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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have traveled to many countries and have always been impressed that the citizens in these countries could speak multiple languages fluently.  The US is the only place I have ever been that the people are so stupid and think being fluent in multiple languages is a bad thing. [/quote]

It isn't a bad thing but people get annoyed when they have to 'press 1' for English. Just curious in your country do you have press 1 for English?[/quote]

I have immigrant parents, grew up bilingual (English and my family’s Indian language), studied three different languages in high school and college (minored in one) and as an adult still listen to podcasts in French daily and take every opportunity I get to use it. I think learning languages is a great thing and I absolutely agree that all American children should study a foreign language in school.

That said, I agree that English should be the default and official language of the US. I get somewhat annoyed when I have to push 1 for English too.

I spend a lot of time in France and am generally with them on this - you come to another country, it’s on you to make an effort in that country’s language. There shouldn't have to be official efforts to accommodate you (outside of obvious places like airports, etc.). And honestly, I think our society has gotten more fractured over the years in part because of all these efforts to pander to various linguistic, racial, and other identity-based groups. I’m okay with establishing an official language.[/quote]

I am ESL and I agree. I don't see how having English as the sole official language has anything to do with discouraging multilingualism at all.[/quote]

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