Why are conservatives offended by the idea that Americans need to be more bilingual--if they are to compete?

Question

Years ago, I was offered to take classes in Spanish and French--but I never got around to it.

Today--20 years later--Barrack Obama is saying that it wouldn't hurt Americans if we could all benefit from taking a second language course.

Especially with the way the face of our nation is changing. We have more immigrants in this country than ever. And in changing communities like mine, speaking Spanish would be a big asset rather than a liability.

Why are some conservatives offended by such an idea?

English may be the main language that we primarily *speak*, but not everyone here has a large command of the language itself.

By and large, English is a lot harder to learn--if you're a foreign immigrant migrating to America--then you would be speaking from your native tongue.

Wouldn't it be more prudent if we took it upon ourselves to become more bilingual--so that we can bridge the language barriers and cultural differences?

Answer 1

The more languages you know, the better, but don't forget the new people need to try and learn the main local language too!

In this trilingual country of mine (Belgium: Dutch, French and a tiny corner of German), some of the people from the French-speaking part refuse to learn Dutch as all us Dutch-speaking people know French anyway "so why bother?". I'll admit to not knowing German properly myself, but when in either the French- or German-speaking regions I at least TRY to speak the language and I feel they should have the same courtesy when visiting or coming to live in the Dutch-speaking part. If I came to America, I would speak English (as the main local language) and if you were to move to my city, I'd expect you to at least try to learn Dutch. Sounds logical enough, doesn't it?

Answer 2

Well, there power base seems to stick to "English only" theme.

Yes, it would be more purdent to learn many languages, not just one.  Europeans have been doing it for years.

However, given the fact that English is the main business and internet language of the world, it's not so likely that Americans will actually use their "second language", not as much as others around the world would.

For example, a Frenchman, and an Arab, may not speak each other's language, but if each has learned English, they have a common language.

IMO, we have "better" things to do with our time and money, that force, or make everyone learn a second language. Like learn more math and science, those are fields that are important for our future too, especially engineering, and research into genetics.  

We do need more Chinese speakers in the USA today, and Spanish is a good skill for those working in some public service jobs, medical, or even legal fields.,

I do not see this issue as a liberal v. conservative split.

But it's more of a problem that has a very low priority, in the past, and also likely for our future.

What's much more important than speaking another language, would be respecting another's culture, and learn to deal with each other countries fairly and without being an "ugly American"  if you ask me.