I saw the movie, "Woman In Gold." It is well worth seeing even if it did not get good reviews. There is a scene where a young German Jew is going to escape to America. Her father is talking to her in German. Suddenly, he changes to English and says, "Now you will speak the language of your new home." That woman came to the USA and spoke English. It was the step that helped her to develop the life she did in this country. I think of people who come here and remain trapped in economic difficulty, due in no small part because they do not learn English. I do not think I would make much of a living in Brazil if I tried to speak only English. The German Jew came here and knew she was not going home. Some people come here and think they are just here for work and will return to their country in the future. They won't for one reason or another.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It is good to learn English in the US to assimilate, but it is also good to retain some of your heritage. My father was a 1st generation American, he shunned the language of his immigrant parents. We, his children are 100% immersed in America, but we have no flavor of our heritage. That makes me a bit sad. We need seasoning I think.
ReplyDeleteNo need to reject one's heritage----If one is going to remain, it is very important to a family to at least learn the language in order to earn a decent wage. Intercambio works very hard --and with great success --meeting these needs in Boulder County. Being able to communicate verbally is essential anywhere you decide ti establish your home.
DeleteMake that to establish
ReplyDelete