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Old 08-18-2007, 01:41 PM
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osuche osuche is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: West Coast
Posts: 30,587
I'm not fluent in any other language, but I understand and speak a smattering of 4 other languages. I enjoy multiculturalism - I want to learn about others' cultures and customs and I value the meltiing pot that is the US. Heck, I even have my own personal melting pot at home.

Providing language assistance is crucial, and I am happy that more and more US businesses are doing so. My husband speaks a language which is the 6th or 7th most common in the world, and many of the immigrants from his region cannot get access to health care where their doctor can communicate with them. My MIL works as a translator for critical care issues.

I think it's sad - part of the American Dream is opportunity for all. Opportunity is hard to come by when you cannot communicate.

Yes, I believe that generally immmigrants should learn English - but if this is a gradual process, that's OK too. In th einterim, we need to support their integration into American culture with language services, as well as other services.
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