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Why do some Americans get angry at other people for not speaking English? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 5 months ago by TheImpressiveX@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I've hears stories of some Americans telling other people who are speaking a non-English language "This is America, speak English!" even if the conversation has nothing to do with them. Why do they do this?

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[–] weeeeum@lemmy.world -1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Those who say this are usually frustrated by the increasing number of misunderstandings/miscommunications due to increasing English illiteracy. Its become more difficult to communicate to those around you.

It's utterly unacceptable behaviour but I believe the issue lies deeper than simple "racism". I also sometimes find it frustrating from the sheer volume of people that can't speak English, from coworkers, customers, fellow students, etc. I don't even live near the border, where the problem is much worse.

[–] SlothMama@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

You got voted down, but this is absolutely real. I speak multiple languages, but none with the nuance and clarity of context as I do English. I communicate with folks all across the world that are all English speakers, however, the variance in comprehension is so drastic that at times we're really not using the same language, even if we're using some of the same words.

If you emigrate to a country, it's a reasonable expectation that you'll learn the language. The United States doesn't technically have an official language, English is just de facto, but from a practical standpoint it's absolutely occupying that role, and will in perpetuity.

I can absolutely agree with the premise that being frustrated with language barriers isn't racism, it's an actual real and realized impediment to understanding.

[–] criitz@reddthat.com 5 points 5 months ago

Language barriers are a real impediment to understanding. But these people we're talking about are angry because of xenophobia, don't get it twisted.