fall into their native tongue. Of course, they were guys in college and 99% of their conversation was about girls. When I learned to speak Papiamentu easily and then learned to understand Dutch, they swore they were going to have to make up a language that I couldn't speak. I already understood French & spoke Spanish and they could not fall back on those.

Whether or not people are talking about us in another dialect or language, it is totally our ego that assumes so, pretty much all of the time. Yes, there might be bored employees who use their language as a way of entertaining themselves during a long day of sanding people's feet... If I were in their position, I might be doing the same thing. We claim people are rude but we don't look at the rudeness of our assumption that we are "so important" that they are secretively talking about us. Tambien, quien sabe y cual es el problema?

[sowalgayboi]

The first time I went to Miami (about 12 years ago) I was very surprised to find no English spoken in an entire shopping mall. I was shopping for a men’s shirt. I was most taken aback that even the manager of J.C. Penney didn't speak English. I wasn't offended and did find a shirt. I thought then, and still do, that it is more of a handicap for them not to speak English in Miami than for me not to speak Spanish.
I absolutely love Miami. Such a lively, friendly city with fantastic culture, restaurants, and weather!

Like SoWal with a really big shopping mall.