I rarely post photographs without giving credit, but I have no idea how this one came into my possession. The irony of the spelling error gives me pause. There isn't much else to say about it.
Wonder how the Cherokee would feel about that? Or the Inuits, Utes, Hawaiians, Creeks, Apache, Iroquois, Navaho (whose language was used as a secret code in WWII,)Hopi, Algonquin . . . Or the Spanish-speaking folks who were in Texas BEFORE the US grabbed it away from Mexico. Or the Cajuns. Or... or...
Yeah, I agree with that, too. I think that if an individual is going to come to this country, they need to make a conscientious attempt to learn the language. Not every one can do it, no, but broken English is better than no English at all.
It surely isn't our only language and needn't be by any means. Still, a language of common public discourse is a definite plus in the interest of future national unity.
You know, I really think that if a person is going to make a statement about language they should work REALLY hard to make sure that they're spelling their statement correctly!
English has become a global language! In Canada we have two national languages and a fascinating multicultural diversity which enhances all our lives. While it can and does bring with it difficulties, I'm sure the benefits of learning, speaking, and understanding another language far outweigh the difficulties. I would agree though that immigrating to another country and making it your new home should mean you learn its language quickly. If I moved to China or Japan I would think I would work hard at learning to communicate with those who have graciously received me into their country.
Just an aside - I found that we as immigrants to this country in the 50s, excelled in spelling and grammar compared to those who were born here! We also enunciated more clearly and spoke proper English, not slang.
What does it matter -- language that is. We all can muddle through someone's language with smiles. Should we ship all the people that use sign language out of this country because they don't SPEAK English! Lets all smile together -- that is the universal language.-- barbara
In UK many come to our shores and seek refuge. The british are generous and king hearted people. Often the individuals cannot speak our language and the problems it causes are absolutely huge. Sadly, our small island is becoming very overcrowded and the problem is very much out of control.
As you know we have an election coming up. None of the politicians will speak about immigration.....the public are not impressed. It is a sensitive issue....
My son and I had a discussion about language, spelling, grammar and punctuation at dinner tonight, and then I came here and read this. I can't share this photo with him
If I immigrated to a country, I would try hard to learn the language. If I needed to write a hateful blurb on my car, I'd try hard to get the spelling correct.
I wonder how many folks with this attitude are fluent in 2 languages? It's damned difficult to do if you weren't raised bi (or tri) lingual. I bow down to people who learn a second language -- it's a great brain exerciser and opens your world tremendously.
Just thought I'd point out to Vicki that those "Spanish-speaking folks" who where in Texas before the US grabbed it away from Mexico weren't always Spanish-speaking!
;-)
There were native peoples in Mexico, as well, before the New World was discovered.
Language, like religion, is a handy weapon in the battle of assimilation...
(and pushes probably just as many buttons, I think!)
23 comments:
I so so so agree with that! Period!
Wonder how the Cherokee would feel about that? Or the Inuits, Utes, Hawaiians, Creeks, Apache, Iroquois, Navaho (whose language was used as a secret code in WWII,)Hopi, Algonquin . . . Or the Spanish-speaking folks who were in Texas BEFORE the US grabbed it away from Mexico. Or the Cajuns. Or... or...
Yeah, I agree with that, too. I think that if an individual is going to come to this country, they need to make a conscientious attempt to learn the language. Not every one can do it, no, but broken English is better than no English at all.
now that is funny.....!
xoxo
It surely isn't our only language and needn't be by any means. Still, a language of common public discourse is a definite plus in the interest of future national unity.
You know, I really think that if a person is going to make a statement about language they should work REALLY hard to make sure that they're spelling their statement correctly!
Oh my gosh. Ignorance is bliss, right?
I mean, ignnooorance is bliss.
English has become a global language! In Canada we have two national languages and a fascinating multicultural diversity which enhances all our lives. While it can and does bring with it difficulties, I'm sure the benefits of learning, speaking, and understanding another language far outweigh the difficulties. I would agree though that immigrating to another country and making it your new home should mean you learn its language quickly. If I moved to China or Japan I would think I would work hard at learning to communicate with those who have graciously received me into their country.
Just an aside - I found that we as immigrants to this country in the 50s, excelled in spelling and grammar compared to those who were born here! We also enunciated more clearly and spoke proper English, not slang.
What does it matter -- language that is. We all can muddle through someone's language with smiles. Should we ship all the people that use sign language out of this country because they don't SPEAK English! Lets all smile together -- that is the universal language.-- barbara
Yes, the sign does say it all. What an embarrassment.
Short post and straight to the point.....
I do agree with that.....
In UK many come to our shores and seek refuge. The british are generous and king hearted people. Often the individuals cannot speak our language and the problems it causes are absolutely huge.
Sadly, our small island is becoming very overcrowded and the problem is very much out of control.
As you know we have an election coming up. None of the politicians will speak about immigration.....the public are not impressed. It is a sensitive issue....
Oh dear...what a sad statement.
I agree - the sign says it all, especially the mis-spelling.
Good grief.
Oh - the irony!
My son and I had a discussion about language, spelling, grammar and punctuation at dinner tonight, and then I came here and read this. I can't share this photo with him
I love the irony.
Think you just gave them credit with the tag. LOL
Oh my.
Reminds me too much of my students and their woeful spelling (which, sadly, is beginning to affect me).
Okay, that's funny and I know funny!! ;-D))
Oh, yea... a GA tag. Ugh. Please know that most of us here in GA are perfectly fine with different lanaguages. ;c)
If I immigrated to a country, I would try hard to learn the language. If I needed to write a hateful blurb on my car, I'd try hard to get the spelling correct.
I wonder how many folks with this attitude are fluent in 2 languages? It's damned difficult to do if you weren't raised bi (or tri) lingual. I bow down to people who learn a second language -- it's a great brain exerciser and opens your world tremendously.
Just thought I'd point out to Vicki that those "Spanish-speaking folks" who where in Texas before the US grabbed it away from Mexico weren't always Spanish-speaking!
;-)
There were native peoples in Mexico, as well, before the New World was discovered.
Language, like religion, is a handy weapon in the battle of assimilation...
(and pushes probably just as many buttons, I think!)
It's so ironic to read that after visiting ELLIS ISLAND last weekend! Our ONLY language is WHAT? Come again? Aren't WE the world's melting pot???
Nice photo! The spelling error just screams, "I don't really know what I'm saying, I just want to be heard!"
I guess we all have that need. To pour our passions and drive into something. And we do it, even if we're not sure why or what or who...
It's a shame, though, we it's done in discrimination and sheer ignorance.
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