My family came from Germany. We spoke German.

When moving to America my family thought it would be important to learn Englisch, whilst in America my friends in Europe expanded their database of languages. German, Belgium, Mandarin, French, etc.

I being lazy boy only learned Englisch, Mandarin, and Turkish.

I have not used Turkish in over a decade so probably remember nothing.

Working in america is hard for me because where I live Spanish is a REQUIREMENT. I learned Englisch, isn't that enough? Why do I need to learn Spanish, I don't even live in Mexico or another spanish speaking country.

I speak more languages than most Americans.

The US doesn't have an official language, and there are a lot of Spanish/ non-English speakers in California.

I have to tell you, though, I am surprised daily by people with horrible Spanish-speaking skills here in San Diego. Like, how did you grow up here and learn nothing but the word "cerveza"?

(May 13, 2014 at 5:00 pm)rexbeccarox Wrote: The US doesn't have an official language, and there are a lot of Spanish/ non-English speakers in California.

I have to tell you, though, I am surprised daily by people with horrible Spanish-speaking skills here in San Diego. Like, how did you grow up here and learn nothing but the word "cerveza"?

I don't drink. I grew up in San Bernardino

I realize this is going to sound ignorant, but I do adhere to the statement If you're going to live in the U.S., learn and speak English.

It is only my responsibility to learn another language to communicate with someone if I go to their country.

(May 13, 2014 at 5:11 pm)Kitanetos Wrote: I realize this is going to sound ignorant, but I do adhere to the statement If you're going to live in the U.S., learn and speak English.

It is only my responsibility to learn another language to communicate with someone if I go to their country.

Not ignorant, see that is what my family thought too! We come to America let's be respectful and learn their language so we can speak to others.

(side note, my dad ended up becoming filthy rich here in America. But this was way before it got bad)

(May 13, 2014 at 4:42 pm)BlackSwordsman Wrote: Working in america is hard for me because where I live Spanish is a REQUIREMENT. I learned Englisch, isn't that enough? Why do I need to learn Spanish, I don't even live in Mexico or another spanish speaking country.

I speak more languages than most Americans.

You might want to consult a map. You're a long way from China and Turkey; whereas, a majority of people due south speak Spanish.

I do empathize with you though. Despite high school and collegiate foreign language requirements, Americans have largely been insulated from actually using the language and therefore rarely develop any proficiency. Immigration from the south is changing this as far as Spanish is concerned. I have no problem with immigration and embrace the cultural exchange, including the language. I maintain that English be considered the official language, but only where the government is concerned at the level of legal proceedings and the like. Mundane government documents like DMV tests should be in whatever languages the local authorities thinks is prudent.

I speak enough Spanish to be comfortable travelling to any Spanish speaking country. I can engage in simple conversation, but lack the fluency to conduct business in Spanish. This is something I wish to remedy.

I've found that the most useful phrase to memorize is 'Excuse me - could you help me find a policeman?'. This will help you out of almost any difficulty you get into, as cops in most places (but by no means all) are always anxious to help tourists and give a good impression. Especially true in the Scandinavian countries and Japan.

Boru

You should get a Mexican pal to teach you Spanish.

By the way I love how German sounds.

Die Eier Von Satan

Eine halbe Tasse Staubzucker
Ein Viertel Teeloffel Salz
Eine Messerspitze turkisches Haschisch
Ein halbes Pfund Butter
Ein Teeloffel Vanillenzucker
Ein halbes Pfund Mehl
Einhundertfunfzig Gramm gemahlene Nusse
Ein wenig extra Staubzucker
... und keine Eier

In eine Schussel geben
Butter einruhren
Gemahlene Nusse zugeben und
Den Teig verkneten

Augenballgro?e Stucke vom Teig formen
Im Staubzucker walzen und
Sagt die Zauberworter
Simsalbimbamba Saladu Saladim

Auf ein gefettetes Backblech legen und
Bei zweihundert Grad fur funfzehn Minuten backen und
KEINE EIER

Bei zweihundert Grad fur funfzehn Minuten backen und
Keine Eier ..

Most native spanish-speakers are annoyed out here when you try to speak their language, at least in my experience.

I'm conflicted. We are indeed in America, where most people do speak English. However, I am in southernmost Southern California, and we have a lot of Mexicans. Despite that, I am horrible at it, especially my pronunciation.

I guess it's just my own personal aesthetic. The most beautiful languages to my ear are Dutch, Swedish, Afrikaans, and English, which is actually quite useful worldwide.

I dunno.