translated citizenship test if you needed one with the important thing being
the knowledge of history.
As for how a born-and-bred American might not know. I think its definitely
possible in some areas. Many highly ethic areas have private or religious
schools that teach in languages other than English (although I would expect
most of them would stress learning English as a second language). I could
see it happening.
Actually I'm not sure the original poster said he was born here. he may have
become a citizen later I suppose.
Also the post didn't mention his age. but if older he may simply never have
gone to school. The post also mentioned that he did know, but refused
(which lends credence to my original "asshole" theory). ;^)
I think it happens even now. The first "native" generation of an immigrant
family often seems to have these issues. When I was working at Seven-eleven
we had several kids from Chinatown working. Two could speak very good
English (with very think accents) and one couldn't speak any at all really
(well, you know - a word here and there, but nothing communicative). All of
them were born in Boston but their parents were mostly from Hong Kong and
they went to a Chinese-speaking school together.
I'm not sure how I would handle a similar situation with my kids. I would
want them to learn the common language of their country but I would want
them to know my native well so that I could better communicate with them. I
would also want to communicate with their instructors and be able to help
them with their school work. I might also (depending on the culture) want
to instill in them some respect for their roots.
I can see good arguments for both sides.
Jim Davis
_____
From: dana tierney [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 3:52 PM
To: CF-Community
Subject: Re: How do you feel about non-english speaking citizens?
Applying for citizenship requires *some* ability to speak English. I
am not sure how much. I once expressed some worry about the test to a
Russian co-worker, who informed me that her 85 yo grandmother had
passed it and therefore I should have no problem.
But if this guy was born here.... I am not aware of any requirement.
Though I find it hard to believe he speaks *no* English. How did he
get through school?
Dana
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Davis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2004 15:33:55 -0400
Subject: RE: How do you feel about non-english speaking citizens?
To: CF-Community <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Just sticking my nose back in:
There is no legal requirement (at least that I'm aware of) that requires any
citizen to learn English. I'm reacting a commonly heard sentiment that
English is somehow directly connected to patriotism or somehow a requirement
for Americans. (We've all heard "speak the language or get out of the
country" arguments).
Is there ANY legal foundation for such an argument? I know that the
constitution doesn't explicitly claim anything of the sort (beyond the basic
implication made because it was written in English), does something else?
Although I myself am not (and at this point probably never will be)
multilingual I do think it's a good thing. I also think that learning
English makes life in America infinitely simpler. But I would never base my
conclusions of somebody's patriotism or loyalty to the language spoken.
Regionally specific signage, instructions, etc are all fine - they're useful
to non-English speaking residents, citizens and visitors alike. The
economics and logistics involved leads me to shy away from true, unilateral
multilingual teaching in public schools (although in certain areas these
programs can make sense). In general I've never understood the argument
that catering to non-English speakers is somehow "un-American" or
"unpatriotic".
(My opinion on this particular instance is still the same: he has no case
and it's egomaniacal to litigate to force people to accept your poor
choices. Being an asshole has very little to do with the language somebody
speaks.)
Jim Davis________________________________
_____
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