Another good discussion today. A special thanks to both students who led the class discussion. I really enjoyed thinking about the idea of speaking foreign language in America and our reaction. I want you to think about the last question again and respond to it as not enough people really did:
Do you agree with Marquez that our patriotism ought not be gauges by whether or not we speak English in public? Or do you think that people living in this country ought to affirm their patriotism speaking only English in public? Explain.
55 comments:
I agree with Marquez. America has a variety of people from around the globe. I believe people that speak their native tounge is proof that the United States is home for everyone. I have a japanese friend who speaks japanese all the time with his parents. When I first met his family, his parents would ask him questions to ask me. They understood english well, although had trouble speaking it, his parents that is. As time went on, and as I spent more time with them, they tryed talking to me in english, and I could barely makeout what they were saying. I believe his parents were embaresed to try to talk to me, so they had their son do it for quite some time.
Sean Deters.
I agree with marguez. This is america we have the right to speak any language we wish to speak. It would be alot easyier having everyone speak english but everyone is different from different countries. We have a freedom to talk anyway we want to talk. To learn a language weather it be german, spanish or french. Its hard for people to learn a new language when there whole lifes they are used to one langauge. Most countries you go to you might have to learn that language there but in united states we have many different people that speak different languages were not all the same.
Crystal maybee
5th hour
I think that it is common curtsody to speak english when in public. I know for me when i am in a store and there is people speaking a different language it makes me kind of uncomfortable. Since I am getting a job soon that I know that I am going to have to deal with it. But I feel as if you are in a counrty where the majority speaks one language speak it. This is America people. Please speek english.
Alexa Rumpz
6th Hour
I agree with Marquez. America has many different ethnic groups from around the world. My nonna(grandma) was born in Italy and when i go over there she will sometimes speak italian to me. I dont think that our patriotism should be judged by the language we speak. I know quite a few people who speak different languages. At first i thought it was odd but i got used to it really quick. Now i think it is perfectly normal. I don't think that people should have to speak ONLY English in public. I think people shouldn't have to alter their lives because some people think its odd that they talk a different language. I'm sure if someone never heard English before they would probably think our language is weird too.
Cody Kabisa
6th hour
Mr Kay,
I have mixed views on this whole second language thing. There are many different languages in the US. I think that when people use another language to talk about someone. It is very wrong. I think that when they have a person who doesnt understand there language in person, they must speak english or nothing at all. But, when they are all together, it is fine. I think that different languages from different cultures are a great experience for americans, but only if they use language at the right time.
ZACK SZAJNER
6th HOURR
I agree with marquez because america is not just home of english speeking people but home to every type of languge. America is not just one but many. For instence, i oce hade i friend who speeked spanish to his mom dad and other family members but when it came to talking to me he would talk to me in english which i though was the re=ight thing to do. On the other hand, always talking to his family in public in spanish would be rather empolite. I think it fine to have people talking different languages in America but not in public.
Ryan Richardson
6th hour
Mr. Kay,
I deffinetly agree with Marquez. I believe that the saying "Free Country" says it all. People should be able to talk in the language that they have learned all there life, whether its spanish, french, japanese, german, or any other language. I don't think that just because we live in America should mean that we have to talk in english, we have the right to talk in whatever language we choose. Now I'm not saying that you should just go aroung speaking a different language when you know that the people you are talking to don't understand a word your saying. For example, lets say you were standing in a lunch line waiting to order some food. When you got up to the counter, you knew that the cashier didn't speak spanish. Even though we live in a free country, I don't think you should tell the cashier what you want in spanish, whether thats your native language or not, I don't think that that would be the right thing to do.
Danielle Turner
5th Hour
By the way, teaching the class was easier than I thought, it wasn't a big deal.
I personaly think that it shouldnt matter what language we speak. If people want to speak in spamis, or russian or any other lanuage they should have the right to. Its a free country, who cares what other people think. I think this because people from other countrys should be able to speak what ever language they want to. They come here for freedom, or some do anyways, and america is a place where you should be able to speak whatever language you want.Also if i was from a different country I would want to speak whatever language I want.
Katlyn Twigg 6th Hour
I think that speaking your first known language in public is really not a big deal. I don't beleive it hides a person's patriotism at all. Usually the immigrants coming to our country are more patriotic then U.S. born Americans. Most of the time they have a better appreciation for our country because they see how it may be way better than where they are from. Speaking their own language just makes people more interested in how they learned two languages. It shows that we have the best country because everyone here is so different.
Carolyn Newton Period 5
I agree with Marquez. People who live in America have the right to speak any language they want. You arent connsiderd an American because of the language you speak. I believe that people who speak their native language is proof that America is a diverse country. I hear a lot of different people speaking in different languages to eachother in public. Mostly when i go to the mall or any other public place. So living in America doesnt mean you have to speak english amd only english, as the years go on, America will only become more diverse.
Clare Pathe
5th hour
I agree with what marquez said. i think people should be allowed to speak the language their most comfortable with and not have to worry about it. i personally dont think its offensive at all. i like it when people speak different languages. it shows the diversity we have in america. just a peron being in our counrty shows that they have patriotism. if a person didnt wana be here they dont have to, so it shows their want to be in america.
Andy B, 6th hour
I agree with Marquez. I think that others speaking in different languages is a sign of patriotism. Our nation is supposed ti be accepting to all different races, religions, and why not languages. By speaking in their native tongue there showing how America is a home for all cultures. Though i do believe there is a time were this can become inappropriate. My uncles family speaks Arabic and English very well. At family parties I'll have a conversation with one of them, and then they'll say something in Arabic. Instantly i feel like they are saying something about me, or just excluding me from a conversation. I believe you should honor your heritage, but not be rude about it.
Chloe Martin, 6th hout
just because if you look up in a text book and it says that America's language is English doesn't really explain our country. we are supposed to be free individuals and independent. so we shouldn't be told we have to speak one certain language. i would never think it is rude if i saw some people speaking there own language together. that is ther personal identity and choice of how to perserve their old country here. however i would not like it if i was the only one in the room who couldn't speak what they were if they could also speak english.
I think that people should just express who they are. No dout, they should learn engish but I think That as long as you not offending, or being rude to people your fine. What I don't understand about some people is when they say " You're in America speak english!" Because America i sjst that, A make up of every one in this world. Our ansestors came here from somehwere and they didn't always speak english. So I think that people should try to underdtand things from there point of veiw.
Brittney COOPer
6th hour
I agree with Marquez. People from other parts of the globe speak different languages all the time. Even if they do it, it doesn't mean it's bad. I go to the store all the time. Theres allways one family that speaks a different language that i see. I look at them thinking "I wish I could speak a different language". I don't look at it as a bad thing, more of a good thing knowing that they still practice their culture.
James Richardson
5th hour
I do agree with Marquez. As an Americans, we pride ourselves that we are individuals. We are from all over the world. Many are proud of their cultures and where they come from. So it shouldn't matter if they speak a different language in public. We have the freedom of speech, religion, and many more, so it shouldn't matter what language we speak. People don't go around saying you can't wear that or you can't have that accent, so they shouldn't say you can't speak that language.
Kristen Pauly
6th hour
I beleive that if your are from a different counrty and speak a different language you should be able to. I it shouldn't be considered rude. you are speaking your counrties native language. thats why some people come to america. To be free and be able to something without the government doing anything about it. So yes i do think that speaking a different language in public is ok. Beacuse you are speaking to someone else that speaks that language. But if you are with 2 people and only one speaks a different language you should speak english. It would be rude not to speak in english beacuse one person is excluted from the conversation.
Zack Ruffin 6th
Mr. Kay,
I think that people who live in the US should at least be able to speek english if you live in this country. Its fine with me that people can speak whatever language they want to when they are withy family. I do not think that they should speak any other language in public. They should speak english because it may affend people and make people mad because we dont know what they are saying and they might be talking about us, we dont know if they are or not. It does show patriotism. I think this because that is the national language in the US and they should respect that.
Tim Wilson
5th Hour
Yes and no.As long as theyre not working or doing some other type of formal face to face thing.I say this because if they are working and talking to someone in another language like at a nails place (seinfeld) it can make one very uncomfortable.Some do not care,particulary I dont but some do.Then on the other hand they should because you speak in a different language doesnt make us any more american.Shes a citizen im a citizen of the U.S.Maybe wheteher she feels more comfortable or just because its easier.She still should maybe quiet down that may help her struggle with this.EIther way i think its her decision.
Mr. Kay
I definatly agree with Marquez. You should be free to speak whatever language you want. The United States is open for all people. That is why we are labeled as a free country. If you know how to speak english and the conversation involves someone who speaks it then its rude to speak foreign. If you are just someone eavesdropping then you should not think it rude for them to be speaking their language. After all, thats what this country is all about.
Jordan Blanzy 5th hr
I do, agree with Marquez, however, if you live in America you MUST learn to speak English. One can still have their native language, America's supposed to not be discriminatory, but English is the common tongue. Learning a new language such as English is a hard task for foreigners, for our grammar is very elastic, but you must be able to learn it. You move to Germany, you learn German, move to Japan, learn Nihongo(the name of the Japanese language in Japanese), come to America and learn English. I'm not sure if it is patriotic to speak in the common tongue is much easier.
Derek Guckian
6th hour
PS there is a much similar problem in role playing severs in world of warcraft, even in the same faction, your race can speak in it's native tongue, and common. The only ones left with the common tongue is humans ironically. So even as allies there could be a serious barrier for communication.
I agree, because I am a part of an immagrant family. My father translates for the people in his family who do not speak English. My younger cousins are recently learning english, but it is rough, and their parents translate their jokes and demands to me. Just because most of America speaks English doesn't mean everyone should. This land wasn't built on the language we speak...but on the people who helped make it what it is today.
If you aren't involved in the conversation, why bother getting upset about it? Just smile. Maybe they are speaking of you kindly, and are too shy/embarrassed to say so.(Of course, this is less than likley to happen. Just a possibility.)
Steffeny Apollo
5th Hour
i think that if you around someone that is in a conversation with you that they should speak english. but if they are by them selfs than go ahead and talk in what ever language you want. this is a free country and they have the right to what ever they want.
I belive that what Marquez said about being American has nothing to do with which language. But on the other hand America has been an English speaking since the Britsh came over. I'm very spilt between over pursut of happyness and patriotism there is good things and bad things no matter how you put it. In the end I would have to say that in public you should be able to speck the language you want to speck. I say this beacuse its our differnses that make this county a whole and how we got the name the "Melting Pot". There are many cultures in America and everyone should repect other's ways of life. Finally I say do what you want to do as long as you don't break laws or be rude.
Shaun Gerber
5th Hour
They main reason immigrants come to America is to be free. I don't think that you should be able to judge people if they are speaking their native language. I agree with Marquez because patriotism doesn't mean to speak the English, it means to vote and show pride in your country. Most immigrants still show patriotism even though they speak a different language. Maybe some people can't speak fluent english. They should be able speak the language they feel comfortable with. People that get mad in public when others are speaking a different language really make me mad, they should just mind their own buisness and not let it bother them.
I feel that what language you speak does not make you more or less an American. While it is important for people to be able to communicate with one another to make living easier it doesn't mean that someone speaking their native language in public does not respect and feel loyality for this country. My grandmother came here from Cuba when she was 16 and her parents were in their late 40's. My grandmother picked up English quickly, while her older parents and many relatives did not pick it up so well. I have heard that it is harder to learn a language the older you get as well. And even though they did not speak English too often, they very much appreciated this country that freed them from the destruction that Communism did to their country. They made a point to learn about our country and become US citzens. So I have to agree with Marquez that is the way people live their lives and their beliefs that makes them Americans and not just the English language.
I do agree with Marquez. She makes some great points in that paper. Judging people on their language is wrong. It's who they are is what matters. This is part of the reason why America is called land of the free. People come over to the United States to get away from prejudice and other negative influences. It makes you feel out of place for a minute but after you get to know a person you see who they really are. I know many people that speak a different language. I won't judge them by that at all. It seems pretty cool to me that someone can be bilingual.
William Schwartz
6th hr
I feel that speaking another language in this country is completely acceptable. I also feel that speaking only English in public does not confirm your patriotism. The colonists who came to America were looking for freedom. This includes freedom of speech and freedom to choose what language you wish to speak. Your ancestors before you probably didn't speak English, or speak it well. Also, diversity is a characteristic America values. Speaking your native language brings diversity to the country, and keeps you close with your culture. Our country is open to anyone who wants freedom and we should welcome the opportunity to learn about different cultures and countries. The diversity of our country is all apart of who we are as Americans.
Cherie Stoll 6th
John Kent
I agree with Marquez that our patriotism ought not be gauges by whether or not we speak English in public. One reason is the fact that America is made of a variety of people from around the globe. So it shouldn't matter if they speak a different language in public. We have the freedom of speech, religion, and ....., so it shouldn't matter what ever language we speak. And an other reason is that if we were in a country that someone that doesn’t under stands English they would probably think that we are talking behind their backs in our language.
I agree with Marquez's perspective. I find that no matter what language you speek, you are welcome to use it here in america. I find this to be very helpfull to not only all ancesters that travel here for short visits. But also to all individuals that live here permaitly. The only thing that crosses my mind that leans more torward not leting other language use here is cause the talk from other languages about other english speaking people. I do not fully consider this to be bad because who realy cares what that person thinks of you. Thats probly going to be the only time you will ever see or come in contact with that individual again. Once again i believe and agree with Marquez's feelings letting everbody know i do not have a problem with the language used or spoken
Conner Risi
6th hour
I agree one-hundred percent with marquez's statement. First reason is we should be gald people want to come to this country and as long as they vote and do a few couple of other things, then they can speek there own language. Also, for them it shows there heritige and culture that they want to represent. With that we represent things like wearing jersey's on game-day and no one says anything about not showing patriotism. And in my opinion that is the same thing. But if they know how to speak english then at certian times they should speak it so it's not rude.
Ty Bouwens, 6th hour
P.S. We won last night...if you didn't know.
I agree with Marquez. America is a giant melting pot. Filled with different nationality's as well as cultures. I don't really mind when my friend jeffery and his family talk to each other in german. I know it is difficult for him and his family to speak fluently in english. Therefore it is easier for them to talk to each other in German. However I appreciate that him and his family talk in english to me even if it is hard to understand. That at least shows me there trying to learn.
Taylor Wattles
6th hour
i agree with marquez. America has many ethnic groups that speak many different languages. I beleive people should be able to speak there own language when there talking to people of there own culture. But when your talking to a group of people and some dont speak that language its rude. Also on the other hand i think that this is america we speak english if your gonna live here you should learn our language and addapt to our country. You came here for a reason you should at least be able to addapt to our language.
Alex Martin
I agree with Marquez's statement. I believe that America was started because we wanted freedom. If people who immigrate here do not feel free to speak the way they wish, it's not really being free. Speaking in another language should be accepted by everyone, because we have a blend of different people from different cultures. Frowning upon others speaking their home language discourages others from wanting to live here as well. Also, even though some people are American-born citizens, their families like to teach eachother their language to keep their culture sacred. I believe that speaking another language is alright as long as it is not used to talk down about another person. Being bilingual is a really unique trait, and we should accept others' differences. America is a free country, and language should not be an acception to those freedoms.
Kaleigh Swanson
6th hour
I agree with Marquez's point of view. I think that no matter what language you speek, you can express it in America. Doing that can help the persons family backround stay strong. So, speaking your natvie language helps you stay closer to your culture. Our country is here to let anyone in that will show the patriotism, they can do it in many ways. Maybe, not through language, because we all have differnt cultures. We have freedom of speech, and so on. We're all americans, in this country, so lets do it in our own kind of ways to show it.
Stefanie Samuel
6th hour
I think that if we live in America, we should be able to speak whatever we want. Thats the reason many people come to america, to have freedom. If someone is alone with a group that is speaking only spanish, i think its rude for them to not speak in english. Not only could the person feel left out, but they could feel like the group is talking behind their back. Its part of respect that people should speak the common language while around a big group of people. If they dont, people might take offense to them. Thats my opinion on speaking a language in public.
Amy Urbanik
5h hour
Yes, i agree with Marquez. America has many people coming into our country. Some of them dont even speak english. We have the freedom to speek whatever language we want to but sometimes its not the right time. I think it is very rude for people to talk a different language around you or when your in the conversation. I mean doing it in your own house or with your own family is fine. Even if you own a store and no on is in it its fine. But speeking a different language around people is very disrespective.
Hannah Ledgley
5th hr.
Megan Fraser
6th Hour
I think it really doesn't matter what language you choose to speak in public. It isn't considered rude unless you exclude people. Mostly people are speaking foreign languages because that is what they are comfortable with. They speak it in their homes and want to do so in public places too. My family has friends who speak german out of their house sometimes. They aren't doing it to be rude. It just comes natural to them and they want their kids to know german and english and be proud of it. People in america are suppossed to be diverse so it doesn't matter what language you speak.
I don't think out patriotism should be measured by whether or not we speak English in public. However, I do think it is rude to do so. I think that if you know English, you should speak it in public so you can communicate with your fellow Americans. Also, if you plan on staying in America you should learn the common language of the community. Even if you aren't very good at speaking it, I personally would give you credit for trying. Again, I don't think it is a way to measure patriotism, but just common courtesy. You never know, people who speak foreign languages might just be talking about you and you'll never know.
I agree with marquez, It is okay to peak a different language. If that person is from a different country, they probly have't learned how to speak very good english. Also ot shows who that person is, and it shows there culture. I think that it is okay if people are at home or just talking to eachother when your not included. But I think that it is wrong to talk in another language and you are a part of the conversation. But speaking diffent languages is part of america, that is why we are called the meltig pot.
Chris Reid
5ht hour
I agree with Marquez. I do because we live in a free country and thats the way it was set up in our consituition. Anybody can have trouble speaking english and if they do it isnt a problem in this country. I think that is also mandatory for some people to speak their native language because of the country they came from. On the other hand I hate it when other people talk any language other than english in the store. It bugs me so much becasue they might be talking about you. Also when Im standing there Im afraid to say anything about them because I dont know if they know how to speak english either. All in all I think it is alright for people to speak their native langusge in our country.
Troy Wojichowski 6th hr
I think that if you are from a different country you should be able to speak your language. If you are out in public I think you should speak english. It would be easier if the people from different countries speak our language so we can understand what they are saying. Like at the mall I would walk by and here people speak a different language and I would be like what are they saying. If they were at their home with their family it would be ok for them to speak their language.I think if people come to America I think they should know english if they live here. Also, I think that when people come here we learn different languages which is kind of cool.
Katherine Walsh
6th hour
It's kind of a tossup for me. The reason why is when you’re at a store and someone starts saying something you don’t understand. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable. The only way I think its right is if they are all together at a family reunion or at home. I have family that came here from Italy the only way they feel its right to speak Italian is when there with their family. So I feel that at home it's fine. If you’re in public speak English but if you can’t try your best.
Alex Thickstun
6th Hour
"Do you agree with Marquez that our patriotism ought not be gauges by whether or not we speak English in public? Or do you think that people living in this country ought to affirm their patriotism speaking only English in public? Explain."
I completely agree with Marquez. I think ones patriotism ought not be based on your original dialect. it ought to be based on if you stand for the values and rules of our country. I would not care if someone wanted to come to our country, but as long as they stand for what i and every other american stands for, i see no harm in speaking another language other than english at any time you need to. now i could go and start the argument that having one language would simplify things up a lot, but the rebuttal of the conversation would most definitely be that english is the hardest language to learn. so basically you have the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object, you can not prove one being right, without saying the other is wrong. basically, like the unmovable object and the unstoppable force paradox, for right now, both are right to look at their reasonings, yet both are dead wrong in their reasonings. in conclusion, the tongue you speak, should not matter, because what actually matters is that you agree to our values and rules. and that is my 2 cents on that subject.
I think you should speak any language you want. It's not considered rude to me because maybe it is easier for them to speak in that foreign language. America is made up of many different ethnic groups. We the country was founded on diversity and we all came from different places at sometime in the past. We shouldn't be angry if someone is speaking another language. It might be aggravating to try and understand what they are saying to each other but is that really an of our business. We need to except someone for who they are not by there choice of speech.
Tyler Inman
5th Hour
I agree with Marquez. Americans should not be judged by the language they speak in public. I do believe that everyone should understand at least a little English so they can talk with people who cannot speak there foreign tounge. I think it is important that if you live in America you should at least be able to speak English a little bit. Patriotism should be judged by what we do for our country and how we treat other Americans. Patriotism should not be judged by the language we speak. That is how I think Patriotism should be judged and how Americans should not be judged by there native language.
I also agree with Marquez. People should be allowed to speak their own language in public. As long as they mean no harm to the other's around them, they should speak whatever language they want. I do think that were a non-bilingual person is talking to a bilingual person they should switch their language, only to be fair. The United States is suppose to have Freedom Religion. They don't want to let go of their culture. Also, it's a great experience for the others around to try and figure out what they are saying.
Alanna Nagi
6th Hour
I agree with Marquez to a certain extent. I feel people who want to speak there own language with other people they know and speak it. But one time there was these two chineese people on a plane sitting by me and they looked at my and pointed and laughed and then spoke chineese to each other and laughed more. I think when your around others in a public place you should speak english. But when your with others who speak that language its fine. It doesnt hide your patriotism if you speak another language. Because America was bulit off of people who came from different places.
Hannah Aittama
5th Hour
I have mixed views on this whole second language thing. There are many different languages in the US. I think that when people use another language to talk about someone. It is very wrong. I think that when they have a person who doesnt understand there language in person, they must speak english or nothing at all. But, when they are all together, it is fine. I think that different languages from different cultures are a great experience for americans, but only if they use language at the right time.
john mclean
Mr. Kay,
I agree with Marquez. Your language you speak means nothing. Personally, I don't think of myself as very patriotic. I enjoy living in America, but I don't do much to show it. I can see people who speak another language with their family with a nice big American flag hanging from their house or wearing an American flag shirt. In fact I wouldn't care if a person who only knows Spanish or something represented America in the Olympics or another sporting event. I don't think the language they speak has anything to do with patriotism. Speaking a language means.... well you speak another language. I doesn't mean you don't like the country you live in. I state again, I agree with Marquez.
Today's America is full of different cultures. Were kinda like a big melting pot. I think that to be an American you just have to love america and just make the best of it. Because we have such a diverse society it is almost impossible for everyone to be exactly the same. I think everyone speaking different lanuages gives this country some flare. Because we are United in many other ways not just lanuage. The american flag in this country every where means the same thing no matter where it hangs. So I think it's important for people to keep there culturak roots but it's also important to be able to know when and where that lanuage is proper.
ANDREW KEITH 6TH
I feel people should be free to speak their native tongues. America is one big pressurecooker of different ethnicities, cultures, and traditions, so why not let these differences be expressed?
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