Quote:
Originally posted by Lord Starshadow:
It really is a shame that many Americans are against learning a new language. Languages are beautiful, and very helpful when traveling abroad. But many Americans seem to think that everyone in the world should speak English and use that as their reason to not learn. It's a terrible attitude that needs to change, and I think it helps fuel the perception that other countries have of Americans, that Americans feel that they are "above" all other countries.
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I honestly don't think it is that Americans are
against learning another language per se - there are lots of kids who learn how to use a computer and other things of that nature. I think it is laziness. But the educational system in our country is best suited for another thread.
No, we don't have an official language, and Congress has been trying to get a law passed to have one. For some reason, it is a real sticky point. Having an official language does not preclude one from using other languages as the need arises, and looking back - I really wish I learned Spanish instead of French in school. Now that I live in TX, it would have been good to know.
People make more money if they are bilingual or even polyglots. I have a couple of friends whose father was in the State Department. If you get certified to be a translator, the money is very good.
Most corporations, governments and businesses love to have someone who speaks more than one language. It makes for good relations and opens up opportunities.
Having said that and gone way off topic, having a national language would be a good idea. But I would love to see more kids really learn more languages to give them more opportunities.