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This is America, please order in English
Since 2005, a Philadelphia based cheese-steak bistro owner has been defending a signpost in his shop that said: "This is America, please order in English." Not surprisingly, he was taken to court on grounds of discrimination, equating it to derogatory signs like "Whites Only". No ruling has been given yet.I wrote a post earlier about how surprising I found it that people barely speak English in a big, cosmopolitan capital city like Madrid. It triggered a debate over whether it's necessary for big cities (where English isn't the first language) to have basic knowledge of English, or not.
I think it is relative. In non-English speaking metropolises, as long as the tourists put in some effort, lack of basic English may not be an important day-to-day communication hindrance, but it is definitely a disadvantage in the larger scope of things. For example: Madrid is bidding to host the 2016 Olympics -- surely the knowledge of English would play an important role there. How is China tackling that issue for next year's games? Anyway, I digress.
What do you do in an English-speaking country when your customers don't speak English? Do you put up a sign like our friend did? Hmmm, I don't think so -- it's quite an insult. The sign reminded me of when the English ruled India and the "No Indians or Dogs" sign was not uncommon. Couldn't they just be offered picture menus where they could point out what they wanted? Or what about bilingual menus?
There is an online poll on the article asking whether people approve this sign post. At this moment, of the 115,732 people who voted, 92% of them approve. Call me overly sensitive but I'm kinda shocked to see the response.
What do you think? Are signs like that acceptable?
| Yes! | |
|---|---|
| No | |
| ˇSí! |
Filed under: Activism, Food and Drink, North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 29 of 30)
Gus Dec 23rd 2007 8:36PM
I was born and raised in the USA and I speak fluent English, Spanish, Portugese, French, Italian, and sign language. I also run a small business. I have had clients who speak english as a second language find out that I speak their native language and then want to speak to me in that language instead of English. This infuriates me, especially since I do not deal with people on a one-to-one basis, rather in a group setting. It is rude to my other paying clients for someone to expect me to speak to them in their language in front of others who do not understand it. I conduct my business in English. All of my written hand-outs, etc. are written in English only. To expect me to deal with them in anything other than English is expecting me to EXCLUDE the people who speak only English and that is rude and unprofessional. When somebody speaks to me in a foreign language during business I ignore them, as I would guess the restaurant owner does. If they persist, I simply tell them to please repeat their question or comment in English so that everyone can understand them.
I enjoy speaking any language with anyone I can outside of business as it helps keep me fluent. When I travel I never expect somebody to speak English, although in many countries I have visited, the local people enjoy speaking English as they feel it shows they are of a higher class and/or more intelligent ... especially the children. But my point is that I do not ask somebody if they speak my language when I am in a country of a different language; I speak theirs unless they ask me to do otherwise and I feel that is how other people should conduct themselves in the USA.
If somebody wants to come to this country, they should be able to communicate basic needs in English. As a previous poster stated, you have to understand English to legally immigrate to the USA so people who do not speak any English are either here illegally or they are too lazy to keep up with the language once they've gotten in. I feel that catering to them, rather than to the majority of the public, is a poor way to run a business. If somebody wants my services and honestly cannot understand English, they could bring a translator with them who does speak English clearly or they could hire me (or somebody else) privately and I'd be happy to conduct business in whatever language they want since in that setting it is not excluding everyone else present.
And for the comment somebody made about excluding the deaf from the restaurant, no deaf person I have ever ran into expected somebody to understand sign language ... and they can read and understand English and order appropriately by either speaking or pointing to the English words on the menu.
The restaurant owner COULD hire somebody to deal specifically with non-english speaking people, but then which other language should he incorporate into his business? Should he be required to hire somebody who speaks every language? Maybe hire several people who speak different languages just in case? From a business standpoint, that is rediculous. A restaurant is a fast paced business where everybody wants service NOW. Having to take the time to try to deal with somebody who cannot understand the language and has to have things mimed or drawn for them slows everything down.
It seems people just like to cry "discrimination" and "poor me" instead of make any effort to fit in. There is nothing wrong with diversity and cultural differences and the US is a great place to express that. Just express it in your own home or your own community or club and stop expecting everybody around you to learn YOUR ways and make special allowances for YOU when you come to their business. When you go out into public, be considerate of everyone around you, and sometimes that means making an effort to just fit in. It's the Golden Rule we have all been taught since we could walk and talk.
One additional note, visit south Florida (Miami aea) and see just how open minded some non-English speaking people are about being muti-lingual. Everything is in Spanish first, then (usually) English. I was in a convenience store where an elderly woman was attempting to pay for gas but the clerk did not speak English. She refused to help this woman and, in Spanish, told the next customer to come in front of this woman. The woman went to the other clerk who also (claimed he) did not speak English. He pointed to the door and said "You go" to her then the two made fun of this old woman, in Spanish, right in front of her calling her "stupid white people." He was throwing her out of a convenience store because she didn't speak Spanish! I'd had enough and told them what the woman wanted, in Spanish, and helped her pay for her gas.
The English speaking restaurant owner is not the only person who refuses service to people based on language. And racism or discrimination is not always whites against other races. It goes both ways.
danielle Dec 24th 2007 9:29AM
You make the suggestion that the menu be bilingual - which other language besides English? Not every non English speaking client is going to speak the same other language - if you write it in English and Spanish - what about the Vietnamese? Or the Chinese? or the Japanese? Etc and so on. I think any proprietor has the right to choose whether or not they have the menu solely in the traditional language of the country or not. And if the person who is taking the order, only speaks English - then it is perfectly fine to post to order in English!
Monarva Dec 23rd 2007 8:42PM
Chip, chip, chip there goes another part of the American culture. This country is (or was) made up of people from all nationalities who wanted one thing, to be an American, with one thread that binds us all together, a common sense of order and communication. Nowadays, it seems that some people coming here legally (and illegally) want to remain a loyal patron of their country of origin and not become an American. There's nothing wrong with remembering your roots, but we can't go off in different directions and form little countries within in America. We need to all go in one direction with a common purpose and identity. And having a national language is essential to the integrity of the nation. Visitors are one thing, permanent residents are another. If you want to REALLY be a part of a country, then you need to accept the language and customs of that country and not expect the residents of that country to change to suit you. It may take a little time and effort to do this, but if you really want to you can do it. The problem nowadays is that there are too many coming here and using our laws and political correctness to take advantage of the goodness of the American people with no intentions of becoming a part of our society. Chip, chip, there goes another part of the American culture. If you come here to be a constructive, loyal American, that's one thing. If you come here to take advantage of our system and not be a part of it, that's another. You can't blame loyal Americans of all nationalities for becoming worried about the erosion of the American culture by those who care nothing about trying to be a part of this nation. Be silent and you loose, speak up and be heard.
Racheal Dec 23rd 2007 8:41PM
America is my country and I welcome all people to America, the land of opportunity. I will do my best to communicate with them in whatever language.
DeWitt Dec 23rd 2007 8:45PM
This is America
Learn Cherokee
GmmrMtt Dec 23rd 2007 9:01PM
1 There are some Americans who are rude, inconsiderate and lacking in empathy and cooperation. To those Americans who call themselves 'good Christians,' I say "whatever happened to kindness, charity, helpfulness?" To those who keep saying that the immigrants need to learn English, you are displaying your lack of historical knowledge. Notwithstanding exceptions, immigrants ARE learning English just as your immigrant ancestors did.
2 I found it refreshing reading statements by two or three bloggers who pointed out that English is NOT American but a foreign language. I wondered how long it would take before this fact became recognized. I might add that it was also the language of the enemies of the colonists.
3 There was a time when learning a language or two
was considered a time honored achievement. It would appear that malaise has set in. On this subject there are some AMERICANS who could do with some speech improvement. I frequently hear slovenly English and the writing skills of some of the bloggers are incredibly lacking.
4 I could go on, but I am aware that some bloggers are not interested in reading lengthy comments or become involved in research but prefer to spread mindless, inane, slogans because it is the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, the path of least resistance can sometimes be hurtful and perhaps even damaging.
Racheal Dec 23rd 2007 8:51PM
What is American culture but a combination of other cultures? Even English comes from England. Hamburgers and french fries? Are they American? Hot dogs? Are these even worth preserving? The only thing distinctly American is our love of freedom and embrace of diversity.
Jim Dec 23rd 2007 9:07PM
Welcome to America, We spak English here!
Ursula Ellis Dec 23rd 2007 9:53PM
I wish some politicians would read the comments made
here about illegal immegration and the burden they
put on the American taxpayers!!!!
Priscilla Dec 23rd 2007 9:27PM
I was born in Puerto Rico, but raised in NY, and YES I agree...learn the language. If you choose to live anywhere in the good USA...learn how to speak the language.
Dale Dec 23rd 2007 10:15PM
If this man misses a sale because of the sign, thats is his problem. If a customer cannot speak English,
thats there problem. Right or wrong, they both have that right.
Jon Dec 24th 2007 11:42AM
It wouldn't even occur to me to expect the natives of a non-English speaking country to accomodate me by learning English. This would be true if I were a tourist, truer if I were staying long term in their country (say for school or business), and truest of all if I'd emigrated to their country and planned to spend years, or, possibly, the rest of my life there. If I'm not prepared to, at least, make a strong effort to attain to a working knowledge of the dominant language of the country to which I'm travelling---in proportion, perhaps, to the amount of time I expect to spend there---then, frankly, I'm not prepared to visit/live in any non-English speaking country at all.
The fact that English is spoken so widely throughout the world is a result of the commercial and, yes, regrettably, earlier military successes of English speakers, particularly the British Empire of the nineteenth century and the United States of America of the twentieth. The current preeminence of the English tongue was once enjoyed by Greek, then Latin, then, albeit to a lesser degree, French, at least in the Western world. Tomorrow, this position may be occupied by Chinese (Mandarin? Cantonese? Other?), Spanish or some other language, and those who want to optimize their chances for success, whether in business, government, or academia...or maybe in just ordering a cheeseburger deluxe in a restaurant...will be well advised to learn that language.
(Unless, of course, advancing cybernetics bequeaths upon us a Star Trek-like Universal Translator before that time, thus rendering the issue moot. A splendid idea, but probably not to be counted on in the near term.)
Amanda the lawyer made it clear above that the actions of a private citizen on private property are legally distinct from those of a government entity, which saves me a few explanatory sentences. Thank you, Amanda.
I can see the point of those who consider the sign rude and indicative of an unwelcoming attitude, but the classic American response to such a thing is to vote with one's wallet or purse and feet, and take one's business elsewhere. That's what I would do if I found myself in an establishment that had posted an "Any Language Except English Please" sign, allowing for the irony that said sign might have to be written in English to guarantee that it would be intelligible to me.
On the other hand, might it not also be considered a rude and uninterested-in-being-welcomed attitude to spend months or years in a country and not bother to learn at least enough of the dominant language to do basic shopping? How, I wonder, would an English speaker, especially an American, of this disposition be viewed in other countries? As arrogant? As an oaf? As an ignoramus? As a classic "ugly American"? As all of the above?
Finally, it may well be true, as some here have pointed out, that the restaurant owner's decision to do business only in English is indicative of a bad business sense, as many who don't speak English, and others who do but are offended by the sign, will certainly take their money elsewhere. However, just as he has the right to require business on his premises to be conducted in English, he also has the right to lose money over that preference, and it looks like he's willing to endure that potential loss.
Maybe one lesson here is that, as powerful as the profit motive is in most of our lives, we're not exclusively economic creatures. There are other motivations, other priorities.
But then again, it's also possible the proprietor may gain the business of some who'll go out of their way to patronize his establishment as a means of supporting his stand. If I lived anywhere near his store in Philadelphia and wanted a Philly cheesesteak, I would.
This would not be because I'm prejudiced against non-English speakers, but because I'm somewhat concerned these days by what I view as the nascent Balkanization of the USA. As a common language is, in my opinion, one of the strongest tools of social bonding available to a people, the absence of same would be a formula for disunity, for the emergence, eventually, of dozens or scores of separate, and almost certainly unequal, communities with less and less in common as the years went by. Historically, such nations are held together over long periods of time only by the strong arm tactics of dictatorial leaders, e.g., Tito in what was once called Yugoslavia, or Hussein in a disintegrating Iraq.
So, though I stop short of asserting that English should be made the official language of the USA by law---I'm not a fan of pumping out law after law in response to every problem in society---I would like to see much the same thing accomplished, in effect, by the discontinuance, at every level of government, of official public business in any language other than English. Let those who want to live here, to prosper here, either learn sufficient English, or provide translation services at their own expense. In their private lives and businesses, let people speak whatever language they wish, as has been the modus vivendi here for about two centuries; however, in the Commons, let English prevail.
PSKITTY Dec 23rd 2007 10:19PM
I think signs like that are absolutely acceptable. When you go into a Muslim store in NYC, do they speak Spanish, French, German, Russian, et al? Nope. They're gonna speak Saudi or Jordanian or whatever, but I doubt they'll speak Spanish, or want to.
Funny how it works out for others new to this country. Viet Niamese come here on boats almost swamped by their overflowing. Within a year they own homes and businesses and are running for local office.
They're the most 'American' American's I've ever met, and living in CA I've met loads of immigrants from many different countries. You would be surprised at their reaction to the debate about learning English. They did it, some with a different alphabet and the whole deal!
We may have to listen close and they may not always be gramatically correct, but they sure in heck can and do say 'hamburger, french fries and a coke."!! They want to be part of the culture.
As for visitors, different entirely. I lived in Cologne, Germany for almost a year in the mid 60's. You'd swear no one ever even heard English. It was only after I lived there three months or so that I learned that they all took English in school. And what did that mean?
Easy as pie. They didn't want to talk to me, not that they didn't understand me...until I had money in my hand, of course.
Man, amazing how positive linguists appeared from the shadows, happy to take my deutch marks...how that changed things. :snickers:
mike Dec 23rd 2007 10:10PM
I think that if a sign simply said, please order in English, there would be no controversy. It is the attitude on both sides of this issue that make this such a big debate in America.
I do think there is a significant difference between the language used to order in a restaurant and the languages that ballots and DMV tests are printed in. In a restaurant, it should not be a big deal to help someone- however, I think it is very important for drivers and voters to speak the language of the country they are voting and driving in. Also, voting and licensed driving indicate an intent to stay in the country- if you are staying (and if I was staying in another country I would) then you should learn the language used in that country.
Bill Strickland Dec 23rd 2007 10:32PM
I really have the problem with equating this to a "whites only" sign. this sign does not disciminate by race nor does it prevent anyone from entering the facility. It just simply states that you must speak English to be understood. If your a foreigner who can't speak English, don't expect the guy who's waiting on you to be bilingual. Maybe if you can't speak English and you want to enjoy the benefits of being in America, join the military. The drill seargant will have you understanding English real quick!
Zac Dec 25th 2007 1:24AM
First of all, It's a stupid sign. The attitude it portrays is arrogant and immature. It doesn't say to speak english when ordering, because that's all he understands, it says to do so because this is America. There are many languages in America, and any open minded person would be ok with that, and ready to learn from as many different cultures as they could. Although there is no official language in America that runs supreme, there are some values and laws. And of these, one of the most important is the concept of free speech. As stupid as this sign may be, considering it illegal is possibly even more pathetic.
Alaine Dec 23rd 2007 11:04PM
#16, Tiki, no I don't think he would post the same sign for the deaf. Most deaf people make an effort to get the "hearing" population to understand them. That is the whole point. When foreigners come to OUR country and expect us to make the effort to understand them. No matter what anyone says, English IS the American language! Learn it, foreigners!, or go back to your own country and speak your native language. If they love their culture so much that they must speak their own language, then why don't they just stay in their own country??? Problem solved!
Chuck Jan 2nd 2008 11:29AM
Is that sign being a little insensitive, yes, however, this is suppossed to be america and the owner can post what ever he wants. As far as all of these annoying, hypersensitive pansies, get over it. I'm so sick of everything being criticized because it offends someone. I mean there's a big difference between using a derogatory slur (such as the "N" word), and voicing ones opinion. Basically what I'm saying is if u don't like the way someone lives or says, tough sh*t, u have the option to deal with it or walk away. This is America which used to be "the home of the free", and is now the "the land of the tip-toers". And can thank organizations like the ACLU for that. An organization that was created to make sure everyone gets a fair shake has turned into a sounding post for the whiny, nauseating hypersensitive shmucks in our country. Now u've read what I had to say if u agree and want to comment, feel free. If u disagree, u can still feel free to comment (because that's your right as an american), but I will look at what u say, and tell u "to go f*ck urself, (because that's my right as an american). But with all that said, to all of my fellow jewish people, I hope u had a Happy Hannukah, to all of the people of the different christian religions, have a merry Christmas, and to all others celebrating ur cultural holidays have a good holiday.
woody Dec 23rd 2007 11:59PM
hello, america , if you don't like the sign , go HOME!!!!!!
dapp Dec 24th 2007 12:30AM
obviously the problem is the Attitude. With that sign, he won't gain one single customer; in any case, he'll lose. So in business terms, it's stupid.