¤ No biggie ¤

southboca · Active Poster Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

I have no problems with the signs, other than they cost money.

So, if you don't want to pay tax dollars for more signs, I sympathize. Nobody likes taxes.

If you think that this is the US, and everyone -- tourist (about 200,000 a year from Spain to NY per year) and undocumented worker alike -- must learn to speak English, I don't have much sympathy. It's certainly in their best interests, but it's also in most American's best interests to learn a second language. And we don't do it.

Most illegal immigrants are here for the money. Emotionally, that puts them in the same category as American expats, most of whom feel little obligation to become fluent in the language of their host country, even though it would probably translate into increased earnings and opportunities. Americans certainly don't feel like they need to become fluent in another language before they travel, so that gets tourists to the US off the hook as well.

It's not like we're a big trendsetter on second language signs. Lots of other countries post subway signs in more than one language (South Korea, Japan, China). And no one complains about it.

Finally, even after you learn a second language well, there's something very comforting about seeing your native language. Especially after a long day. .. whether it's been spent working or touring and spending money.

If you want to argue against the signs, to me the only valid argument is cost.

SallyDP · Active Poster Joined: 16 Mar 2007 Posts: 100

I think you are right, the only valid argument about it is cost, and I don't believe New Yorkers are actually complaining about that.