Because they're stupid and racist. They feel like they're left out and dont know how to parse it. Some also think that anybody speaking in a language thats not English in America have something to hide. When really its just what they're comfortable using. Forcing everyone to use and learn English at all times is like forcing everyone to use the same text editor at all times. Not everyone is comfortable in Vim or Emacs, and everyone should probably know a little about another editor rather than just their favorite. Which brings me to my final point: our education system has failed us.
Asklemmy
A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions
If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!
- Open-ended question
- Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
- Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
- Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
- An actual topic of discussion
Looking for support?
Looking for a community?
- Lemmyverse: community search
- sub.rehab: maps old subreddits to fediverse options, marks official as such
- [email protected]: a community for finding communities
~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_[email protected]~
Sorry, as a Greek-American (currently in Greece), I disagree with most of the people here. When you're part of a new country, you need to be able to do your business with the authorities in the official language. For that, some level of understanding the native language is required. In fact, to get any passport from any country, you need to have a B1-level understanding of that country's language. So yes, being in a country, you need to know the basics. And if you don't, then make sure you learn the basics within 6 months, in order to be able to live there without issues. I don't see that as xenophobia, I see it as common sense.
I moved to Greece from the US this year with my French husband. He doesn't speak Greek. I can tell you, it has been a nightmare for him doing paperwork, and I need to go with him EVERYWHERE in any government office in order to get setup. It wasn't pretty in the first few months, he was full of anxiety and he wouldn't leave the house without me.
Also, I worked in Germany in my youth, for a few months. I couldn't understand most of what was said (although I could pick up a few words, but certainly couldn't speak back). It was a nightmare. There were no free programs back then to learn the language, and so I went there without any preparation. Today, I wouldn't have done it that way. I would first learn the language in some basic form (today there are apps to do that), and then move there.
Well, ya see, it's cuz America=/=the World.
But those Americans think the opposite.
I love hearing other languages in the US. It reminds me of the lofty ideals that were taught to me as a child. The Great Melting Pot, Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses, E Pluribus Unum and all that.
I hate that there is a significant portion of the population here that violently believes that English is the only language here.
Many people presume that if someone is speaking a different language, they are talking shit. I've regretably been one of them, but sometimes you aren't wrong (RE Chinese people who speak Chinese and the "ABC"s who don't)
Entitlement. Simple as.
Could it be that the person saying it because he thinks those person could be talking about them and it makes them uncomfortable.
There is also hindi quote "peeth piche burai karna"
I feel like that quote was talking about me and that makes me uncomfortable… lol.
Beats me, I live in Arizona and hearing other people speak Spanish is a daily occurrence. I don't get even the slightest bit upset by it and I feel like you'd have to be insane to care about such a thing.
So maybe you have it here, some people are insane.
I god, obey! Chauvinism, pure chauvinism. Tho ... english ... is a melting pot of languages. As many other languages were before. So it might as well be the laziness of Americans. Forget where they or their ancestors came from and forget about politeness.
Americans aren’t saying that because they forgot that they were once immigrants. They’re saying it because they remember, and they remember how they themselves immigrated, then scrambled to learn and speak English.
This is a myth as far as I know. I’ve never seen it happen.
If they're anything like my mother, they automatically assume anyone speaking in any language other than English within earshot of her is shit-talking her, specifically. The thought that someone might be saying something mean-spirited about her is just too much for her tiny brain to handle. If you think she's a bitch, she needs to know. It reeks of desperation and the need to be liked by all people at all times while also doing nothing to bridge that gap yourself.
Forgiveness answer: At least for me, hearing someone speak in a foreign language near me if I’m trying to do something is like Kryptonite for my concentration. I basically just have to leave and go somewhere else, or else abandon the idea of getting something done until it stops. It’s just impossible for my brain to not pay attention to it. I don’t think I would ever blame it on the person who’s just trying to have a conversation, and if I’m just standing in line or something it doesn’t bother me, but I do understand how it can be irritating.
Probably more realistic answer: Because living in America leads to a spiraling hell of stress and unhappiness, and so if you’re an asshole, and some innocent person presents themselves that you can take it all out on for literally any made up reason at all, then it’s go time. Also explains a lot of taking it out on customer service people for literally no reason at all.
RACISM!
Probably because most Americans can’t speak any other language… because our education system is awful… because those in power prefer a stupid populace because they’re easier to control.
I took 5 years of spanish and I dont speak it. It has nothing to do with the schools, its that I dont need to learn any other languages. Literally I have traveled all around the world and have never needed to know anything but english. I get its annoying to other countries, but is just the reality.