Just curious, were you born in a European country where being multi-lingual is a necessity? I ask because you mentioned the romance languages. Having traveled abroad, I know the advantages of being multi-lingual and the disadvantages of speaking only English.

As for myself, my grandfather spoke Polish and most of my mother’s family spoke French. My generation (including all the cousins) never became fluent in French or any other language. In my own case, it was a requirement to take a language if you were college bound. I took French two years, a language I can read, but attempting to speak French today would be laughable. The word “painful” is probably more accurate.

The truth is, the US is not a multi-lingual country although the country is multi-cultural. The glue that helps bind us together as a nation is the English language.

The History Channel has been running a series called “The Adventure of English” on Sunday mornings. Watching the series, has been fascinating, watching how English has grown to become one of the dominant languages of the world. Also fascinating . . . tracing the numerous words in our vocabulary of Latin, French, Spanish, (and other languages as well) origination.

No doubt if there had been a need for me to speak French on a daily basis, it would have become part of my life. No need, hence no skill. Think about it, other than the French bakery down the street, or travel abroad, where would my speaking French be a necessity.

Upon closer examination and like most issues addressed by politicians, Obama’s comment about learning a 2nd language is more complicated than the statement itself.

Complicating the issue further, is the fact that Obama specified that English speaking citizens should learn Spanish and be more accommodating to the hosts of illegals who have chosen to break the law and enter this
country illegally, in effect adding insult to injury.

Thanks for your comment. Hopefully, I do comprende.

COMPRENDE>

A couple of things . . . first, I am not angry. Anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis can attest to that. Much of what I write is “tongue in cheek” although I feel spot on. If a person or group is going to insist on making themselves look foolish, I’m going to point it out since the likelihood of your seeing that in the MSM is slim.

Second, I’m beginning to think Obama supporters have no sense of humor. This post was a mild admonishment to all that if anyone (Obama, you, me) is going to chide the behavior of anyone else, be sure you are on firm ground. I’ll say this again, it drives me crazy to hear “educated” men like Bush and Obama using TA in place of TO.

Third, yesterday I plainly said, “In point of fact I’m not against Americans becoming fluent in one or more languages. Obama’s point about being multi-lingual has merit on certain levels.”

And BTW, the Quayle reference was made in relation to Bush, not Obama.

May I suggest you re-read my post and the comments immediately following it.

I was there and the discussion involved immigrants learning English – just like your ancestors might have had to at some point in their past – and Americans joining the rest of the world in being bilingual.

This is not about immigration but education. Spanish happened to be the language he chose – he mentioned French as well.

Are you saying that our kids should not learn other langugages?

It was part of a riff on the entire subject of education reform and the audience that was 85% African American was in complete agreement on this subject as well as the need for music, art, gym et al in school curriculum.

There was not the least bit of elitism in these comments, this great event or anyone who was there feeling anything but totally energized by seeing the next President.

And by the way Barack and Dan Quayle have nothing in common other than being men….

In point of fact I’m not against Americans becoming fluent in one or more languages. Obama’s point about being multi-lingual has merit on certain levels.

However, for Obama “ta preach” that Americans should be learning other languages as a way to ease the multiple immigration issues facing this country is pretentious prattle.

People who come “ta” this country should be willing to learn our language and customs. If a person moves to France, Germany, Russia, etc. the same would be expected in reverse.

That which binds us, includes the commonality of language. Barack appears “ta” not understand the obvious.

It would be good if Americans were to look more favourably on learning languages other than a form of English.

I would like to argue the case for learning and using Esperanto. This is a planned language which belongs to no one country or group of states. Take a look at http://www.esperanto.net

Esperanto works! I’ve used it in speech and writing in a dozen countries over recent years.
Indeed, the language has some remarkable practical benefits. Personally, I’ve made friends around the world through Esperanto that I would never have been able to communicate with otherwise. And then there’s the Pasporta Servo, which provides free lodging and local information to Esperanto-speaking travellers in over 90 countries.

What do you think?