Laura's Corner

Asking someone with limited lingual capabilities if they speak English is common.  If someone comes to the United States as a young child, it is much easier to learn.  I will be the first to agree that English is a very difficult language to learn.  How many different versions of “to, too, two” does one need? 

Americans who have used English as their sole and primary language have become disgruntled over time.  “Everyone who lives here should learn the language,” they state.   Many question, “Why should I have to wait another minute or two for a translator to instruct me to push “2” to get a Spanish interpreter?”  We are now living with enlarged instruction manuals to ensure “no one is left behind”.  If most had it their way, English would be the sole language, hands down.

Others simply state that accommodating those who have come to reside within the U.S. deserve the same amount of respect as those who were citizens at birth.  The argument regarding respect for human kind, a melting pot theory, freedom and justice for all come to mind as well.  Although I can see both sides of the coin, let me throw in my four cents.

Let’s say Dr. Smith has practiced medicine for 10 years at a hospital within Houston, Texas.  He is one of the top ten brain surgeons within the United States.   He obtains his passport, hops a plane and walks into a local hospital in Paris.  He states in English that he would love to work within their establishment.  He supplies his resume which includes years of schooling and experience.  What do you think would be the first question the head of the Hospital would ask?  Simply put, his question would be along the lines of, “Do you speak French?”  Dr. Smith answers, “Well, no, but I have the qualifications regarding the position.   Not only do I have the experience but references as well.  I also have DVD’s of previous surgeries which will prove that I can perform the job.”   We both know what will happen next.  The man on the other end will gently yet kindly inform Dr. Smith that if he wishes to practice medicine within the walls of his hospital, he must first learn the dialect so that he can communicate with those he plans to treat.

We all know that regardless of your degree, if you do not know the language of the country you choose to be employed within, you will not get far.  Although Dr. Smith may have a PhD and $100,000 in schooling, he will not be offered the position because he cannot communicate with those who so desperately need basic understanding of his procedures.  How can he possibly ask for a scalpel to make the initial cut?  Would you want him operating on you? 

How about we inform anyone living outside of the U.S. that it’s a tough economy right now?  Those who are fluent in English are losing their jobs.  Men and women who made six figures are begging for jobs paying minimum wage.  Corporate CEO’s are now delivering pizza and serving the steak and lobster they enjoyed not so long ago. 

In order to get into college one must take a placement exam.  For my entrance exams, I took a test for reading, writing and arithmetic.  It’s time to get tougher regarding citizenship.  If one desires to become a U.S. Citizen, how about we require an exam stating that you must be able to read, write and speak English?   If we allow for an individual to reside as a temporary citizen for one year I believe it would give one sufficient time to study and also practice as well. 

Both ends of the spectrum are frustrated.  We have those who have been born and raised within the United States and those who have not.  Some have been displaced due to war, but a great percentage has come because they believe it is the land of the free.  Learning Basic English would give so many greater opportunities and they would no longer have to take jobs paying less than minimum wage.   I don’t know about you, but how many of us desire to pick up trash and clean tables in the mall at the ripe old age of 50?  Really?  Me neither!