WHAT were they thinking?????

[SteveLaura 0]

Here they are beginning to require that also, Sears, Target etc im sure those that know Spanish will get the jobs first because the cultures of this city have changed so much, again thats not a bad thing but i dont know Spanish and maybe i need that job also. Sears or Targets probably known as the basic american store with english but not any more.

How about drug stores and you need to ask a medical question, the person knows no english, the clerk knows no spanish, then what?? When we have a garage sale here many people come and their children have to do the talking for them, except this one woman one day come to look at a sewing machine but her child said she would like to come back tomorrow and bring her aunt or someone to look at it, they came back the next day and i guess she forget she was talking english that day

It's my responsibility to get training if I want a particular job. That may include learning another language.

Of course it's important to be able to speak the prominent language of any country you live in. I don't think anyone is debating that. But why the need for an 'Official' language? Apart from using up taxpayers money debating such, what would be gained from passing this?

[brnidokiegurl 0]

true im not sure the wording Official will make much difference, i seriously doubt many would go get language training to work a min paid job like target but since this is basically a english speaking area, then let the others go get the training to learn to speak the english, if i was in Mexico im sure i would have to go learn the language to speak there...

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

They were prolly half asleep when they voted, or given a different ballot and had no clue what they were voting for

I like that theory.

[Nessa 23]

®

[SteveLaura 0]

true im not sure the wording Official will make much difference, i seriously doubt many would go get language training to work a min paid job like target but since this is basically a english speaking area, then let the others go get the training to learn to speak the english, if i was in Mexico im sure i would have to go learn the language to speak there...

But it sounds like you're saying that, because of the change in the culture of your area, Spanish speakers are more in demand. That would be true in any country. If I went to a Spanish resort much favoured by Brits, my English skills would put me in demand too. Would that be fair for the locals? No. But, like I said before, the onus is on me to train myself to get the jobs I want.

Edited July 25, 2007 by SteveLaura

[L_n_O 3]

dumb dumb

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Isn't it almost reverse discrimination to dictate what language a person speaks?

Isn't one of this nations proudest tenets it's diversity?

Did the founding fathers specify the right to freedom of speech (but only in English!)?

Just thoughts

I like the way you think , and I agree with you: linguistic diversity does nothing but enrich any community - same goes for any type of diversity.

Also, in my opinion, being monolingual is nothing to be proud of.

Peace, L.

[almaty 19]

I still don't see why making English the 'official language' is particularly important.

have you ever had to work in a mixed situation as in a machine shop etc where following the rules could mean the safety of everyone around you? I worked in a office setting of a shop that made gas compressors, involved welding, pumping air into the units to test....but we also employed alot of mexican workers, they were told to ONLY speak english while on the floor due to safety....

So, the company made a rule for the safety of its employees. Why does government need to get involved? I thought Big Government was a bad thing here...?

Let's say it passed anyway. Exactly how would life in the US be different?

excellent point.

[KarenCee 3]

Well, where I live, most jobs require that you read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I'm qualified for many jobs, but that last requirement bumps me out of the running every time. Maybe that is or isn't relevant. I just thought I'd mention it.

This happens here in the neighbouring town that is one of the bigger employers. Many of the jobs I have been *VERY* qualified for...except for the bi-lingual thing. I don't speak spanish. I was told on one job advertisement that I called about "if only you spoke spanish, you'd get an interview". GAH! How fair is that? *sigh* It sucks being knocked out of well paying job possibilities all because of this one thing...language.

[SteveLaura 0]

Well, where I live, most jobs require that you read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I'm qualified for many jobs, but that last requirement bumps me out of the running every time. Maybe that is or isn't relevant. I just thought I'd mention it.

This happens here in the neighbouring town that is one of the bigger employers. Many of the jobs I have been *VERY* qualified for...except for the bi-lingual thing. I don't speak spanish. I was told on one job advertisement that I called about "if only you spoke spanish, you'd get an interview". GAH! How fair is that? *sigh* It sucks being knocked out of well paying job possibilities all because of this one thing...language.

I read that to suggest that Spanish speakers who don't know English need not apply either. Again, the onus is on me to get the training I need for the jobs I want.

[trueimage 0]

Well, where I live, most jobs require that you read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I'm qualified for many jobs, but that last requirement bumps me out of the running every time. Maybe that is or isn't relevant. I just thought I'd mention it.

This happens here in the neighbouring town that is one of the bigger employers. Many of the jobs I have been *VERY* qualified for...except for the bi-lingual thing. I don't speak spanish. I was told on one job advertisement that I called about "if only you spoke spanish, you'd get an interview". GAH! How fair is that? *sigh* It sucks being knocked out of well paying job possibilities all because of this one thing...language.

Exactly. At this point, my SO will be more likely to get a better job than me and I'm the one with the qualifications...well, except for the Spanish one. They would rather hire someone that is bilingual and not qualified than someone who is not bilingual and well qualified. Well, that's the way it goes.

[SteveLaura 0]

Well, where I live, most jobs require that you read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I'm qualified for many jobs, but that last requirement bumps me out of the running every time. Maybe that is or isn't relevant. I just thought I'd mention it.

This happens here in the neighbouring town that is one of the bigger employers. Many of the jobs I have been *VERY* qualified for...except for the bi-lingual thing. I don't speak spanish. I was told on one job advertisement that I called about "if only you spoke spanish, you'd get an interview". GAH! How fair is that? *sigh* It sucks being knocked out of well paying job possibilities all because of this one thing...language.

Exactly. At this point, my SO will be more likely to get a better job than me and I'm the one with the qualifications...well, except for the Spanish one. They would rather hire someone that is bilingual and not qualified than someone who is not bilingual and well qualified. Well, that's the way it goes.

Well, it depends on what jobs we're talking about, but if some of the skills are deemed essential and others desired or preferred, then being bi-lingual is gonna be an advantage, obviously. You can be expected to pick up some skills as you go, but picking up a new language at work is beyond most people without studying. So, if that's the job you want, learn Spanish. That's the way it goes, I agree.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Well, where I live, most jobs require that you read, write, and speak Spanish fluently. I'm qualified for many jobs, but that last requirement bumps me out of the running every time. Maybe that is or isn't relevant. I just thought I'd mention it.

This happens here in the neighbouring town that is one of the bigger employers. Many of the jobs I have been *VERY* qualified for...except for the bi-lingual thing. I don't speak spanish. I was told on one job advertisement that I called about "if only you spoke spanish, you'd get an interview". GAH! How fair is that? *sigh* It sucks being knocked out of well paying job possibilities all because of this one thing...language.

Exactly. At this point, my SO will be more likely to get a better job than me and I'm the one with the qualifications...well, except for the Spanish one. They would rather hire someone that is bilingual and not qualified than someone who is not bilingual and well qualified. Well, that's the way it goes.

If being bilingual (in whichever language) is a required qualification for a job, what's the problem with a bilingual applicant obtaining the position? As long of course as they have the other qualifications: degree and experience wise.

Like I said before, being monolingual is nothing to be too excited about in today's workplace- learning another language (the one you think or know will help you in your profession) is becoming more and more a requirement. Nothing as exciting as professional development, but that's just me.

Peace, L.

[trueimage 0]

The point is, because there is no ófficial language' or language requirements, LR are more likely to gain employment in some places than USC's. I'm notstating my opinion either way. I'm only stating that's how it is here. I only wonder why WE should change to accommodate them and they not have to change to accommodate their new residence. You have to be bilingual to work at a convenience store or even Wal-mart here. You can't learn a new language and be 'fluent'' in it overnight.

[SteveLaura 0]

If Spanish speakers come to this country, they will need to accommodate themselves to their new residence by learning English.

If you live in an area where Spanish becomes essential to get the job you want, you can either learn it or move.

Making English the 'Official' language won't change either of these.

Edited July 25, 2007 by SteveLaura