lainiefig
Cathlete
Wow, what an interesting thread. I am torn on this issue. I think it's probably in the best interest of those working in the U.S. to speak English, but I recognize this is not something people can learn overnight or anything. I also agree with those who said if you're working in a customer service position you obviously need to speak the language.
My view is also affected by the fact that I lived in the Netherlands for two years. We did take Dutch lessons before we went, but we had the advantage of lessons paid for by my husband's company since they were sending him. When we lived there, I did attempt to speak Dutch quite a bit, but the Dutch would almost always immediately respond in English, since their English was much better than my Dutch (except for one random time when I ended up in a Spanish conversation with and who I lied to and told him I was Mexican--long story). Anyway, that time in a land where, though most people actually at least spoke my language as well, day to day I walked around mainly hearing people speaking in another language I didn't know well. I also embarrassed myself a lot when I tried to speak their language--not that I was really terrible at it but I'm just shy trying something like that. I remember thinking that when I got back to the U.S. I would like to help teach English as a second language, as a volunteer and not necessarily as a job. Of course, I've been back 18 months and haven't done it yet.
This thread is a good reminder to look into that.
[font face="comic sans ms" font color=green]***Lainie***
fitness blog: http://fitnessfig.blogspot.com
http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif
"If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Her your plans."[/font]
My view is also affected by the fact that I lived in the Netherlands for two years. We did take Dutch lessons before we went, but we had the advantage of lessons paid for by my husband's company since they were sending him. When we lived there, I did attempt to speak Dutch quite a bit, but the Dutch would almost always immediately respond in English, since their English was much better than my Dutch (except for one random time when I ended up in a Spanish conversation with and who I lied to and told him I was Mexican--long story). Anyway, that time in a land where, though most people actually at least spoke my language as well, day to day I walked around mainly hearing people speaking in another language I didn't know well. I also embarrassed myself a lot when I tried to speak their language--not that I was really terrible at it but I'm just shy trying something like that. I remember thinking that when I got back to the U.S. I would like to help teach English as a second language, as a volunteer and not necessarily as a job. Of course, I've been back 18 months and haven't done it yet.
This thread is a good reminder to look into that.[font face="comic sans ms" font color=green]***Lainie***
fitness blog: http://fitnessfig.blogspot.com
http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif
"If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Her your plans."[/font]
