Sales clerks who can't speak English

[jklett]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

"If you can't speak English, Get out of the country".....because we all now that all the Italian, Greek, and German immigrants all spoke Perfect english before They ever set foot on American soil.

Some of my relatives came from Europe and they learned English real quick once they got here. It was out of necessity because if they didn't then they wouldn't get work. The problem everyone(me included) has with the latest wave of immigrants is that they refuse to learn English at all and we are making it so they don't have to. It's not a matter of speaking "perfect" English, it's a matter of not speaking it at all that bothers folks. It is a slap in the face to all that have come before them that had to conform or not make it. There were no concessions made for them so why should we make them for these people? I have no problem with someone coming here to better their life, it is what made our country what it is today. Just try and at least learn the language so people can communicate with you. If not then don't work drive through.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by jklett

they learned English real quick once they got here. .

Define "Real Quick" I doubt they learned it in a couple of weeks, I'm pretty sure it took a couple of years to learn it. and you have no idea how long that guy behind the counter has been here.....could have been here only a month

Originally Posted by jklett

The problem everyone(me included) has with the latest wave of immigrants is that they refuse to learn English at all

Thats not true....plenty of people come here and try and learn english....just because you run across the occasional A$$Hole that likes to hide behind the "No Comprende" Card does not mean that all of them aren't trying. I work with people that came here and after awhile they learned the language. It takes time....and patience

Originally Posted by jklett

It is a slap in the face to all that have come before them that had to conform or not make it..

There is a big difference between not learning it and not being able to make it.......and "Learn the language or get the 'F' out"

Originally Posted by jklett

There were no concessions made for them so why should we make them for these people?

So....Because people treated your relatives like crap back then why not return the favor now. Do you think your relatives might have appreciated some help instead of attitude. Did you ever try and help somebody who was struggling with the language to find the right word or did you roll your eyes and give them the "What are you doing here" look.

[marky1]

WOW ! There is a lot of different opinions or thoughts about this "ENGLISH" thread.
Hey ,let's go eat some turkey!!!!

[likwid]

Originally Posted by jklett

Some of my relatives came from Europe and they learned English real quick once they got here.

English is one of the most difficult languages to learn. I honestly doubt they learned it "real quick".

[Karl F]

My Grandparents, both sides (3), were immigrants.. one Grandfather already spoke english pretty well, and adjusted quickly.. both Grandfathers had lined up factory type jobs before getting here, thru other immigrants.. turn of the century, Ellis Island stock.. the one that spoke english fairly well, married the daughter of another immigrant, she was born here, and spoke fluent english. My Dad's folks learned as fast as they could, his Dad did well in fairly short order, as did most of the men, you work where it is spoken all day, you are bound to learn it, but his Mom had a real tough time.. she understood, but couldn't quite put the words in the right order.. hence, she avoided situations where she had to speak much.. frustrated the hell out of her... to tears many times my Dad always said.. but, she did try..never really got a handle on it.

However.. the ones that deal with the public, it's tough, but they should have some basic command of the language.. and I think that should be recognized by the management. I understand, that more often than not, the people that apply for the lower pay scale jobs, are going to be immigrants, and that is what they get, but, I think it would be worth their while to try and help these folks somehow, learn the basics of the language, would be money well spent on the business' part.