If someone moves to a new country, do you think they should learn the language?

Unknown Brain 1594

one of the most important step is learn the language

Allison Santi-Nichols 1316

Learning their language will help you adjust to their culture and embrace your new home. Not doing so would only cause more trouble for yourself.

Milija Milanovic 1461

Definitely. But only if one plans to live there for longer than one year. If it is only temporary, there is no need to learn it - of course, do not leave the country without learning at least some of its language, but it is not a necessity.

Bal Krishan Nautiyal 1260

yes

Robin Cocozza New Brain

I think whatever country you are in, the main language should be learned, used and spoken!

David Souza 2399

There is no question about it. No pun intended.... maybe a little.
It should be a statement rather than a question.

Evelen Hough 1911

Yes. Even in countries like the USA where it is not a legal obligation, learning the country's primary language is both a courtesy to the country and a safety mechanism for the immigrant (e.g. when someone needs and ambulance, they need to be able to explain to the EMS worker what's wrong with them or a loved one). It is extremely rude when people (from/to any country) move to a new country, expect its benefits, and put on a 'higher than thou' attitude in refusing to learn the language. This is a general comment on my view of language in all countries.

As for the whole English vs. Spanish debate, I think it is very unfair to immigrants from other nations (as part of my family was) as they then have to navigate between two unknown languages. I understand the whole 'vast majority of immigrants speak Spanish...' argument, but when the Irish came over in massive waves, the language didn't change either. Dominant immigrant groups change over time. It is important to have a single unifying language that allows everyone to communicate. Moving to a new country implies change. If one takes that step they should be willing to take on that change. It doesn't mean loosing one's culture, on the contrary, by having a single unified national culture makes it easier for each immigrant group to maintain their culture both at home and through X Country Pride days (by not making it a political issue, those celebrations can remain a fun statement of heritage and not a rally with protesters). Also, taking my personal heritage as an example, I am currently learning a language relevant to my heritage which I would not have had time to do if it was mandatory to learn Spanish (which is not a part of my heritage). If someone wants to learn Spanish they should have as much freedom to do so, and celebrate their culture, as everyone else. By the same token, every other culture should be equally free to learn/keep the language of their heritage without having to learn a heritage that is not a part of their background (unless motivated to do so by interest alone). That is what America is, and always was, all about.

Sonja Taha 1236

Absolutely!! I know from personal experience. Moving to a country where is English is perhaps the third language like Israel, proves to be as well. And it is brutal when no one wants to take the time to teach you. Everything was so hard to adjust to. Even going to the grocery store proved to be a disaster because nothing was in English. I had to guess most of the time or use the picture on the label, hoping it was close to what I needed.

Over-time I started to learn Arabic and Hebrew on my own. I had to...Make life easier and try to learn the basics at least and as time goes by, you'll notice it does get easier.. Rosetta Stone is very expensive, but worth the price, as it is the best language tool on the market today..

Evangelyn Phoon Jiang Ning 1260

sure.If you want to live there,you probably need to learn the language cause If you don't learn you be in a trouble.

Sandra Woods New Brain

yes