Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h84KTk712500; Thu, 4 Sep 2003 16:29:46 -0400 (EDT) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 16:29:46 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <000701c37322$ada156a0$18aab042@lop.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "ttweeton" <ttweeton@comcast.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9402] Re: Accept English Only donation? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1158 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 2573 Lines: 59 Basically, would forcing someone (especially children) to learn English (if they live in the states) really hurt them? I really become upset at the thought that some of us believe that it is ok to live here and not have to or at least TRY to learn the language. I DO understand all the difficulties of foreigner, But I just can't understand why, timidly, we even ASK this question.? It should be taken for granted ,that people coming here, will make a concerted effort to do so. Yes of course it may be more difficult for some than for others. This is understood, it may take some more time than for others, but not even to TRY?? Why should this be thought of as acceptable?? Do we ask nothing of these people in return for the priviledge of being able to be here? NO, there is no free lunch for anybody . I just don't believe in the "no holds barred, anything you want to do " theory. It should be A GIVEN that people will at least make the effort! That we even ask if it is OK, says something about how far the majority of the prevailing attitudes on this line seem to be leaning towards the left politically. Tanya ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tyler E. Johnson" <yakup2@ht.rol.cn.net> To: "Multiple recipients of list" <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 10:40 AM Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9395] Re: Accept English Only donation? > "English-Only Laws anywhere in this country are a threat to Bilingual > Education everywhere!" > > Dear All, > Allow me to play the Devil's advocate for a moment and note that, although I am > also disgusted by the U.S. educational system's > attitude toward the learning of languages- even proper English- think of this. > > Because the majority of the American population has never had real contact with > other cultures (e.g. living in a foreign country), > most do not know how to deal with people who don't speak english. In Europe or > even here in China where they are accustomed > to people who don't speak a word of their language, and they perhaps don't speak > a word of English, people know how to deal > with these situations. > On the flip side, your average Joe in the grocery store or at the DMV likely has > no idea how to piece together a conversation from > a less-than-fluent foreigner, or a very hard time doing so. > > Basically, would forcing someone (especially children) to learn English (if > they live in the states) really hurt them? > > In most other countries (especially Europe) I don't think this priciple would > apply. But in the good ol' U.S..... >
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