Is it acceptable for people to live in Britain but not speak English?

[Northern Monkey]

Millions of pounds are spent every year in Britain on translation services and interpreters.
The NHS alone spends £64,000 per day on interpreters.
When people go to live abroad in Spain for example all that paperwork is in Spanish.
So why is Britain spending all this money on this?
This money would be much better spent on teaching foreigners how to speak and read English helping them in the process.
All these translation services are doing is just leaving non English speaking foreigners stuck without being able to read,speak or understand the people in the country they live in with no motivation or need to learn English.
This is a counterproductive waste of tax payers money and will not end while we as a country pander to it.
So i say we'd be far better off spending the money on education which will help everybody.

[Withano]

Yes

[Marsh.]

I'd say it's perfectly acceptable.

But then reading your post I also agree in the education side of things to help them.

[Withano]

I'd also like to think that I can move to any country in the world without learning the language if I choose to do so (I have already done this twice). Perhaps that makes me biased but I'd hate to think that somebody may be deprived of the same thing.

[Jack_]

Yes. As a great meme I once saw summed it up:

'So foreigners need to learn English or face deportation, whilst Aunty Barbara is living in Spain saying bonjour to to the shop keeper'

[RichardG]

yeah i guess but i don't understand how people can bare to live somewhere when they can't communicate with the people around them. like, i really want to live in asia but the language barrier would irritate me too much. :sad:

[Marsh.]

Yes. As a great meme I once saw summed it up:

'So foreigners need to learn English or face deportation, whilst Aunty Barbara is living in Spain saying bonjour to to the shop keeper'

:joker:

[Brillopad]

Millions of pounds are spent every year in Britain on translation services and interpreters.
The NHS alone spends £64,000 per day on interpreters.
When people go to live abroad in Spain for example all that paperwork is in Spanish.
So why is Britain spending all this money on this?
This money would be much better spent on teaching foreigners how to speak and read English helping them in the process.
All these translation services are doing is just leaving non English speaking foreigners stuck without being able to read,speak or understand the people in the country they live in with no motivation or need to learn English.
This is a counterproductive waste of tax payers money and will not end while we as a country pander to it.
So i say we'd be far better off spending the money on education which will help everybody.

I agree. I don't understand why people are even allowed in if they don't speak basic English. How are they supposed to get a job if they can't speak English - are we supposed to support them for ever.

I wouldn't go to live in a country without learning the basics first, it is just common sense. These people often then become a long-term burden on the NHS, benefits system etc.

As part of my job I have had to arrange interpreters for people and there is often a sense of entitlement from them, certainly no appreciation. It is taken for granted by many.

[Brillopad]

Yes

You pay then, why should the rest of us.

[Withano]

You pay then, why should the rest of us.

Benefits are there for those who need it. That wont change any time soon, get used to it.
I dont know why you automatically assumed that those who cant speak the language wont have jobs.. There are several jobs that dont require communication.

[_Tom_]

No, not really - unless they were learning the language at the same time. How are they expected to work, integrate, engage with people etc? It only leads to segregated communities. I'd learn the language if I moved abroad. It's vital - doing otherwise leaves you isolated.

[Brillopad]

Benefits are there for those who need it. That wont change any time soon, get used to it.
I dont know why you automatically assumed that those who cant speak the language wont have jobs.. There are several jobs that dont require communication.

For those that genuinely need it - not those looking for a free ride. It is changing all the time with negative effects on those that genuinely need it due to the added burden on the system of the freeloaders.

[Withano]

For those that genuinely need it - not those looking for a free ride. It is changing all the time with negative effects on those that genuinely need it due to the added burden on the system of the freeloaders.

Bit irrelevant. This is about whether people need to learn the language to live in the country. Youve presumed every person who doesnt know the language doesnt work for a living. And this is incorrect...

[Cherie]

Yes. As a great meme I once saw summed it up:

'So foreigners need to learn English or face deportation, whilst Aunty Barbara is living in Spain saying bonjour to to the shop keeper'

The difference is if Aunty Barbara needs to visit her Spanish GP and she wants to understand what her diagnosis is, she has to pay for an interpreter, same with any hospital visits. If people don't want to learn the language of the country they live in, that's fine by me I don't see why the taxpayer should pick up interpreter costs though.

[DemolitionRed]

At last the Prime Minister has insisted that foreigners must learn English properly, if they want to be allowed to stay. This is only fair, because when the British move abroad we make sure we’re fluent in the local dialect within a fortnight.

Wander through the Costa Del Sol and there’s no way of telling who’s Spanish and who’s from east London, so integrated have we become, with characters such as Nobby “Flamenco” Wilson, who within seven years learned to say “adios” in a Dagenham accent, causing his mates to shout “blimey, hark at Picasso”, while watching West Ham vs Watford in a pub by the beach in Marbella.

Despite us going to all that trouble, when the Spanish come over here they speak English with a slight Spanish accent. Is it any wonder we get fed up of Europe when they mug us off like that?

One complaint about immigrants who don’t speak perfect English is they can’t work here, as they won’t be understood. This compares to the English who move to France, who have all mastered French so perfectly from a year of GCSE French, they can work anywhere they like, understanding even the finest details.

For example, if they were in a call centre, and a frustrated French businessman rang to report his internet connection was down, the average Englishman living in France would have no problem replying “the cat is in the garden”.

If they worked in a hospital and someone came through the door screaming their appendix had burst, a plucky Englishman would be able to helpfully inform the patient “J’aime le football, mais je n’aime pas le tennis”.

So we should go further with these plans to deport people who can’t be bothered to learn the language: anyone wanting to move to Liverpool should have to do a course to learn grabbing someone in a headlock and saying “you’ve gorra have a laugh mate”, or they’re not allowed in.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/immigrants-with-no-second-language-that-s-true-britishness-a6826161.html

[Brillopad]

Bit irrelevant. This is about whether people need to learn the language to live in the country. Youve presumed every person who doesnt know the language doesnt work for a living. And this is incorrect.

How does anyone who cannot speak the language, and therefore communicate effectively, get a job, pay their bills etc unless they are relying on some kind of translation/support service, probably paid for by the taxpayer. Amounts to the same thing - us footing the bill. Is it any wonder there is so much bad feeling about immigration.

People should be required to speak the basics, accept maybe in exceptional circumstances. Then they should be required to pay towards the cost of language classes, interpreters etc.

[Withano]

The difference is if Aunty Barbara needs to visit her Soanish GP and she wants to understand what her diagnosis is, she has to pay for an interpreter, same with any hospital visits. If people don't want to learn the language of the country they live in, that's fine by me I don't see why the taxpayer should pick up interpreter costs though.

That seems like more of a Spanish issue which the UK has resolved to me.

[Cherie]

That seems like more of a Spanish issue which the UK has resolved to me.

no it's common sense not to pick up the tab for every Brit who wants to move to the sun, unemployment in Spain is 25 per cent, their system would buckle if they had to pay for every Tom, Dick and Harry...oh wait just like the NHS ....

[DemolitionRed]

They do have to pay towards the cost of language classes unless they are claiming unemployment benefit. If they are claiming UB they are obligated to attend English class where their progress is closely monitored. If they don't attend they get penalized.
This is exactly the same in France and Spain

[Cherie]

They do have to pay towards the cost of language classes unless they are claiming unemployment benefit. If they are claiming UB they are obligated to attend English class where their progress is closely monitored. If they don't attend they get penalized.
This is exactly the same in France and Spain

There is no unemployment benefit in Spain, unless you have paid into the system for a year.....

In order to be eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Spain, a person must have been employed and paid contributions into the social security system. The amount of benefit received by unemployed workers varies depending on how long they were employed. ... Unemployment benefits are known as "el paro".

[Withano]

How does anyone who cannot speak the language, and therefore communicate effectively, get a job, pay their bills etc unless they are relying on some kind of translation/support service, probably paid for by the taxpayer. Amounts to the same thing - us footing the bill. Is it any wonder there is so much bad feeling about immigration.

People should be required to speak the basics, accept maybe in exceptional circumstances. Then they should be required to pay towards the cost of language classes, interpreters etc.

Why would translating a letter or a bill into a different language cos anybody any money? Effective communication just isnt required in some jobs so thats not an issue either...
And I disagree, if you wanted to work in Greece tomorrow for a job that doesnt require an extensive comprehension of the Greek language, then go for it. Language classes would be optional for you too.

[Withano]

no it's common sense not to pick up the tab for every Brit who wants to move to the sun, unemployment in Spain is 25 per cent, their system would buckle if they had to pay for every Tom, Dick and Harry...oh wait just like the NHS ....

I would say an inclusive and progressive, forward thinking attitude is closer to common sense than denying a person their diagnosis because they dont understand the language is, myself. :hee:

[Jordan.]

No I think it's really rude, especially if they can't even be bother to learn the basic language. Same goes for Brits who live abroad.

[Northern Monkey]

The difference is if Aunty Barbara needs to visit her Spanish GP and she wants to understand what her diagnosis is, she has to pay for an interpreter, same with any hospital visits. If people don't want to learn the language of the country they live in, that's fine by me I don't see why the taxpayer should pick up interpreter costs though.

Yeah i agree.The tax payer shouldn't be paying for this.If people want to come here then they should learn the language first or fund their own interpreters.
Apart from refugees obviously.
This money should be spent on teaching these people English or it will never end.

[Firewire]

I think so

If I moved abroad I wouldn't be able to speak the language

[Jessica.]

I live in Portugal and I'm not fluent in Portuguese yet, I have put endless hours into learning, but I haven't really got a gift for languages, so I'm improving constantly but it's slow.

Health care isn't free for me here and I just filled out some paperwork last week but most of the paperwork is in both English and Portuguese, I have never been provided an interpreter or anything like that, even at the hospital.

Maybe the NHS could use Google translate or something like that for less severe things? :shrug:

[y.winter]

In my eyes, it's a basic thing to learn the local language. Especially English...

[DemolitionRed]

There is no unemployment benefit in Spain, unless you have paid into the system for a year.....

In order to be eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Spain, a person must have been employed and paid contributions into the social security system. The amount of benefit received by unemployed workers varies depending on how long they were employed. ... Unemployment benefits are known as "el paro".

Regardless of the time scale, they have to take language classes if they don't speak Spanish and want to claim the equivalent of job seekers allowance.

[Cherie]

I live in Portugal and I'm not fluent in Portuguese yet, I have put endless hours into learning, but I haven't really got a gift for languages, so I'm improving constantly but it's slow.

Health care isn't free for me here and I just filled out some paperwork last week but most of the paperwork is in both English and Portuguese, I have never been provided an interpreter or anything like that, even at the hospital.

Maybe the NHS could use Google translate or something like that for less severe things? :shrug:

I've attended the equivalent of a and e in Spain and the doctor translated on his phone into English as my Spanish didn't stretch to the medical diagnosis, it worked fine

[Cherie]

Regardless of the time scale, they have to take language classes if they don't speak Spanish and want to claim the equivalent of job seekers allowance.

I have never heard of this :think:

[Cal.]

I'd learn the language if I moved abroad so people should here.

[Brillopad]

Why would translating a letter or a bill into a different language cos anybody any money? Effective communication just isnt required in some jobs so thats not an issue either...
And I disagree, if you wanted to work in Greece tomorrow for a job that doesnt require an extensive comprehension of the Greek language, then go for it. Language classes would be optional for you too.

I wouldn't be going to Greece or anywhere else to take from a system I had never paid into to the detriment of the locals. I don't expect something for nothing and have no time for those that do.

We have limited resources and cannot support those that can't support themselves whether that be benefits, health care, housing, education etc. Practically or Morally there really is no such thing as 'for free'. Britain and the British taxpayer are not a charity or a bank to be milked by the rest of the world.

For every interpreter paid for someone else is likely to be refused certain treatments or have a procedure cancelled - when will people get it, there is not enough money in the pot and everyone suffers when money is wasted on non-essential services such as interpreters.

[Withano]

I wouldn't be going to Greece or anywhere else to take from a system I had never paid into to the detriment of the locals. I don't expect something for nothing and have no time for those that do.

We have limited resources and cannot support those that can't support themselves whether that be benefits, health care, housing, education etc. Practically or Morally there really is no such thing as 'for free'. Britain and the British taxpayer are not a charity or a bank to be milked by the rest of the world.

For every interpreter paid for someone else is likely to be refused certain treatments or have a procedure cancelled - when will people get it, there is not enough money in the pot and everyone suffers when money is wasted on non-essential services such as interpreters.

Youve kind of got an 'I should be the priority because I've lived here longer' attitude, and I think thats where and why we disagree. Equal rights for all UK citizens imo. There isnt a heriachy with fluent speaking natives at the top, and I'd like to hope that nobody here is suggesting that there should be.

[DemolitionRed]

I live in Portugal and I'm not fluent in Portuguese yet, I have put endless hours into learning, but I haven't really got a gift for languages, so I'm improving constantly but it's slow.

Health care isn't free for me here and I just filled out some paperwork last week but most of the paperwork is in both English and Portuguese, I have never been provided an interpreter or anything like that, even at the hospital.

Maybe the NHS could use Google translate or something like that for less severe things? :shrug:

Hi Jess,

You’re absolutely right. Some people learn a language easily whilst others find it very difficult. I tried to learn Portuguese btw and just gave up because I found it too difficult. I'm fluent in two languages and speak quite a bit of a third language but Portuguese proved to be really tough.

One of the things that is really noticeable in France is, so few English residents speak enough French to do anything more than buy a baguette in the local patisserie.

[iloveaisleyne]

I'd learn the language if I moved abroad so people should here.

^

[DemolitionRed]

I'd learn the language if I moved abroad so people should here.

Lets hope you find it really easy then.

[Brillopad]

Youve kind of got an 'I should be the priority because I've lived here longer' attitude, and I think thats where and why we disagree. Equal rights for all UK citizens imo.

I do believe those that have paid in should get priority over those that haven't. What is wrong with that?

Otherwise the system is totally flawed and will continue to encourage those that haven't paid in to take whilst giving nothing back and lead to the eventual collapse of the NHS. Then everyone will either have to take out private insurance to go without. No more freebies for anyone.

[Withano]

I do believe those that have paid in should get priority over those that haven't. What is wrong with that?

Otherwise the system is totally flawed and will continue to encourage those that haven't paid in to take whilst giving nothing back and lead to the eventual collapse of the NHS. Then everyone will either have to take out private insurance to go without. No more freebies for anyone.

So the homeless would be ****ed then. Good job youre not running the country.

[Jessica.]

Hi Jess,

You’re absolutely right. Some people learn a language easily whilst others find it very difficult. I tried to learn Portuguese btw and just gave up because I found it too difficult. I'm fluent in two languages and speak quite a bit of a third language but Portuguese proved to be really tough.

One of the things that is really noticeable in France is, so few English residents speak enough French to do anything more than buy a baguette in the local patisserie.

Yeah, it's just harder for some people, I think. I do believe everyone should make an effort to learn the language of whatever country they are in but it's tough to just expect people to be conversational when it's not that simple.

I love Portuguese and I learn new words and grammar rules every day and to be denied health care even though I make this effort would really crush me.

Speaking of bakeries, the man who works at my local one always hears the wrong number of pieces if bread that I want and he gets extremely focused when I walk in so he doesn't give me fourteen instead of four again. :joker:

[Brillopad]

Hi Jess,

You’re absolutely right. Some people learn a language easily whilst others find it very difficult. I tried to learn Portuguese btw and just gave up because I found it too difficult. I'm fluent in two languages and speak quite a bit of a third language but Portuguese proved to be really tough.

One of the things that is really noticeable in France is, so few English residents speak enough French to do anything more than buy a baguette in the local patisserie.

Don't really see the connection if they pay their way. If so the language issue is not such a problem for the French if the Brits aren't' expecting the French to pay for an interpreter. It comes down to money at the end of the day because there isn't enough of it.

[Brillopad]

So the homeless would be ****ed then. Good job youre not running the country.

If they were born here they would be entitled. Those coming here to take advantage of our NHS and benefits system would not be.

You seem to have a money grows on trees mentally and somehow everything will be ok way of thinking. A reality check would be good.

[Withano]

If they were born here they would be entitled. Those coming here to take advantage of our NHS and benefits system would not be.

You seem to have a money grows on trees mentally and somehow everything will be ok way of thing. A reality check would be good.

Oh right.. So it really was anout nationality all along... Is this one of those 'its not racism, its patriotism' moments.

[Cherie]

Yeah, it's just harder for some people, I think. I do believe everyone should make an effort to learn the language of whatever country they are in but it's tough to just expect people to be conversational when it's not that simple.

I love Portuguese and I learn new words and grammar rules every day and to be denied health care even though I make this effort would really crush me.

Speaking of bakeries, the man who works at my local one always hears the wrong number of pieces if bread that I want and he gets extremely focused when I walk in so he doesn't give me fourteen instead of four again. :joker:


You are not denied health care you just have to pay for it just like you would if you lived in Ireland, 50 Euros for a visit to the GP in Ireland isn't it, more now probably? And if you need an interpreter either take a friend fluent in the language or pay for one, it seems fair to me

[Brillopad]

Oh right.. So it really was anout nationality all along... Is this one of those 'its not racism, its patriotism' moments.

Are all people born here the same colour - so no it isn't. It's about resources, fairness and people trying to get something for nothing not being rewarded for that.

[Cherie]

Hi Jess,

You’re absolutely right. Some people learn a language easily whilst others find it very difficult. I tried to learn Portuguese btw and just gave up because I found it too difficult. I'm fluent in two languages and speak quite a bit of a third language but Portuguese proved to be really tough.

One of the things that is really noticeable in France is, so few English residents speak enough French to do anything more than buy a baguette in the local patisserie.

I think the difference with countries like France and Spain is that they don't bend over backwards for people who want to emigrate there, they can come but they don't get extra special treatment, that's why UK, UK is so appealing for some

[Tom4784]

I wouldn't move to a foreign country if I couldn't speak the language but I wouldn't demand it of others.

[Brillopad]

So the homeless would be ****ed then. Good job youre not running the country.

Good job your'e not as we probably would not have an NHS now. I hope you can afford private insurance.

[Withano]

Good job your'e not as we probably would not have an NHS now. I hope you can afford private insurance.

I dont understand your conclusion, I have made no suggestions for any changes to the health system and we currently have an NHS.. Seems like you put one and one together and got 27.

[Kizzy]

Nice to see the anti globalisation weed growing and bearing fruit....

If language is a barrier to an adequate diagnosis and a possible medical negligence claim then it makes perfect sense to remove it.

How was the NHS functioning and in many areas self funding until recently? It's not the cost of interpreters, it's the fact the profit generating areas have been sold off.

[waterhog]

Millions of pounds are spent every year in Britain on translation services and interpreters.
The NHS alone spends £64,000 per day on interpreters.
When people go to live abroad in Spain for example all that paperwork is in Spanish.
So why is Britain spending all this money on this?
This money would be much better spent on teaching foreigners how to speak and read English helping them in the process.
All these translation services are doing is just leaving non English speaking foreigners stuck without being able to read,speak or understand the people in the country they live in with no motivation or need to learn English.
This is a counterproductive waste of tax payers money and will not end while we as a country pander to it.
So i say we'd be far better off spending the money on education which will help everybody.


I am not sure if I understand the question ? where is my poetry translator :joker:

[arista]

I live in Portugal and I'm not fluent in Portuguese yet, I have put endless hours into learning, but I haven't really got a gift for languages, so I'm improving constantly but it's slow.

Health care isn't free for me here and I just filled out some paperwork last week but most of the paperwork is in both English and Portuguese, I have never been provided an interpreter or anything like that, even at the hospital.

Maybe the NHS could use Google translate or something like that for less severe things? :shrug:

Shame On YOU

[Brillopad]

I dont understand your conclusion, I have made no suggestions for any changes to the health system and we currently have an NHS.. Seems like you put one and one together and got 27.

Interpreters are expensive, you support people coming here and getting free access to this service and other NHS services and you believe whoever wants to come here and take from the pot for free should be able to.

This will speed up the end of the NHS - or do you believe that is just scaremongering. As I said we will all have to pay for private insurance soon if we continue to give to those that haven't paid in.

[arista]

Is it acceptable for people to live in Britain but not speak English?


No . not anymore NM

Law and Order

[Jessica.]

Shame On YOU
Why should I be ashamed? I don't claim benefits or burden anyone, I try very hard to learn, it's not really my fault that I'm not picking it up quickly.

[arista]

Why should I be ashamed? I don't claim benefits or burden anyone, I try very hard to learn, it's not really my fault that I'm not picking it up quickly.


You are slacking

[Jessica.]

You are slacking
:nono: I am not, I even studied today, on a Sunday!

[Withano]

Interpreters are expensive, you support people coming here and getting free access to this service and other NHS services and you believe whoever wants to come here and take from the pot for free should be able to.

This will speed up the end of the NHS - or do you believe that is just scaremongering. As I said we will all have to pay for private insurance soon if we continue to give to those that haven't paid in.

Ive said nothing about immigration levels.. All UK citizens are entitled to NHS regardless of their nationality, wealth, language comprehension and taxable income. Ie. Exactly whats happening right now. Sorry that you think there needs to be changes, maybe you just need to support our British way of life or leave the country.

[arista]

:nono: I am not, I even studied today, on a Sunday!




That's good then.

[Withano]

Should British soldiers learn arabic?

[Brillopad]

Ive said nothing about immigration levels.. All UK citizens are entitled to NHS regardless of their nationality, wealth, language comprehension and taxable income. Ie. Exactly whats happening right now. Sorry that you think there needs to be changes, maybe you just need to support our British way of life or leave the country.

Those with language comprehension should have to pay for the use of an interpreter. They should not expect it. Many taxpayers do not agree with this being provided free of charge.

Maybe those that support this uneccessary expense could sign on to pay a higher tax rate to pay on their behalf - therefore putting their money where their mouths are. Seems fair to me.

[Jessica.]

Should British soldiers learn arabic?
:clap1:

[Brillopad]

Should British soldiers learn arabic?

If it means keeping them in the classroom and keeping them away from the front line risking their lives for those that don't appreciate the risk they take - then yes.

[Withano]

If it means keeping them in the classroom and keeping them away from the front line risking their lives for those that don't appreciate the risk they take - then yes.

Well at least youre consistent.
Although, I think its relatively safe to disregard all of your other posts in this thread if you think this is a good idea.

[arista]

Should British soldiers learn arabic?


a few do

[Brillopad]

Well at least youre consistent.
Although, I think its relatively safe to disregard all of your other posts in this thread if you think this is a good idea.

You clearly have no respect for those that risk their lives for the rest of us. Disregard away, clearly our belief systems are poles apart.

Btw have you given any thought to putting your money where your mouth is. If so, maybe our NHS can survive a little longer.

[Withano]

a few do

Should all be forced before they work there?

[Withano]

You clearly have no respect for those that risk their lives for the rest of us.

I think you need to read posts a few times before responding to them. This isnt the first time in the thread you made up an argument.

[Brillopad]

I think you need to read posts a few times before responding to them. This isnt the first time in the thread you made up an argument.

Ok what did your comments about British soldiers learning Arabic mean then, because it came across to me as a dig at the soldiers. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Withano]

Ok what did your comments about British soldiers learning Arabic mean then, because it came across to me as a dig at the soldiers. Please correct me if I am wrong.

It was a dig at hypocrites who might think it is vital for people to learn English before coming to England, but would also suggest that it isnt vital for British soldiers to learn Arabic. When in reality they can both fulfill their job without learning the language, so it is unnecessary.

Soldiers was the example I used, it can be stretched out to British holiday reps, journalists, TEFL teachers, dancers and actors too. Language comprehension just isnt needed for some jobs and its ridiculous to claim it is, especially if it only works one way.

[Brillopad]

It was a dig at hypocrites who might think it is vital for people to learn English before coming to England, but would also suggest that it isnt vital for British soldiers to learn Arabic. When in reality they can both fulfill their job without learning the language, so it is unnecessary.

Soldiers was the example I used, it can be stretched out to British holiday reps, journalists, TEFL teachers, dancers and actors too. Language comprehension just isnt needed for some jobs and its ridiculous to claim it is, especially if it only works one way.

Well I do disagree with the first paragraph, but fair enough. Thanks for the explanation.

[Jake.]

Oh right.. So it really was anout nationality all along... Is this one of those 'its not racism, its patriotism' moments.

it was obvious walking into the thread what it was actually going to be about lol

[Brillopad]

it was obvious walking into the thread what it was actually going to be about lol

Perhaps you should read the response to that comment before being so quick to judge.

[Jamie89]

yeah i guess but i don't understand how people can bare to live somewhere when they can't communicate with the people around them. like, i really want to live in asia but the language barrier would irritate me too much. :sad:

Same for me, I was on the bus today and there was a foreign guy trying to ask the bus driver a question but his English was so bad the driver couldn't help him (I couldn't understand what he was asking either), it's just little things like that that must be really difficult day to day (and so of course the big things would be even worse) so I don't think I could do it myself. People make their own choices though and I don't think it should be forced onto anyone.

I actually think there should be a universal language anyway, I don't know exactly how it would come about but if you think about it the only reason we have different languages in the first place is because we weren't able to travel to each others countries. I think one day the idea of different people in the world speaking different languages will seem archaic.

[Withano]

Same for me, I was on the bus today and there was a foreign guy trying to ask the bus driver a question but his English was so bad the driver couldn't help him (I couldn't understand what he was asking either), it's just little things like that that must be really difficult day to day (and so of course the big things would be even worse) so I don't think I could do it myself. People make their own choices though and I don't think it should be forced onto anyone.

I actually think there should be a universal language anyway, I don't know exactly how it would come about but if you think about it the only reason we have different languages in the first place is because we weren't able to travel to each others countries. I think one day the idea of different people in the world speaking different languages will seem archaic.

I think people all over the world should learn Lojban. Although I guess theres not many Lojban teachers about!

[Jamie89]

I think people all over the world should learn Lojban. Although I guess theres not many Lojban teachers about!

I'd never heard of it but it does sound interesting! It's not the catchiest of names but I'm here for it anyway :laugh: :clap1:

[joeysteele]

Absolutely yes, they will if they settle here gradually pick up a fair bit of our language.
I have no problem with that whatsoever.

[user104658]

"Acceptable"? Yes. Although for their own comfort and ease of living, I would suggest that anyone living in any country long-term should be at least trying to learn the language. Not exactly fair to say they should just "be able to speak it". That **** takes time. I had a Greek friend at University and his English was "very basic" at best when he first got here, and was only really becoming conversationally fluent by 3rd year. I have no idea how he was following his lectures :joker:. Though he was an Engineering student so a lot of it is Maths, I guess, and he could always understand more than he could actually speak.

[Livia]

How is anyone going to earn a living if they don't speak the language? I could speak German when I worked in Germany and I learned Italian when I worked in Italy. If you don't speak the language, or at least make an effort, you're going to end up isolated, ghettos form, exclusion ensues.

English courses for speakers of other languages are free to applicants, there's no excuse.

[UserSince2005]

An effort should be made.

I learn Spanish and Portuguese to a basic level when i lived in Brazil and Mexico.

[Mystic Mock]

If you're living in a foreign country then you should be able to speak at least the basics of the language.

[Niamh.]

"Acceptable"? Yes. Although for their own comfort and ease of living, I would suggest that anyone living in any country long-term should be at least trying to learn the language. Not exactly fair to say they should just "be able to speak it". That **** takes time. I had a Greek friend at University and his English was "very basic" at best when he first got here, and was only really becoming conversationally fluent by 3rd year. I have no idea how he was following his lectures :joker:. Though he was an Engineering student so a lot of it is Maths, I guess, and he could always understand more than he could actually speak.

I agree with this. I spend alot of time in Spain and we've met alot of English people who livethere full time, they mainly stick to groups of other English people and most of them only have enough Spanish to get by, they don't seem to have much interest in integrating themselves with the Spanish fully at all. Infact the area I go to, the people there speak Catalan rather than Spanish but the English people only learn Spanish so really aren't actually learning their native tongue at all eventhough they all understand Spanish which is fine if that's how they want to live and work there personally If I were moving there full time I'd rather immerse myself into the Spanish culture

ETA : I'm sure the same is true for Irish living there but I've mostly met English people in our area

[MTVN]

"Acceptable"? Yes. Although for their own comfort and ease of living, I would suggest that anyone living in any country long-term should be at least trying to learn the language. Not exactly fair to say they should just "be able to speak it". That **** takes time. I had a Greek friend at University and his English was "very basic" at best when he first got here, and was only really becoming conversationally fluent by 3rd year. I have no idea how he was following his lectures :joker:. Though he was an Engineering student so a lot of it is Maths, I guess, and he could always understand more than he could actually speak.

Agreed. Obviously its desirable to speak the language but its incredibly difficult to be near fluent or conversational in another language, especially if they're learning late in life and when its a language as complicated as English is

[user104658]

Agreed. Obviously its desirable to speak the language but its incredibly difficult to be near fluent or conversational in another language, especially if they're learning late in life and when its a language as complicated as English is
Yeah, people who speak English as a first language often don't realise that it's a very HARD language to learn as a second language. A strange ancient blend of Latin, Greek and Germanic origins. A thousand ways to say the same thing, grammar "rules" that chop and change and have exceptions without warning. Weird spellings of many words... It must be a total headache :joker:

[Niamh.]

Yeah, people who speak English as a first language often don't realise that it's a very HARD language to learn as a second language. A strange ancient blend of Latin, Greek and Germanic origins. A thousand ways to say the same thing, grammar "rules" that chop and change and have exceptions without warning. Weird spellings of many words... It must be a total headache :joker:

I'm trying to learn Spanish at the moment, what's the story with masculine and feminine words like seriously? Ugh

[user104658]

I'm trying to learn Spanish at the moment, what's the story with masculine and feminine words like seriously? Ugh
Yeah and what if they don't identify as either gender and want to be known as something else :worry:

[RichardG]

Yeah and what if they don't identify as either gender and want to be known as something else :worry:

:joker:

[Niamh.]

Yeah and what if they don't identify as either gender and want to be known as something else :worry:

:laugh:

[user104658]

http://i.imgur.com/c6icRfw.png

[Vicky.]

Of course those coming here (long term) should make an effort to learn English.

Having said that, when I was living in Greece (6 months at a time) I worked very hard to learn Greek despite the huge majority of people there speaking English anyway. So maybe my standards are just higher than everyone elses, or maybe I'm not as antisocial as those who think knowing a countries main language is not important...

[Mystic Mock]

I'm trying to learn Spanish at the moment, what's the story with masculine and feminine words like seriously? Ugh

I'm having that with German at the moment actually.:laugh:

Masculine, feminine, and neutral objects.

[jaxie]

I think acceptable is perhaps the wrong word/question. Of course you can be in any country you don't speak the language of but if you are planning to emigrate/live in a country with a different language then you ought to learn the language so you can communicate. In fact it's rather stupid and insular not to. There are many practical reasons you would need to speak the language like speaking with teachers of your children, banking etc etc. A bank won't speak to someone who isn't you to deal with your account.

[jaxie]

Yeah, people who speak English as a first language often don't realise that it's a very HARD language to learn as a second language. A strange ancient blend of Latin, Greek and Germanic origins. A thousand ways to say the same thing, grammar "rules" that chop and change and have exceptions without warning. Weird spellings of many words... It must be a total headache :joker:

There is a lot of French in it too.