Location: Private location
Posted on: 12-06-06 14:06:17
I've seen alot of threads here recently about assimilating into Canadian culture in order to establish oneself and to gain knowledge and experience in order to be succesful in this country...which I think is great advice, sort of like, when in Rome do as the Romans do.
However, how far do we go?
I sit in a miniscule office with 4 other elderly ladies. I have just overheard 3 of them in a discussion about immigrants and their languages. One lady went so far as to say (or rather contradict herself by saying) that she loves different languages, they can sound very pretty to her, however, since this is Canada, everyone should speak english althought she also thinks freedom of speech prevails.
Well doesn't this go for immigrants too? Why shouldn't Polish people speak polish amongst themselves if they wish too? This lady also said that she hated the French language with a passion. I'm sure she would have also said something about indians...but since she knows I am around the corner from her desk, she didn't. Although the whispering never ends...so I wouldn't be surprised if they had little discussions when I go for lunch and break.
I have to admit, I'm a little shocked.
I do agree that new immigrants who are not familiar with the english language should learn it by all means...but why does it bother others when a group of indians talk to each other in their native tongue? Or French for that matter?
Isn't this what freedom of speech/expression is all about?
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Quote:
Originally posted by Pink Panther
I've seen alot of threads here recently about assimilating into Canadian culture in order to establish oneself and to gain knowledge and experience in order to be succesful in this country...which I think is great advice, sort of like, when in Rome do as the Romans do.
However, how far do we go?
I sit in a miniscule office with 4 other elderly ladies. I have just overheard 3 of them in a discussion about immigrants and their languages. One lady went so far as to say (or rather contradict herself by saying) that she loves different languages, they can sound very pretty to her, however, since this is Canada, everyone should speak english althought she also thinks freedom of speech prevails.
Well doesn't this go for immigrants too? Why shouldn't Polish people speak polish amongst themselves if they wish too? This lady also said that she hated the French language with a passion. I'm sure she would have also said something about indians...but since she knows I am around the corner from her desk, she didn't. Although the whispering never ends...so I wouldn't be surprised if they had little discussions when I go for lunch and break.
I have to admit, I'm a little shocked.
I do agree that new immigrants who are not familiar with the english language should learn it by all means...but why does it bother others when a group of indians talk to each other in their native tongue? Or French for that matter?
Isn't this what freedom of speech/expression is all about?
I was actually having a similar discussion with my collegue here a few mins back !!!
about how the immigrants need to KNOW english.
She is totally against the idea of immigrants having the freedom to come here, without being able to communicate well enough in english. And then, to top it all, they land themselves a job in a call center, where communication skills are very important.
I think everyone can be free to use the language of their choice, as long as they are not ignorant about the local language, and can communicate in the local language well enough, whenever and wherever necessary.
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I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.
But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.
Quote:
Originally posted by Pink Panther
I sit in a miniscule office with 4 other elderly ladies. I have just overheard 3 of them in a discussion about immigrants and their languages. One lady went so far as to say (or rather contradict herself by saying) that she loves different languages, they can sound very pretty to her, however, since this is Canada, everyone should speak english althought she also thinks freedom of speech prevails.
She probably knows only one language
. Also, last time I heard Canada is bilingual...she probably wants to change that too.As far as using languages other than English... I think its rude to speak in a second language when there is someone in the group who does not understand the language. Other than that its neat that people know and speak their mothertongues or other languages.
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Location: British Columbia
Posted on: 12-06-06 14:44:55
Quote:
Originally posted by mails4sagar
. And then, to top it all, they land themselves a job in a call center, where communication skills are very important.
Isnt that an issue the employer would need to consider?
Secondly - 'local language' means something totally different to one who moves to say Red Deer Alberta and one who moves to Surrey BC. In Surrey Punjabi/Hindi are "Local" languages.
You can access almost any service/professional and retail need in these languages.-----------------------------------------------------------------
~ Morning rain
Location: Private location
Posted on: 12-06-06 15:05:24
Quote:
Originally posted by jake3d
She probably knows only one language
As far as using languages other than English... I think its rude to speak in a second language when there is someone in the group who does not understand the language. Other than that its neat that people know and speak their mothertongues or other languages.
Yes she admitted she only knows one language...the language of Canada and she refused to understand why she had to have French "thrown" in her face...she did not like to accept the fact that French is an official language of Canada too. I really found her remarks crude...and can't believe that I work with someone like her.
I agree with your other point about speaking in 2nd language when you are with someone who does not understand, that's just plain rude.
This lady basically said that if you don't know how to speak in English when you arrive in this country...get back on the boat. I found this really offensive.
The other 2 woman voiced their objections to her comments, while laughing and giggling the whole time.
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Bijou Bazaar
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Quote:
Originally posted by Pink Panther
Yes she admitted she only knows one language...the language of Canada and she refused to understand why she had to have French "thrown" in her face...she did not like to accept the fact that French is an official language of Canada too. I really found her remarks crude...and can't believe that I work with someone like her.
I agree with your other point about speaking in 2nd language when you are with someone who does not understand, that's just plain rude.
This lady basically said that if you don't know how to speak in English when you arrive in this country...get back on the boat. I found this really offensive.
'Language of canada'? Did she learn that in her trailer park?
She sounds like an American
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Posted on: 12-06-06 15:19:45
Quote:
Originally posted by jake3d
'Language of canada'? Did she learn that in her trailer park?
She sounds like an American
It's been a very long time since I came across this kind of person.
I mean her remarks (and not just these ones) border on racism...I feel I need to bring it up with my boss...
I work for an office supplies company. One day, one of our biggest accounts Six Nations ordered a vast amount of printer paper...her comment:
"What are they doing...having a big bonfire tonight or something?"
I know it's a joke, but there's a limit to what kind of humour is appropriate in the work environment and in your own home.
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