Sometimes, I truly hate the French!!

[Gorn Captain]

I live in Belgium, and in the Flemish/Dutch speaking part of it.
That means that most signs and all are, understandably, in Dutch.

However, most frenchspeaking people seem to think that France still rules the world.
I was standing at an ATM, which displayed all options in Dutch. No surprise there. It shows your regular account, and savings account, so you can choose the kind of transaction you want to do.
The woman next to me was cursing in French: "What's this word?"
It was Dutch for account.
Couldn't be that hard to make the connection with the French word, right?
ATMs all around the country are basically designed the same way.

But no, she was shouting: "I speak French, not Chinese!!!!"

When you go to let's say Spain, at least try and learn a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish! I'm not asking for rocket science, but know the basic words.
It really ****es me off. Because Belgium is a two language country, the Flemish actually have to "donate" part of their hard-earned income to help out the "ailing" French Belgians (called Walloons).
But still, when you get to our (mutual) capital, if you don't speak French, you can't even order a frigging cup of coffee! The Walloons even want to reduce Dutch education in their part, because they feel English is more important.

Man, I could have killed that woman at the ATM. Where's the respect?
I hope that thing swallowed her card. And that it said so...in Dutch....

[toys2cool]

lol! English is more important J/K naw I'd be upset as well

[Werewolf]

There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.


I'm kidding! I'm kidding. I just think Michael Caine is cool and I rarely get to use that quote.

[txteach]

I must say all of the Belgians here (all 2 of you!) speak great English and I also believe that if you live in another country it's important to speak the language.

[Mikey]

That's the problem with Europe -- seriously.

You have too many small countries in a relatively small area and almost every one of them speaks a different language.

The EU should seriously consider standardizing one language thoughout Western and Central Europe.

[Megotu]

I think they all be forced to speak Cherokee. Serves em right.

[theantiquetiger]

This sounds familiar, doesn't it, TxTeach?

Living in south Texas and me in south Louisiana (not as bad as you), people not wanting to learn the language. I am sure as a teacher, this drives you even more crazy!!!!

[Gorn Captain]

I try to speak as many languages as possible.
I consider it a sign of politeness to insult people in their own language.

[Gorn Captain]

That's the problem with Europe -- seriously.

You have too many small countries in a relatively small area and almost every one of them speaks a different language.

The EU should seriously consider standardizing one language thoughout Western and Central Europe.

I hear you, but who gets to pick the language?

They tried to make one language (Esperanto), but that bombed like you wouldn't believe....
The EU is just too divided. We argue about everything.
I'm seriously considering joining Australia......

[txteach]

You know Chris you are right. It is frustrating when people don't learn the language because you know their life would be easier if they did. If I moved for an extended period to another country I would do my best to learn the language.

[toys2cool]

This sounds familiar, doesn't it, TxTeach?

Living in south Texas and me in south Louisiana (not as bad as you), people not wanting to learn the language. I am sure as a teacher, this drives you even more crazy!!!!

well it depends,cause if you mean the large population of Mexicans in Texas then you're talking about Spanish
Should they try and learn English? yes they should but if it's a large population of them and they cover most of the parts in that state should'nt we try to learn their language as well? it would only benefit both sides

Like for example here in Miami it's all about Spanish first and English second,but you have people from all over
Cuba
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Dominicans
Puerto rico
Columibia.... you name it,we have it.Even Germans,French,Italians and so on

But if you want to survive here you must try and learn just a little bit of Spanish,most White Americans here do know some Spanish and don't mind learning it and the same with the Latin community..they all try and learn some English as well

So my point is just try and adapt to w/e your surroundings are

[txteach]

Good point Damian if you don't wanna go anywhere but Miami. My whole feeling is parents who just pseak spanish to their kids make it hard for me to educate them. Being proficient in two languages will help them in the future but many parents don't come here to adapt. They believe they don't need to. I actually think they are harming their kids by refusing to adapt to their new environment. I really don't want to sound preachy and I want ALL of my kids to do well but I see a vicious cycle of poverty that many hispanics in my area fall into. They are happy with their lot in life and don't consider the generation below them.

[Mikey]

I hear you, but who gets to pick the language?

.......................

I say English

You can't go wrong chosing the language of the United States

[Mikey]

By the way, my comment above.

I didn't mean it sound like an "ugly American" snide comment.

It just seems English is the language spoken by most of the heavy hitter countries in this world, so it can only be a plus to speak it too.

[SUP-Ronin]

Question: What do you call someone who fluently speaks 3 languages? - Ans: Trilingual.
Question: What do you call someone who fluently speaks 2 languages? - Ans: Bilingual.

Question: What do you call someone who fluently speaks only 1 language? - Ans: American.

I think it would be a shame if everyone spoke the same language. One of the remarkable facets of our species is the variety and diversity amongst cultures. Language differences are a large part of that. I have always felt that it's in your best interest to learn the dominant lanquage of the country you live in because it will serve you better in the long run. At the very least you should respect the customs of the culture you are visiting, otherwise don't travel abroad.