Why do people think that immigrants do not have to learn the main tongue?

Question

In Europe, it is expected, period. No nonsense about multiculturalism these days.

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgrHlU5KLbZ0.hGRblQL3K7AFQx.;_ylv=3?qid=20080308201651AA95gVI

Answer 1

I work with many Spanish-speaking immigrants, many of whom resist learning English, and if they do understand it they are afraid to speak it for fear of making mistakes.  IMO it's not a matter of not thinking they have to learn English, it's a matter of what they can get away with, and if they have people to communicate for them, they will continue to get away with it.  

Europe is very different because the majority speak more than one language.  The US is sadly provincial in this regard.

Answer 2

I live in California, and I keep wondering why I have to learn Spanish.

Answer 3

My opinion is....if your in the country speak the language or at least try. No matter if your english, spanish, german or any other language speak the native tongue for the country your in.

Answer 4

I STRONGLY believe that ANYONE who has intentions of STAYING in this country, and reaping all of her benefits, SHOULD by all means adopt her language too!!

Reading printed information in several different languages, or making a phone call and having to sit through the other language instructions, really ticks me off.

Answer 5

im speechless