07-09-2008, 08:22 AM
Allyson Wrote:Honestly, when you live in a new country it isn't too hard to learn the language. I lived in Italy and knew near nothing about the language going in. Within a week I could go down to the store and ask the clerk for an item no problem. I don't know why the same respect cannot be returned.
I disagree. Although some languages might be easy to learn some languages are extremely hard to learn. I was in Thailand for a month and tried to learn some Thai. Thai is such a hard word that depending on how they emphasize the meaning changes dramatically. They would say five different words but they would all sound the exact same to me. They tried to teach me how to say 'Hi' but laughed hysterically when I repeatedly said, 'gravel.' After a month I was able to say one word properly. I still think they should learn English but I acknowledge that it might be difficult and I have a lot of respect for those learning English.