then why don't you move to a country that has an official language? Makes a whole lot more sense given your view on learning other languages, than staying in the US, given that English is not, has never been, and likely never will be an official language in the US

did I say it was an official one? no. I said that with me living in Austin Texas I damn near had no choice. I didn't take a class or anything I just picked things up from being around so many Spanish speakers and my little sisters in elementary school where they teach you both Spanish and English now. when you're around it a lot, you tend to pick up on things why the hell would I leave the U.S?! because I now understand little Spanish?

#96, I've lived in or near two very hispanic areas for most of my adult life. I unfortunately haven't managed to learn Spanish, because people speak English around me. That includes multilingual folks. I'd like to learn another language, but it's hard to find people who I can speak it with. Even though it should seem simple enough, most people "don't have enough time" to teach it. Only once have I had a problem with only speaking English. That was at a McDonalds in a very hispanic neighborhood. The girl tried to take my order, and didn't understand "hamburger". She may have been just stupid, but her responses were in Spanish. She called someone else over who took my order, and then there were some strong words exchanged. If I understood from the tone of their voices, it would have been something like "Are you stupid, he just wanted a hamburger. what good are you if you can't take an order for a hamburger at McDonalds?" :) In 35 years, and having traveled in 4 different countries, that's not too bad. Sometimes the language barrier has been removed by pointing and nodding. "[si | ja | oui | da], that bottle of beer." :) And when the American economy was better, folks were happy accepting American dollars almost everywhere I went. :)

exactly. I live where it's lots of spanish speaking or most can speak both. my high school was more Hispanic than anything else and everywhere you walk, SOMEONE is speaking Spanish. in class, their would be groups of students only speaking Spanish, they knew English as well but that was just more comfortable to them. how could I NOT pick up on some words. I think that it upsets people when you say it's mandatory to learn either language.

Why should she? Sounds like you're the lazy one, saying less people should learn a second language. And you have no idea if she was just on holiday or not.

thank you

I am not racist, but why should America work so hard to accompany everyone else? No other countries do that. And it would inconvience so many other people than it would help and there ARE other people who speak other languages from all over the world in America. What about those people? I'm learning to speak spanish in high school, but that doesn't make any sense.

Lol #123. #125, he was OBVIOUSLY kidding.