Never, if for the mere fact that it makes you tolerable. Ok, I lied, it doesn't.
This Makes Me Happy, Part 2
- Thread starter Scat
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Never, if for the mere fact that it makes you tolerable. Ok, I lied, it doesn't.
Living in a country and immersing yourself in the language is entirely different than taking two semesters of the language in school. I took Spanish for 5 years and couldn't say more than just a few phrases, which were probably incorrect and with a very bad accent. After 1 year on my mission, I could conceivably pass for a native speaker (and did with more than one person while talking on the phone).
But if all you did was hang out with other Americans, patronize only English speaking establishments and otherwise ignore the culture of the country you were in you wouldn't need to learn Spanish. That's exactly what many of the Mexican immigrants do. They have such a strong support system in the US, including the US government and US businesses dying for their pes, er, dollars that they have no need to learn even a speck of English.
Maybe. The difference of the language is so stunning that I'm not sure if I could, but I'm sure there is a mechanism that would allow you to in time.
That being said, according to this article the guy could speak some English, maybe even a fair amount of it. But since he was speaking in front of a fairly significant governmental body (I've never spoken to my state Senate) he felt more comfortable speaking in Spanish as he felt he could convey his thoughts better. He brought his own translator, so I really don't see the big issue there.
Both Marcus and Nate bring up good points here:
In my experience, most Hispanics that I've come across know more English than they want you to think. I've even known some who I would consider almost fluent but didn't like to use it because he liked to lean on the excuse of not being able to speak it. He felt he could get away with more crap that way.
There's no doubt that I would have felt more comfortable speaking English a lot of the time on my mission. But that wouldn't have helped my cause. My point was that this guy using a translator didn't help him, IMO.
In my experience, most Hispanics that I've come across know more English than they want you to think. I've even known some who I would consider almost fluent but didn't like to use it because he liked to lean on the excuse of not being able to speak it. He felt he could get away with more crap that way.
There's no doubt that I would have felt more comfortable speaking English a lot of the time on my mission. But that wouldn't have helped my cause. My point was that this guy using a translator didn't help him, IMO.
trigg3r
Well-Known Member
I agree with the Senator. You have lived in the US for 23 years. It is time to be a big boy and speak the language that the majority speaks. If I were in a place like Mexico for 23 years I would be fluent in Spanish. I would also address any Mexican government official with Spanish.
NAOS
Well-Known Member
That's because the Lord was blessing you. BTW, Marcus likes the Lord, too... mainly because he gave this country to white Americans.
Marcus, what IS American culture? Where is American culture? How do you participate in it if you are relatively cash starved?
Once again, Marcus proving himself to be a complete and utter tard. I'm glad you've found a modicum of comfort after not pushing your mind very hard... such luck shouldn't be taken for granted (thus your Love for the Lord).
//edited by moderator for inappropriate sexual reference//
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NAOS
Well-Known Member
i'm ok with that. I'm damn good at what I do, btw, but it does scare the faint of heart.
take care,
NAOS
D
Deleted member 365
Guest
I for one hope that Americans keep being arrogant.
My kids are going to learn at least English and Spanish. How much more valuable would you be to the work force if you spoke Chinese fluently? How many more options could you have if you spoke Spanish or Portuguese fluently today?
My kids are going to learn at least English and Spanish. How much more valuable would you be to the work force if you spoke Chinese fluently? How many more options could you have if you spoke Spanish or Portuguese fluently today?
Indoctrination?