Text 6 should americans be required to learn another language?

Many people believe that Americans should become bilingual. (Bilingualism means to speak two languages.) They argue that the fastest-growing segment of the United States population is Hispanic and that it would ben­efit the nation if every person spoke both English and Spanish. Although the best time (and perhaps the only time) to learn a lan­guage fluently is during childhood, only 5 per­cent of the children in the United States study a foreign language in elementary school.

One plan proposed by those who believe American children should be bilingual calls for total immersion of children from kinder­garten through second grade—meaning that this age group would learn all of their lessons in a second language. For example, English-speaking children would learn in Spanish while Spanish-speaking children would learn in English. This plan is offered as an option in 93 school districts. In some districts, parents can also choose a partial immersion where language and reading are taught in English but all other classes are in the second lan­guage.

Those who favor partial or total language immersion believe that this is the easiest way for the nation to become bilingual. They point out that because young children can easily go from one language to another, elementary school is the place to begin. They argue that Americans are too ethnocentric, that Americans don't realize that other cultures and languages are just as rich as ours, and that use of another language would add a valuable diversity to the American experience. These people would probably agree with Jesse Jackson that America is not so much a melting pot as a mixed salad—a place where separate and distinct elements make up the whole.

Others are opposed to any kind of plan for bilingual education. They maintain that America has a tradition as a melting pot and that for this idea to work, everyone must speak the same language. The English lan­guage is also associated with patriotism: many consider it as American as the flag and the national anthem. Their position is that any ethnic group that wants to live in the United States should learn English. Many also believe that the schools should be under no obligation to offer bilingual education.

(News-week, Special Issue)

Discussion

1. Can you come up with additional reasons why the United States should be bilingual? Any reasons against bilingualism?

2. Canada is a bilingual nation. What are the arguments for and against bilingualism there?

3. Most language experts agree that language determines the way we look at the world. Would we look at the United States in another way if everyone were bilingual?

Text 7 tips for communicating with people from other cultures

LEARNING ABOUT A CULTURE The best way to prepare yourself to do business with people from another culture is to study their culture in advance. If you plan to live in another country or to do business there repeatedly, learn the language. The same holds true if you must work closely with a subculture that has its own language, such as Vietnamese-Ameri­cans or Hispanic-Americans. Even if you end up doing business with foreigners in your own language, you show respect by making the effort to learn their language. In addition, you will learn something about the culture and its customs in the process. If you do not have the time or opportunity to actually learn a new language, at least learn a few words.You should also read books and articles about the culture and talk to people who have dealt with its members, preferably people who have done business with them. Concentrate on learning something about their history, religion, politics, and cus­toms. Find out about a country's subcultures, especially its business subculture. Does the business world have its own rules and protocol? Who makes decisions? How are negotiations usually conducted? Is gift-giving expected? What is the etiquette for exchanging business cards? What is the appropriate attire for attending a business meeting? Seasoned business travelers suggest the following:

• In Spain let a handshake last five to seven strokes; pulling away too soon may be interpreted as a sign of rejection. In France, however, the preferred handshake is a single stroke.

• Never give a gift of liquor in Arab countries.

• In England never stick pens or other objects in your front suit pocket; doing so is considered gauche.

• In Pakistan don't be surprised when businesspeople excuse themselves in the midst of a meeting to conduct prayers. Muslims pray five times a day.

• Allow plenty of time to get to know the people you're dealing with in Africa. They're suspicious of people who are in a hurry. If you concentrate solely on the task at hand, Africans will distrust you and avoid doing business with you.

• In Arab countries never turn down food or drink; it's an insult to refuse hospitality of any kind. But don't be too quick to accept, either. A ritual refusal (⁽⁽! don't want to put you to any trouble" or "I don't want to be a bother") is expected before you finally accept.

• Stress the longevity of your company when dealing with the Germans, Dutch, and Swiss. If your company has been around for a while, the founding date should be printed on your business cards.

These are just a few examples of the variations in customs that make intercultural communication so interesting. [3, pp. 570-571]