English (the language)
Yesterday, at work, I had a realization.
English is harder than... nuts... to learn! I never really understood why until I spoke with one of my (Mexican) co-workers. Basically, he said that when you write a word like 'water,' it doesn't sound the same as you say it. However, in Spanish, you would say water the same way as you spell it, agua. Also, when the word needs to be changed/said differently, an accent mark is added. We don't do that in English.
I think this is important to remember because a person who is learning English needs to memorize words like this and their pronunciation. I have grown close to my Mexican co-workers and we help each other with our native languages.
But this kind of got me thinking...
Why should they have to learn our language, but we don't have to learn theirs. I'm talking about when people say "This is America, speak English!" I mean, English isn't our official language... I think that we (English speakers) should have to make an attempt to learn another language. It's only fair, right?
Yeah, that's it.
I understand the US's noble intentions in making America a nation for everyone, but face it, English is the unofficial official language. It's OK in subcultures and microcosms to use a different language, and freedom of media should allow media in any language. Also, packaging should come in multiple languages. I want to know, though, why French is put on American products. I'm aware of the Quebec scenario, but seriously, there aren't many Francophones in America.
ReplyDeleteWhy shouldn't we learn someone else's language? Because it's not as effective to use as English in America. If there were a Spanish majority it might start to be more included, but for now it is optional. That's all I can say.